Collaborative Change: Towards Inclusive Rural Communication Services is the product of a deep collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR). The book provides a rich exploration of rural communication services (RCS), a vital tool for empowering rural communities in the face of evolving agricultural and developmental challenges and showcases the work of IAMCR's Rural Communication Working Group and the FAO/IAMCR Rural Communication Services Research Awards.
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The book's 12 chapters explore RCS and their application in promoting equitable rural development, particularly within agricultural communities. It examines various communication strategies, including group model building, ICT platforms, community radio, and community networks, analysing their effectiveness in addressing inequalities and facilitating innovation adoption among family farmers. Case studies from around the world illustrate diverse approaches and challenges in implementing RCS. The text also explores the importance of participatory approaches, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and supportive policy environments in achieving sustainable and inclusive rural development.
The publication also showcases innovative approaches and research efforts driven by IAMCR’s Rural Communication Working Group. Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, the book features selected research studies, some of which were recipients of the FAO/IAMCR Rural Communication Services Research Awards, offered in 2023 and 2024, to promote cutting-edge research in this field. The awards are being offered again in 2025.
This book offers:
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A comprehensive overview of the RCS framework: Readers will gain a thorough understanding of the framework, its guiding principles, approaches, strategies and facilitation methods, along with its application across diverse contexts.
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Compelling case studies from around the globe: The book presents a rich tapestry of case studies, featuring insights from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, South Africa, Uganda, Nepal, Kenya, Argentina, and Mexico. These real-world examples demonstrate the practical application and impact of RCS in diverse settings, offering valuable lessons for practitioners and policymakers alike.
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In-depth analysis of key challenges and opportunities: The chapters delve into critical issues such as bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusivity and equality, and fostering sustainable development through effective communication strategies.
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A strong emphasis on community empowerment and participation: The book underscores the importance of community engagement in shaping effective RCS, highlighting the need for participatory approaches and collaborative change communication.
"Collaborative Change: Towards Inclusive Rural Communication Services" will be a valuable resource for academics, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and anyone invested in using communication to drive positive change in rural communities. It provides a compelling roadmap for harnessing the power of communication to build more equitable, sustainable, and resilient rural societies.
Download the book in PDF, epub or mobi format
Title: Collaborative Change: Towards Inclusive Rural Communication Services
Editors: Rico Lie, Mario Acunzo, Sarah Cardey, Elske van de Fliert, Maria Stella Tirol, Loes Witteveen, and Paoloregel Samonte
Published: 2024
Pages: 320
Contents
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Chapter 1, Developing rural communication services: prototype testing of a digital farmer field school in Indonesia, Nurdahalia Lairing, Yunus Busa, Ikbar Ashadi and Loes Witteveen.
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Chapter 2, Rural radio and multistakeholder participation: the role of digital technology, Mario Acunzo and Sarah Cardey.
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Chapter 3, Co-Innovation towards commercial family farming in Timor-Leste: insights from the Redi KAMODI model, Nurul Hilmiati and Adelia Caetano Gonzaga Dos Santos.
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Chapter 4, Weaving people together: perspectives from an agricultural innovation system diagnostic in Mpumalanga, South Africa, Tim Fry.
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Chapter 5, Supporting innovation uptake in agriculture: group model building as a rural communication process, Ibnu Budiman, Afifah Azzahra and Shakila Sania Parsa.
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Chapter 6, Digital agri-extension for all: an inclusivity analysis of the Philippines’ Digital Farmers Program, Maria Stella Tirol.
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Chapter 7, ICT platforms as value-chain coordinators for smallholders in Uganda, Connetie Ayesiga and Esther Ronner.
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Chapter 8, Community art and communication: crafting sustainable landscape stewardship in Terai Arc, Nepal, Prakash Raj Bista, Loes Witteveen, Ajit Tumbahangphe, Jan Fliervoet, Walter Verspui, Umesh Paudel and Naresh Subedi.
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Chapter 9, Advancing innovation and social change: Rural communication services and the multidimensional model for change, Paolo Mefalopulos.
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Chapter 10, Kenya: community networks framework for rural communication services, Seán Ó Siochrú, Kathleen Diga, Carlos Rey-Moreno, Steve Song and Josephine Miliza.
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Chapter 11, Universal service fund as an RCS enabler: the Argentine process, Bruce Girard, Seán Ó Siochrú, Kathleen Diga and Adriana Labardini Inzunza.
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Chapter 12, Civil society’s struggle towards an enabling environment for inclusive rural communication services: the case of Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico, Seán Ó. Siochrú, Kathleen Diga, Carlos Rey-Moreno and Erick Huerta Velazquez.