Theatre for Development and Community Mobilisation: A Case Study of Rural Communities in Benue State

This study investigates the application of Theatre for Development (TfD) as a tool for community mobilisation in selected rural communities in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Theatre for Development has increasingly been deployed by non-governmental organisations and government agencies to address social issues including health education, gender equality, and civic participation. The research focuses on how TfD programmes facilitated by development organisations have influenced community awareness and behavioural change among rural dwellers in three local government areas. A qualitative research approach was adopted, with data gathered through participant observation, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study finds that TfD initiatives have been effective in simplifying complex development messages into accessible dramatic narratives, leading to increased community participation in health and agricultural programmes. However, the research also identifies sustainability as a critical challenge, as most interventions lack long-term follow-up structures. The study concludes that the participatory and culturally inclusive nature of TfD makes it particularly effective in rural Nigerian contexts. It recommends that government and development partners integrate TfD as a standard component of community outreach strategies, with trained resident facilitators to ensure continuity. Keywords: Theatre for Development, community mobilisation, rural Nigeria, Benue State, participatory theatre.