The document discusses communication for development (ComDev) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' (FAO) perspective on it. It outlines key ComDev principles like dialogue and local knowledge. It describes United Nations initiatives like the World Congress on ComDev and the Rome Consensus. The Rome Consensus established recommendations like integrating ComDev in development policies and programs. The document outlines FAO's priority areas of work involving ComDev like natural resource management. It discusses FAO initiatives like the Communication for Sustainable Development Initiative that aims to strengthen ComDev capacities and partnerships. Finally, it discusses perspectives on mainstreaming ComDev, including establishing national ComDev networks and an inter-agency alliance.
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Subdirección de Investigación y ExtensiónResearch and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
After the “Rome Consensus”After the “Rome Consensus”
An FAO perspective on CommunicationAn FAO perspective on Communication
for Developmentfor Development
Mario Acunzo -Mario Acunzo - mario.acunzo@fao.orgmario.acunzo@fao.org
Marzia Pafumi -Marzia Pafumi - marzia.pafumi@fao.orgmarzia.pafumi@fao.org
Rome - 29 May 2012Rome - 29 May 2012
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
OutlineOutline
What is ComDev?
• Key principles and media
ComDev in the UN
• UN Roundtables
• WCCD and the Rome Consensus
After the Rome Consensus: ComDev in FAO
• Priority areas of work
• Communication for Sustainable Development Initiative
• Capacity development and knowledge sharing
Future perspectives
• Mainstreaming ComDev
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
What is ComDev?What is ComDev?
Type Purpose/Definition Main Functions Required Core Competencies
Corporate
communication
Communicate the mission and activities
of the organization, mostly for external
audiences.
Use media outputs and products to
promote the mission and values of the
institution; inform selected audiences
about relevant activities.
Public relations, institutional
communication, excellent writing
skills, press releases, broad media
network contacts
Internal
communication
Facilitate the flow of information within
an institution/project. Sometimes this
area can be included in corporate
communication.
Ensure timely and effective sharing of
relevant information within the staff and
institution units. It enhances synergies
and avoids duplication.
Institutional communication,
excellent writing skills, web and
internet skills
Advocacy
communication
Influence change at the public or policy
level and promote issues related to
development.
Raise awareness on hot development
issues; use communication methods and
media to influence specific audiences
and support the intended change.
Public relations, marketing,
experience in media campaigns and
advocacy campaign
Communicatio
n
for
Development
Social process based on dialogue
using a range of participatory
methods and tools. Seeks change
at different levels including
listening, establishing trusts and
sharing knowledge and skills.
Supports sustainable change in
development operations by
engaging key stakeholders.
Communication research,
participatory approaches,
adult education,
communication methods and
media, consultations and
facilitation skills
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
What is ComDev?What is ComDev?
“Communication for Development (ComDev) is a
social process based on dialogue using a broad range of
tools and methods. ComDev is about seeking change at
different levels including listening, establishing trust,
sharing knowledge and skills, building policies, debating
and learning for sustained and meaningful change”.
World Congress on Communication for Development, Rome 2006
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Key ComDevKey ComDev PrinciplesPrinciples
Fostering dialogueFostering dialogue
and mediationand mediation
Strengthening local knowledgeStrengthening local knowledge
and communication processesand communication processes
Convergence andConvergence and
local appropriationlocal appropriation
of technologiesof technologies
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev MediaComDev Media
Community rural radio
Audiovisual pedagogy and
participatory video
Local appropriation of ICTs
(Information and Communication
Technologies)
Traditional, folk and local media
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
UN Roundtables on ComDevUN Roundtables on ComDev
Biannual inter-agency meeting - 3rd
(1991) and 9th
(2004) hosted by FAO
A forum for exchanging ideas, experiences and strategies on harnessing
communication to achieve more equitable and sustainable development
Regularly reports to the UN General Assembly
In 1996, the UN General Assembly Resolution A/Res/50/130 acknowledged
“the pivotal role of communication in the successful implementation of
development programs and the improvement of the interaction among actors
in development, namely the agencies, organizations, funds and programs of
the UN system, Governments and NGOs”.
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
World Congress on ComDevWorld Congress on ComDev
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
The Rome ConsensusThe Rome Consensus
Communication is essential to human, social and economic development. At the
heart of ComDev is participation and ownership by communities and individuals
most affected by poverty and other development issues.
Recommendations
1.Overall national development policies should include specific ComDev
components.
2.Development organizations should include ComDev as a central element at the
inception of programs.
3.Strengthen the ComDev capacity within countries and organizations at all levels.
This includes communities, ComDev specialists and other staff, and the further
development of training courses and academic programs.
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
The Rome ConsensusThe Rome Consensus
4. Expand the level of financial investment to ensure adequate, coordinated
financing of the core elements of ComDev
5. Adopt and implement policies and legislation that provide an enabling
environment for ComDev – including free and pluralistic media, the right to
information and to communicate.
6. Development communication programs should identify and include
appropriate M&E indicators and methodologies throughout the process
7. Strengthen partnerships and networks at international, national and local
levels to advance ComDev and improve development outcomes
8. Move towards a rights based approach to communication for development
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
After the Rome ConsensusAfter the Rome Consensus
ComDev today in the UN
FAO, ILO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNESCO, WHO – UNICEF staff policy
Call for wider integration of ComDev into program planning + budget allocation
[Cf. Communication for Development: Strengthening the Effectiveness of the UN]
Highlights and follow-up by FAO
Focus on ComDev applied to climate change adaptation and NRM
Capacity development and knowledge sharing
Regional perspectives, partnerships and networking
Institutionalization of ComDev services
Incorporation in national policies and programs
Mainstreaming in FAO work
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev in FAO – Priority AreasComDev in FAO – Priority Areas
1. Natural Resources
Management, Climate
Change Adaptation and
Disaster Risk Reduction
2. Food and Nutrition Security
3. Agricultural Innovation
Functions
• Policy Advice
• Technical Assistance
• Capacity Development
• Knowledge Sharing
• Advocacy
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Objectives
Effective applications of ComDev strategies, tools
and services for natural resource management (NRM)
and climate change adaptation (CCA)
Improved capacities and partnerships in
communication for sustainable NRM & CCA
Strategy
Knowledge sharing on ComDev methods and tools
Capacity strengthening and networking
Technical assistance to 3 pilot countries [Bolivia,
DRC, Jamaica] and various field projects
www.csdinitiative.org
Communication for SustainableCommunication for Sustainable
Development Initiative (CSDI)Development Initiative (CSDI)
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
National ComDev Plan (MDRT-
INIAF)
Objectives
Design, validate and implement
ComDev strategies and services
Strengthen ComDev capacities
at local and national level
Info and knowledge management
for agricultural innovation -TECA
Local Level
Participatory appraisal of communication needs and local knowledge
PLICs: local communication plans for agricultural innovation
Audiovisual Pedagogy: 500 producers, 52 organizations, 160 facilitators
Communication for SustainableCommunication for Sustainable
Development Initiative (CSDI)Development Initiative (CSDI)
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Enhancing Rural Communication Services through
Community Rural Radio in Bangladesh
Demand-driven services using ComDev methods to improve
farmers’ access to and use of agricultural knowledge
National platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration
National / Local nexus – multilevel ComDev planning
Set-up of community rural radio Krishi Radio FM 98.8
Capacity development in ComDev and radio broadcasting
Daily programming in local languages
Farmers listener club participating in live discussions
Communication for SustainableCommunication for Sustainable
Development Initiative (CSDI)Development Initiative (CSDI)
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Capacity DevelopmentCapacity Development
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Capacity DevelopmentCapacity Development
Learning Kit on Communication for
Rural Development - how to plan and
implement ComDev strategies in agricultural
programs and the rural sector
For: communication & dev practitioners, field
agents and community facilitators
Collaborative Change Communication
Web platform for learning & knowledge sharing
• Strengthen ComDev professional capacities
• Consolidate on-line and off-line networks
• Facilitate creation of a global CoP in ComDev
www.cccomdev.org
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Knowledge SharingKnowledge Sharing
ComDev platforms and online
networks foster knowledge
exchange and support local
communication processes by:
a. sharing practices in ComDev
on a regional basis
b. disseminating information and
aggregating knowledge on
specific themes
c. creating an interface with local
and national activities
www.onda-rural.net
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Knowledge SharingKnowledge Sharing
www.comunicacionparaeldesarrollo.orgwww.csdinew.carimac.com
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Perspectives:Perspectives:
mainstreaming ComDevmainstreaming ComDev
FAO Expert Consultation “Communication for Development: Meeting Today’s
Agriculture and Rural Development Challenges” Rome, Sept 2011
Final Recommendations
1.Facilitate national ComDev networks to meet farmers’ communication needs
2.Establish a multi-institutional alliance to promote ComDev principles and
practices
3.International rural development agencies and national institutions should develop
a strategic framework in ComDev
FAO corporate communication strategy
13th
UN Roundtable (2013) – Sustainable Rural Livelihoods
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
For more informationFor more information
World Bank, FAO and The Communication Initiative (2007). World Congress on
Communication for Development. Lessons, challenges and way forward. Washington DC:
World Bank.
FAO ComDev www.fao.org/oek/communication-for-development/en
Learning Platform www.cccomdev.org
CSDI project www.csdinitiative.org
Mario Acunzo
Communication for Development Officer
mario.acunzo@fao.org
Marzia Pafumi
ComDev Consultant / Research Assistant
marzia.pafumi@fao.org
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Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Thank you!Thank you!
Editor's Notes
The ComDev process:
goes beyond information dissemination
involves the use of participatory methods and different tools (e.g. traditional & local media, rural radio, ICTs)
facilitates active participation and stakeholder dialogue
is different from public relations or corporate communication
Special attention to the convergence of the media and theenhancement of local capacities for planning and implementing communication processes
No matter what kind of project, it is always valuable and often essential to establish dialogue among relevant stakeholders. Dialogue is the necessary ingredient in building trust, sharing knowledge and ensuring mutual understanding. Even a project that apparently enjoys a wide consensus, such as the construction of a bridge, can have hidden obstacles and opposition that the ComDev specialist can help uncover, address, and mitigate. ComDev functions:
Facilitate access to knowledge and information
Promote peoples’ participation and collaborative action
Strengthen peoples’ capability to share knowledge and manage horizontal communication processes
Enhance mutual learning co-creation of knowledge
Improve linkages and strengthen dialogue between policy makers, institutions and small farmers / local communities
Bridge the gap between global information and local knowledge
Office of Knowledge Exchange, Research and Extension (OEK) Strengthening inclusive agriculture innovation systems
Assist member countries in the design and implementation of ComDev policies, strategies and projects and enhance capacities of agricultural institutions, farmers and grass-roots organizations.
Policy advice and technical assistance to governments, regional offices and field projects
Capacity development of national staff and institutions
Documentation of activities, including case studies, guidelines, videos and publications
Advocacy, training and knowledge sharing in ComDev
Results:
A ComDev National Plan institutionalized within the INIAF
Improved agriculture innovation and communication services
Increased participation of rural people in agriculture innovation
Local knowledge documented and shared
Technical information validated and disseminated
Improved ComDev capacities of rural actors and extension professionals
Knowledge and communication training modules developed and validated with farmers
TECA:
- Repository of technology for small farmers
- Exchange groups on technologies
Background
High vulnerability to climate change and its adverse impact
Agricultural performance great impact on the socio-economic development of the country, engages 74% of population
Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy (2008)
GoB requested technical assistance to improve capacities of its Agricultural Information Service to deliver targeted and efficient communication in rural areas (2009). TCP 2010 in collaboration with: Agricultural Information Service (AIS), Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture Bangladesh; College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
The main objective of the project was to provide technical assistance to the Agriculture Information Service (AIS) under the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) to plan and implement ComDev strategies and plans, and establish a community radio in the coastal area of Amtoli, Barguna District, to serve as a pilot in the establishment of rural communication services in support of food security, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The RCS will integrate the use of Community Rural Radio (CRR) and other community media to strengthen the linkages among research and extension services, local institutions, NGOs, and the farmers.
Advantages
Connecting geographically dispersed stakeholders
Strengthening local communication networks
Broadening participation and enabling informed decision-making
Generating proactive stance and a collaborative environment
Avoiding duplication and ensuring more timely information provision
MAIN SERVICES PROVIDED
Participatory rural communication planning
Capacity development in ComDev (training workshops, study tour)
Multi-stakeholder partnerships and link with local/national media
Mainstreaming of ComDev in agricultural development programs
To foster the production and exchange of knowledge for the reinforcement of local capacities, CSDI has launched a series of Regional Communication Platforms. These on-line networks of peer ComDev stakeholders, aggregated on a regional basis and coordinated by local focal points, have been set up as modern hubs to support local communities of practice, working mainly at three levels of action:
The platforms already in place are the following:
Plataforma de comunicacion para el desarrollo de Centroamerica y Mexico (PlataCpD), hosted and facilitated by Voces Nuestras of Costa Rica, is dedicated to show how communication for development approaches can contribute to improved livelihood outcomes, in harmony with the environment;
Plataforma de comunicacion y desarrollo de los pueblos indígenas (PlataIndigena) managed by CIDOB (Confederación de Pueblos Indígenas de Bolivia) of Bolivia, is dedicated to communicators, institutions, national and international bodies who are involved in communication and development activities in favour of indigenous people;
Onda rural, born on the agreement among FAO, ALER (Asociación Latinoamericana de Educación Radiofónica) and AMARC (Asociación Mundial de Radio Comunitaria), created to introduce communication in rural development policies and programs, linking community radios with new ICTs; and
Communication for development Near East (ComdevNE), which focuses on the opportunities offered by modern ICTs addressing the challenges of rural areas that lag behind in terms of connectivity.
Currently in their inception phase, two more regional platforms are being supported by CSDI:
Communication for Development Platform in Asia (ComDev-Asia), hosted and facilitated by the College for Development Communication (University of The Philippines, Los Baños), dedicated to the specific topics of ComDev applied to NRM, CCA and Food Security; and
Communication for Development Platform in the Caribbean region (ComDev-Caribbean), hosted and facilitated by The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication at the University of the West Indies Mona (CARIMAC) to showcase best practices in the region on ComDev for climate change adaptation in the agriculture and NRM sectors.