Rural Radio and Development

by Jean-Pierre Rakotoson

This thesis research was carried out by the author for his degree in Social Communication Sciences

"Rural Radio and Development" presents a critical analysis of rural radio projects implemented by FAO in Western Africa between 1980 and 2000.

The author has chosen to research the area of Rural radio and Development since rural radio plays an essential role in the development process. The study focuses on French-speaking Western Africa, a region which pioneered rural radio. Since the 1960s, the region has developed its own identity and unique radio style.

The objectives of this analysis are:

To present new trends in the field of rural radio, based on FAO project reviews;
To reflect on the potential offered by rural radio as a development tool;
To determine whether FAO rural radio projects are consistent with the participatory methodology and whether their objectives have been achieved.

(Only available in French)

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