FAO: SD : Knowledge: Over the past thirty years FAO has field-tested successful Communication for Development approaches and methods for sharing information and knowledge and promoting development action, using participatory message design and the combined integrated use of traditional and modern media. Participatory Communication Strategy Design, A Handbook (2nd ed.) has been prepared as a training and reference guide for designing and implementing Communication for Development strategies for field projects. The Participatory Communication Strategy Design (PCSD) methodology is used to build on the results of the Participatory Rural Communication Appraisal (PRCA). PCSD outlines how to involve people in decision-making processes for effective communication planning and action.
It presents a step-by-step methodology for participatory communication strategy design, and the principles for communication planning, message development, multimedia material production and the implementation of communication activities in the field. Although the book does not deal with the technical aspects of media production, it specifies the requirements for effective use of communication approaches, media and materials among rural communities. In this way users of the handbook will be able to plan, supervise and monitor the implementation of the communication strategy whole process. The methodology proposed by the PCSD handbook has been tested through several training workshops in Africa. It has also been applied with success to various development projects dealing with agriculture, health, education, income generation, gender, water and sanitation, animal husbandry and poverty alleviation. For information please contact us at this email address: ComDev@fao.org.
