CUSTOM CHALLENGE; NIGERIA
PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED
Family planning information through radio-based communication
Learn more about the Custom Challenge and why we only fund ideas that focus on distributing proven poverty interventions.
DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION
Family Empowerment Media (FEM) is an evidence-based non-profit that enables informed family planning decisions through clear, compelling, and accurate radio-based communication.
The FEM model is simple and transferable to many regions in Nigeria and, eventually, other countries. FEM works with local partners to produce and broadcast radio programming that shifts knowledge, attitudes, and behavior around family planning in Nigeria. The FEM solution is cost-effective because (1) radio programming is cheap in West Africa, and (2) the full-time team is lean - but complemented by part-time surge support when needed.
Accomplishments
Reached ~35 million listeners through short and long campaigns in first three years
Externally evaluated to be as much as 20-60x as cost effective as cash transfers
An external evaluator found FEM’s pilot correlated with a 75% increase in contraceptive uptake in the region.
SCALING GOALS
Reach 50 million listeners in Nigeria by 2030
Conduct one pilot in a new country and one pilot on a new health topic
Conduct a randomized controlled trial of their evaluation in 8 states in Nigeria
FOUNDING TEAM
Anna Christina Thorsheim - Director
Kenneth Scheffler - Director