Social and Behavioral Change (SBC)

About

India remains highly disaster-prone — every year, millions of people are affected by floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts and other disasters. These recurring disasters hit vulnerable groups the hardest, including children, pregnant and lactating women, and marginalised communities, disrupting lives and slowing progress towards national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To bridge the gap between awareness and real action, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) plays a pivotal role. SBC is not just about spreading information — it’s about transforming knowledge, shifting attitudes, reshaping social norms, and encouraging communities to adopt proactive behaviours that can reduce disaster risks and save lives.

SBCC builds a culture of preparedness, strengthens informed decision-making, and empowers communities to protect themselves and each other. By addressing the social and behavioural factors that influence risk, SBCC helps people understand why and how to take protective actions — from evacuating on time to ensuring children’s education continues after a disaster.

From Information to Action: Why SBC Matters in DRR

In the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) is a game-changer. It doesn’t just inform people — it motivates them to act, together.

• Grounded in Evidence, Centred on People: SBC strategies are built on real research and shaped by what communities actually need — making every message relevant and effective.
• Works at Every Level, In Every Sector: Whether it’s individuals, families, neighbourhoods, schools, health workers, or policymakers — SBC connects everyone through a common goal of safety and resilience.
• Supports All Stages of Disaster Management: From prevention and preparedness to response and recovery, SBC is woven into every phase — helping people stay ready, react wisely, and rebuild better.
• Clear, Credible, Timely Communication: By cutting through noise and misinformation, SBC ensures people get the right information at the right time — saving lives and reducing losses.
• Builds a Culture of Preparedness: Most importantly, SBC empowers communities to make better decisions, adopt protective behaviours, and strengthen resilience through inclusive, adaptable, and locally-driven actions.

Recognising its transformative impact, the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and UNICEF India have partnered to strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders and government officials to embed SBCC into every stage of disaster management. Through this collaboration, service providers are being equipped with practical tools and skills to integrate SBCC into their work — helping communities become safer and more resilient.

Key Outputs of the Partnership:

• SBCC Training Module: Core concepts and practical models tailored to disaster-specific behaviours, including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and public health emergencies.
• SBCC Toolkit: Ready-to-use behavioural messages and resources covering key sectors like health, nutrition, WASH, education, and child protection — pilot-tested for real-world impact.

Together, these efforts are creating an enabling environment where communities don’t just survive disasters — they are empowered to adapt, recover, and thrive.