These guidelines have been developed for managers and formulators of rural development projects and programmes, who recognize the value of ComDev and are willing to integrate it in the project cycle to enhance its overall effectiveness and sustainability. In particular, this document seeks to provide practical orientation during the initial phases of project identification and formulation, as a way to ensure effective planning and implementation of ComDev activities.
Section 1 introduces the strategic functions of communication in support of agriculture and rural development initiatives, and illustrates the value added of ComDev to design and implement truly inclusive development processes.
Section 2 provides a step-by-step guide to embed ComDev in the design of rural development programmes and projects. It also includes a handy checklist to monitor and supervise ComDev activities all over the project cycle.
Section 3 then looks at the ComDev planning process in detail, presenting key practical tools to formulate and monitor the implementation of ComDev strategies and plans in support of field initiatives.
Section 4 focuses on how to integrate ComDev as part of FAO’s and countries’ joint development efforts at the national level.
Section 5 compiles a number of tips and considerations that will help identify, from time to time, the most realistic options for applying ComDev according to the specific project situation and the time, human and financial resources available.
The Communication for Rural Development Guidelines for Planning and Project Formulation adhere to the approach, principles and overall framework adopted by FAO and based on the five UN Common Country Programming Principles, as described in the Guide to the Project Cycle (FAO, 2012b). These guidelines are meant to be used as a complementary resource jointly with the Guide to the Project Cycle, in the context of FAO Strategic Objectives and Country Programming Frameworks, and in compliance with FAO corporate communication policies, strategies and planning tools.
This report was published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2014: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4222e.pdf