Evaluating Participatory Communication for Development Strategies: The Case of Amplio Chana and Community Development Alliance in The Wa East and West Districts

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Communication for Development (C4D) strategies implemented by Amplio Ghana and the Community Development Alliance (CDA) in the Wa East and West Districts of Ghana’s Upper West Region. Participatory and culturally sensitive approaches were used, including interviews and focus group discussions with NGO staff, Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) members, Agricultural Extension Officers, and other beneficiaries. The study revealed that Amplio Ghana’s Talking Book and Champion Farmer Model and CDA’s Circle of Support and Tug of War effectively promoted inclusivity, trust, and behavioral change. Stakeholders appreciated the participatory nature of these strategies, which enhanced engagement and ownership. However, linguistic diversity, cultural norms, and resource limitations constrained scalability. Recommendations include prioritizing local languages, leveraging trusted messengers, and strengthening monitoring frameworks. The study emphasized sustained engagement and cultural alignment as crucial for successful C4D strategies