MULTI-SBC: The Programmatic Aid for Multi-sectoral Integration of Social and Behavior Change Programming

MULTI-SBC provides easy access to relevant tools for integrating social and behavior change (SBC) with existing family planning programs and with fields related to family planning. MULTI-SBC is the starting point for family planning practitioners looking to integrate their programs with new sectors or sectors that they may not be familiar with.

What is MULTI-SBC?

MULTI-SBC is a progammatic aid which provides easy access to relevant tools for integrating social and behavior change (SBC) with existing family planning programs and with fields related to family planning. MULTI-SBC also includes general multisectoral integration resources that will be useful to SBC newcomers and those who do not work in family planning.

Who should use MULTI-SBC?

Intended users of MULT-SBC are likely to have a background in SBC programming for family planning. However, MULTI-SBC can also serve as a starting point for family planning practitioners looking to integrate their programs with new sectors or sectors that they may not be familiar with.

Why was MULTI-SBC developed?

Integrated multisectoral SBC can reduce missed opportunities to address unmet need for family planning. However, despite well-documented linkages between family planning and other development sectors, multisectoral SBC integration experiences are limited.

While multisectoral integration has been successful, it has not always been the result of systematic, coordinated, and aligned efforts. Breakthrough ACTION worked to identify the potential for improved SBC integration between family planning and other development sectors by analyzing multisectoral literature, collecting past programmatic evidence, and conducting stakeholder interviews. This initial work focused on identifying opportunities for integration in three sectors: population, health, and environment; democracy, rights, and governance; and food security/livelihoods. Breakthrough ACTION prepared a report summarizing findings from this analysis and proposing next steps for a future assessment. MULTI-SBC evolved from the report findings. This new tool and the report contribute to increasing funder and stakeholder investments, aligning efforts among SBC practitioners, and maximizing impact across key development outcomes.

How was MULTI-SBC developed?

Breakthrough ACTION conducted a literature analysis, individual stakeholder interviews, and a group stakeholder consultation to prepare the report and identify relevant tools for MULTI-SBC. The majority of MULTI-SBC resources were identified through the literature review. The interviews and consultation provided insight into additional cross-sectoral linkages and tools.