The Effects of Participatory Communications on Developing Countries
             Participatory Communications seems to be the Grassroots activists' offensive to the Western commercialism plaguing the world. However, Participatory Communications is not a new concept. If you look at the African Folklore, Chinese running men (like postal men), or any number of culture devices through time you can clearly see the unmistakable uses of participatory communication.
             There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that translating awareness into action is best achieved by communicating at the micro level (i.e. person-to-person, community-to-community). People are the producers of the information as well as the audience, and then communication becomes participatory and highly effective in solving urgent local issues.
             Participatory Communications is about using popular education principles in a communications context. Locally available communications tools and technologies such as traditional storytelling and theatre, or modern-like small format video and mobile low-frequency radio transmitters are used in a way that is 'with, for and by the people'. In participatory communication, facilitators work to demystify technology and to put its control in the hands of the community. Content and technical experts are only brought in to the process as part of the team when required.
             In addition to validating peoples' knowledge and traditions, participatory communication creates opportunities for constructive dialogue and facilitates an exchange of information, ideas, knowledge, skills and attitudes between decision-makers, policy-makers, funding agencies, businesses, civil society groups and individuals.
             Evidence of Participatory Communications is shown in events such as Town Hall and PTA meetings. The news and issues that influence the community are addressed and discussed amongst those who are directly affected. There is a val...