Participation is a key aspect in development.
Development is not possible without willing participation of the people.
PDC or Participatory Development Communication is an approach in which
Horizontal Communication → Everyone is equal, no hierarchy; policy makers to grass root workers, all are equal.
Emphasis
Process of PDC at a Community Level
Step 1 Understanding ground realities and establish relationship Step 2 Involving community in identification of the problems Step 3 Identifying community groups, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders Step 4 Identifying communication needs, objectives and activities Step 5 Identifying appropriate communication tools
Note
Structure is not rigid, order is not rigid.
Preconditions for PDC to Work
- Motivation and Aspiration of community members
- Availability of resources required
- Presence of community leaders who can contribute as opinion leaders
Principles of PDC Approach
- Change must come from within, not externally imposed
- Development Communicators should be closely connected to the community
- Objectiv is to IDENTIFY, not DICTATE
- Not a means to an end, in some cases the goal itself