The e-learning Course on Communication for Rural Development aims to guide users in designing and implementing communication strategies for agricultural and rural development initiatives, combining participatory methods with communication processes, media and tools, ranging from community media to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), best suited for a specific context.

The e-learning course is based on the Communication for Rural Development Sourcebook published in 2014 by FAO and the College of Development Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Target audience 

The e-learning course offers 6 hours of self-paced, interactive learning for all three different user groups and carries 11 lessons which are organized into three units:

Unit 1. Introduction to ComDev planning for agricultural and rural development introduces the ComDev approach and the added value that it can offer to agriculture and rural development. It analyses the different phases of such a participatory process and how it can be integrated into the design of a development project.

Unit 2. Participatory ComDev planning illustrates how to conduct design a ComDev strategy that responds to stakeholders’ communication needs and priorities based on the findings of a participatory communication assessment. It describes the basic components of a ComDev plan of action and M&E plan. 

Unit 3. Implementing a ComDev initiative explains how to develop local communication plans, how to design effective messages and materials in a participatory way, and how to use ComDev media and materials in the field.

Learners can take the entire course or only the lessons recommended for their specific user group.

The e-learning course on Communication for Rural Development is listed under the "Communication" category of the FAO E-Learning Centre and can be accessed directly here.