Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Despite global and national efforts to improve water sanitation, many communities in Nigeria, including Lafia North LGA in Nasarawa State, continue to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, waterborne diseases, and poor hygiene practices. Development journalism, with its focus on empowering communities and fostering socio-economic growth, plays a vital role in addressing these challenges.
Through investigative stories, feature reports, and community engagement, development journalism can highlight the importance of clean water and sanitation, uncover barriers to access, and advocate for sustainable solutions. It acts as a bridge between policymakers, development agencies, and local populations, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard. This study examines how development journalism contributes to enhancing water sanitation awareness in Lafia North LGA and explores ways to optimize its impact.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite ongoing initiatives to improve water sanitation in Lafia North LGA, awareness levels remain low, and many residents continue to rely on unsafe water sources and unhygienic practices. While the media has the potential to drive behavioral change and influence policy, the role of development journalism in promoting water sanitation awareness is often underutilized. Challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of training for journalists, and limited media reach hinder the effectiveness of development journalism in the area. This study seeks to explore these issues, identifying how journalism can better contribute to enhancing water sanitation awareness.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study underscores the importance of development journalism in addressing critical issues like water sanitation. By highlighting best practices and identifying barriers to effective reporting, the research provides valuable insights for journalists, development organizations, and policymakers. It also contributes to academic discussions on the role of media in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on the role of development journalism in enhancing water sanitation awareness in Lafia North LGA, Nasarawa State. The findings are specific to this geographical context and may not fully apply to other regions.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
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