Perceptions on Drug Use and Behavioural Change Approach: Kanyanga in Rwanda

Abstract

The newspapers and media as well as scientific papers reveal that alcohol and illicit drug abuse is of major concern in rural and urban areas of Rwanda. Especially in the areas nearing the borders of the country, the illicit gin known as Kanyanga is being consumed. The government of Rwanda has tried to take various measures to stop its use but seems to need more efforts because the local population has not stopped its use, and its smugglers and users increase day to day. The use of Kanyanga was found to bring some consequences that can even lead to death. With this background, the research was conducted to investigate people’s perceptions of its use and how a behavioural approach can be used to change them. To achieve the objective of the paper, a quantitative exploratory study was conducted where data were collected via an online survey, and respondents were citizens of Rwanda from six districts of the northern part where the gin is common. The data analysis was done through visualisation and explained using the prospect theory. The findings have shown that what people expect to get from the use of Kanyanga is the opposite of what they get from it because of bad consequences including death, poverty, and domestic conflicts. From these findings, the paper recommended counselling services along with nudging a behavioural perspective to deal sustainably with this illicit gin