Overview
In collaboration with UNICEF-Mali, we engaged in nine-month study to understand the factors behind the high rates of child marriage (under 18 years old) and malnutrition (under 2 years old) in the Kayes and Sikasso regions of Mali. The study employed a unique social norms survey delivered to roughly 6,000 Malians, including mothers, fathers, and grandparents, who often serve as decision-makers on marriage and nutrition questions in the household. With the support of the Malian Ministry of Communication, we identified and measured the strength of Malians’ beliefs, preferences, and expectations regarding marriage and breastfeeding practices, and ultimately recommend pointed interventions to help UNICEF-Mali curb harmful collective behaviors. Results of this survey informed UNICEF’s national-level strategy for communications and collective behavioral change.