Listening drives behaviour change in Nepal: Article on the COM-B Model

This article explores how the Nepal Red Cross and Swiss Red Cross are using the COM-B model to move from assumptions to evidence-based, practical, participatory solutions that lead to lasting behavior change.

COM-B looks at Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation to understand why people behave the way they do. The article shares experiences from a recent behavior change training in Nepal, where practitioners from the Nepal Red Cross Society, local government, and health workers learned that meaningful behavior change depends not only on what communities know, but also on the real conditions that shape their daily choices.

Rather than relying on traditional pamphlets and announcements, this listening-driven approach helps identify practical ways to support communities across health, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.