The Development Broadcasting Unit (DBU) is a development communication unit of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). DBU was established in 1999 by the United Kingdom (UK)-based Radio for Development (RfD) with support from the Department for International Development (DFID). The aim of forming DBU was to establish a sustainable framework for a broadcast dialogue about civil rights and citizenship in Malawi. Over the years DBU has grown and become a key partner in facilitating dialogue and action on development issues. The goal of DBU is to empower and engage community members to facilitate development initiatives at the grassroots.
DBU is specialized in disseminating messages using Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) approaches. DBU uses SBCC approaches to support government and NGO partners in engaging and empowering communities to address their development and social challenges affecting them. The Unit’s community engagement and empowerment process involves mobilizing communities to work in groups known as radio listening clubs (RLC). DBU has RLCs in 22 districts in Malawi. In the DBU approach communities are given access to radio and TV as platforms for information sharing and voicing out issues affecting their livelihood and are linked to service providers.
DBU has worked with a number of partners to disseminate awareness messages on a number of issues affecting communities including health, nutrition, agriculture, human rights and disasters. Some of the partners that DBU has worked with include UNICEF, World Bank, National Aids Commission, USAID through the Family Health International (FHI 360), Feed the Children, Save the Children, Wellcome Trust, National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE), Feed the Children, MACRA, Roads Fund Administration and government ministries and departments.
DBU has vast experience in production and management of communications products including radio and TV programmes, jingles spots and soaps.
