This document discusses communication for development (ComDev) to support improved land and water management programs. It defines different types of communication, including corporate communication, internal communication, advocacy communication, and communication for development. Communication for development uses participatory methods to support sustainable change by engaging stakeholders. The document provides examples of ComDev projects in Mexico, Bangladesh, and Bolivia that used participatory communication approaches. It discusses key ComDev elements like fostering dialogue and convergence of local and scientific knowledge. Finally, it introduces the Communication for Sustainable Development Initiative, which aims to improve capacities and partnerships for natural resource management through communication.

1. Subdirección de Investigación y Extensión Extension Branch
Research and
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Communication for
Development to Support
Improved Land & Water
Programmes
by Mario Acunzo
Communication for Development Officer, OEKR
Land and Water Days
Rome – May 7-11, 2012
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2. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Communication: a key for
sustainable development
Compelling issues related to
climate change and sustainable
management of natural
resources, land and water require
a process of social learning and
improved participation.
Communication is central to this
task and to achieve ownership
and sustainability of
development initiatives.
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3. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Communication for Development
Type Purpose/Definition Main Functions Required Core Competencies
Use media outputs and products to Public relations, institutional
Communicate the mission and activities
Corporate promote the mission and values of the communication, excellent writing
of the organization, mostly for external
communication institution; inform selected audiences skills, press releases, broad media
audiences.
about relevant activities. network contacts
Facilitate the flow of information within Ensure timely and effective sharing of
Institutional communication,
Internal an institution/project. Sometimes this relevant information within the staff and
excellent writing skills, web and
communication area can be included in corporate institution units. It enhances synergies
internet skills
communication. and avoids duplication.
Raise awareness on hot development
Influence change at the public or policy Public relations, marketing,
Advocacy issues; use communication methods and
level and promote issues related to experience in media campaigns and
communication media to influence specific audiences
development. advocacy campaign
and support the intended change.
Social process based on dialogue Communication research,
Communicatio using a range of participatory participatory approaches,
Supports sustainable change in
n methods and tools. Seeks change adult education,
development operations by
for at different level s including communication methods and
engaging key stakeholders.
Development listening, establishing trusts and media, consultations and
sharing knowledge and skills. facilitation skills
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4. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev Process
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5. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev 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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6. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev & LWM field experience: México
PRODERITH: Integrated Rural Development
Program in Tropical Wetlands in Mexico
 Transfer of water districts to water user
associations
 Over 10 years ComDev support project
 Participatory processes for transferring
responsibilities and technologies
 Use of video to initiate consultations and
allow farmers participation in the
planning process
 Video-based methodology became an
integral part of planning for the water
sector in Mexico
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7. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev & LWM field experience:
Bangladesh
Enhancing Rural Communication Services for agricultural
development through community rural radio
 Integrationof demand-driven communication services
 ComDev methods/tools to improve rural stakeholders’
access to and use of agricultural knowledge related to
NRM and CCA issues
 Krishi Radio FM 98.8 Daily programming in local
languages on agriculture, livestock, fisheries, science,
women, children, youth, indigenous communities
National-Local nexus: multilevel ComDev planning
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8. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev & LWM field experience: Bolivia
CARENAS: communication services in
watershed management (2002-07)
 Communication Unit within a watershed
management authority
 Information and Communication Plans
 Network of municipalities
 Training of community workers on CBNRM
National ComDev Plan INIAF (2009-present)
 Participatory appraisals of communication needs and
local knowledge in 4 pilot areas
 Local communication plans for agricultural innovation
 Audiovisual pedagogy
 Over 160 facilitators and 500 producers trained, 52
institutions and local organizations involved
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9. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Key ComDev Elements
Fostering dialogue
Convergence and and mediation
local appropriation
of technologies
Plan since the beginning ComDev &
Strengthen local communication processes
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10. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
ComDev Functions in LWM
 Raise awareness about LWM issues at different
levels
communication planning, information,
consultations for multi-stakeholder
involvement
 Communication for knowledge sharing
making available technical information and
identify/share suitable solutions matching
local and scientific knowledge
 Participatory communication
giving voice to different stakeholders to facilitate
dialogue, negotiation and engagement in
platforms for collaborative NRM and LWM
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11. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Value added of ComDev in LWM
ComDev facilitates information, knowledge sharing and participation for
concerted and collaborative action among all stakeholders in a particular agro-
ecological context
It makes visible problems and helps
identifying common solutions
Allows bridging the gap between
local and global information
Blends scientific and traditional
knowledge
Promotes participatory processes
fostering institutional and social change
and improved community-based
NRM and LWM
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12. Research and Extension Branch
Food and Agriculture
Organization of the
United Nations
Communication for Sustainable
Development Initiative (CSDI)
Objectives
 Supports effective applications of ComDev strategies,
tools and services for natural resource management
(NRM) and climate adaptation (CCA)
 Improves capacities and partnerships in
communication for sustainable NRM & CCA
Main areas of work
 Knowledge sharing on ComDev methods and tools
 Capacity strengthening and networking
 Technical assistance to pilot countries and field
projects
www.csdinitiative.org
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