[2004] 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 programs, strategies and materials at the field level.

PRCA is a participatory method for conducting communication action-research. Using a simple step-by-step methodology to conduct rural communication appraisals with communities, this handbook also provides 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 programmes design (see also Participatory Communication Strategy Design).

The document is available also in Spanish.