Waves in the Forest

From the abstract: "This thesis examines the relationship between participatory communications and the livelihoods of forest populations... (in) the Gurupá (Pará State, Brazilian Amazonia), and its experience with radio communication. The approach to the thesis brings together communication for development literature and livelihoods thinking for the first time, in order to explore the effect of information and communication in forest environments.

First, the thesis reviews the global growth of interest in the concept of participation and, in particular, links between this concept and the new 'communications for development' agenda. Then, it explores... approaches to rural livelihoods and the policy level formulations of livelihoods theory such as the 'sustainable livelihoods frameworks'. Finally, it merges notions of livelihoods and communication for development into a 'communications-livelihoods' framework, a theoretical output of the research project..."

Barroso lists the following themes associated with the use of radio in the region: strengthened local vigilance over natural resources, improved access to markets for forest products, better health-care access, improved levels of information, and stronger social and political networks. She lists issues as: inadequate communications legal frameworks, limited reach of radio initiatives, and under-utilisation of existing infrastructure.

She concludes with observations on "communication and livelihoods theory, policy, and practice... considerations for further research and a final reflection on communication and the future of Amazonia."