Communication and Crisis Information Campaigns: Perspectives of Constructivism, Conspiracy and Misinformation of Coivid-19 messages in West Africa

Abstract

The research centers on crisis communication, mass media campaigns, with emphasis on constructivism, conspiracy and misinformation in two West African countries in the corona virus pandemic. The setting is Nigeria and Camerouns, two typical African countries.  The objectives were to find out the main media of information from the government, the major theme of covid 19 messages, the perception about covid 19 messages by Africans. The study adopted the ex post facto survey method with a population of 6,269,945 and a sample size of 600 persons. The research applied the media constructivism and information manipulation theories.  Findings revealed that 84% of the respondents got covid 19 messages from traditional media of , group meetings, radio and television rather than from social media interface with government agencies. Data further revealed that 96 % of the residents accepted the message of covid 19 control of hand washing more than on social distancing and face-masking. Responses indicated that 81 % of the residents regarded covid 19 messages as mere romours, fake media propaganda and anti – religious campaign from the government. Recommendations are: government should adopt regular group discussions and social media to conveying vital messages rather than reliance on transient old information sources. Additionally, messages must be motivating, convincing and persuasive to influence positive attitude.