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Communication for Development

Knowledge and information are essential for people to respond successfully to the opportunities and challenges of social, economic and technological changes, including those that help to improve agricultural productivity, food security and rural livelihoods. But to be useful, knowledge and information must be effectively communicated to people. FAO's Sustainable Development Department in Rome and the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean have been pioneers in the use of communication approaches, processes and media to help rural people to exchange experiences, find common ground for collaboration and actively participate in and manage agricultural and rural development activities.

Communication for development encompasses many different media and approaches - folk media and traditional social groupings, rural radio for community development, video and multimedia modules for farmer training, and the Internet for linking researchers, educators, extensionists and producer groups to each other and to global information sources. Whether villages are connected to the outside world through modern telecommunications, learn about health care from folk proverbs and songs or listen to radio broadcasts on better farming practices, the processes are the same: people communicating and learning together.

In order to make an efficient use of the media and communication approach for development it is necessary to understand the perceptions, experiences, knowledge level and information needs of the stakeholders, whether they are producers and rural population, agricultural researchers and extensionists, field promoters and those that develop and plan policies.

Field experience denotes that participative approaches are essential to carry out strategic communication activities, also that multi-media approaches are cost-benefit and that the integration of channels and messages improves understanding and strengthens the impact of development initiatives.

FAO provides advice and technical assistance to Member Nations and client agencies in identifying communication and information needs of rural population, in support of agricultural and rural development and in applying innovative, cost-effective communication strategies for specific audiences. Technical advice is provided on developing appropriate communication policies, methodologies, adequate messages and better use of technological instruments. Training is provided in communication skills and participatory processes essential for strategic, targeted communication activities that address specific audience needs and in monitoring and evaluating communication outcomes and impacts.

For information:
Vera Boerger,
Communication, Education and Extension Officer
FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean
Santiago, Chile
TEL: (56-2) 337-2205
FAX: (56-2) 337-2101
e-mail: vera.boerger@fao.org