"How should scholars approach the study of the developmental uses of rural radio? What is the theoretical framework within which to locate the study of rural radio formats employed as development communication? To answer these questions, this brief critique develops a theoretical matrix to be used a
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s an analytical framework for positioning any discussion of rural radio as a development communication pathway. Building on rural radio case studies from the world over, the discussion propounds three trajectories encompassing linear-external, shared-bottom up and self-bottom up approaches, which formulate a matrix for understanding the use of rural radio in development." (Abstract)
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"This study reviews and analyses what has already been documented on the links between radio-based communication strategies and rural development outcomes, particularly with regards to smallholder farming and food security outcomes. The report explores best radio practices, including issues related
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to optimal formats, schedules, production qualities, and station management, based on 17 case studies from India, the Philippines, Tanzania, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, and South Africa. The key findings include: testimonials and jingles facilitate the best recall and comprehension of messages (Philippines); radio forums strengthen rural decision-making structures (Tanzania); radio programmes created by communities attract high listenership (Malawi); and farm radio is more effective when linked with new information and communication technologies (Ghana). The research also identified some knowledge gaps: the lack of evaluation as an integrated element in radio campaign planning; the need to conduct regular audience surveys; the limited use of non-participatory effectiveness studies and the limited scope of evaluations focusing on the impact of just one or two programmes." (CAMECO Update 5-2008)
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"This discussion has critically appraised the two training models that universities have employed in their communication for development programmes. These are the development communication and social change approaches. While the former is rooted in sustainable livelihood approaches, the latter is fo
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rmulated on the springboard of public philosophy and social change theories. The discussion has observed that the DevCom approach was specifically designed to deal with developing world problems of underdevelopment, poverty and inequality resulting largely from colonial experiences. On the other hand, the social change model has adapted the DevCom model so as to engineer communication processes that deal with developed societies as well as embrace new media and new social challenges like governance, conflict and human rights." (Page 59)
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"This article gives a critical review of the evolution of the concept ''development communication'' in the 1970s under the influence of professor nora quebral. As part of this retrospective, we also reprint the original 1971 article ''development communication in the agricultural context'' by nora q
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uebral, with a new foreword by her." (Editor's note)
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