Communication for Development in a Global Perspective: The Role of Governmental and Non-Governmental Agencies

This article reviews changes in the field of communication development which have consequences for communication policy and planning. From this review, the author distinguishes two ideal types of communication models: 'diffusion/ mechanistic' and a 'participatory/organic'. This theoretical differentiation has led to parallel differentiation among policy makers, and a number of projects by international agencies are examined. The conclusion reached in the article is that there is no all-embracing view on communication for development. The dominant perspective, however, remains a modernized version of the diffusion perspective.