Development Communication and the Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation Practice in Cross River State, Nigeria

This paper explored the role of development communication in addressing the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Cross River State, Nigeria. Female Genital Mutilation is a harmful cultural practice with significant health, psychological, and social implications for women and girls. It remains prevalent in many regions despite widespread efforts to eradicate it. Adopting the literature modelling method, this paper argued that development communication being a strategic tool for behaviour change can play a pivotal role in addressing the deep-rooted cultural practices encouraging FGM. Exploring a discourse analysis of existing literature and historical documents, the paper focused on the role of communication interventions in raising awareness, changing attitudes, and mobilising communities toward abandoning FGM. Findings showed that media, community-based initiatives and participatory communication methods can empower individuals and communities to reject FGM and highlights the importance of local leadership and cultural sensitivity in these efforts. The paper concluded that the issue of FGM in Cross River State requires a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and community-driven approach to achieve significant progress. It was recommended among others that there is need for a holistic communication strategy that engages key players including policymakers, health professionals, and community leaders to find a lasting solution to FGM in Cross River state and Nigeria at large.