Participatory Rural Communication Appraisal, Starting with the People

This handbook describes the procedure for planning and conducting Participatory Rural Communication Appraisal (PRCA) as the first step in the design of cost-effective and appropriate communication for development programmes, strategies and materials at the field level. PRCA is a rapid and participatory method for conducting communication action-research. The authors aim to provide a simple, easy to follow step-by-step methodology to conduct rural communication appraisals with communities. The handbook also presents a range of participatory tools to actively involve people in the research process to identify communication needs and to assess communication systems as a prerequisite for effective communication strategies and programme design.

PRCA is designed to provide a handy guide for communication practitioners and development workers who need to know what is involved in designing and implementing effective Communication for Development programmes and initiatives. The book may be used either as a reference in conducting PRCA in the field or as an introductory training guide to basic principles and procedures for initiating participatory Communication for Development processes.

Contents

• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Communication For Development In Action
• Chapter 2: Situation Analysis Framework In PRCA
• Chapter 3: PRCA Methodology
• Chapter 4: PRCA Tools and Techniques
• Chapter 5: Baseline Survey in PRCA
• Chapter 6: How to Plan and Conduct PRCA and Baseline Study
• Chapter 7: PRCA Toolbox
• Annex 1: Example of a PRCA proposal outline for an on-going project
• Bibliography

This book has been prepared by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Centre of Communication for Development in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Communication for Development group.