Disadvantages

Programs may also have reasons not to integrate SBCC. Consider the following potential disadvantages and challenges to SBCC integration:

It might overload the audience or the delivery channel (e.g., community health workers).
It can be more complicated than focusing on a single issue from both a programmatic and audience point of view.
It often requires more coordination and longer timelines than single-issue SBCC programs.
Bringing together donors or partners might require more time or money than the programs can afford, given their deliverables, timelines and budgets.
It can require an up-front investment in partnership building that might not otherwise be needed.
A lack of cooperation among or buy-in within the divisions of a donor agency involved in the integrated program might lower the program’s chances of success.
Competition among donors or potential partners might make integration more difficult than the results would merit. It can be difficult to garner the political will and understanding needed for effective integration.
Measurement is difficult – measuring multiple outcomes as well as measuring the effect of integration can be very challenging.