ComDev News

A decade-long journey of research, collaboration, and advocacy came to fruition during the IAMCR 2025 Conference in Singapore with the official launch of the book “Collaborative Change: Lessons from the Ground on Rural Communication Services.” Dr. Rico Lie of Wageningen University led the launch, which was held during the special FAO/IAMCR Rural Communication Services (RCS) session of the conference and participated in by ComDev scholars from across the globe. He traced

Missed the IAMCR 2025 Conference in Singapore? Watch the 2025 FAO/IAMCR RCS Awardees Presentation Watch the full video of two milestone events in rural communication. First, witness the launch of the new IAMCR/FAO publication “Collaborative Change,” a book born from over a decade of work on inclusive communication for rural development. Then, watch the 2025 FAO/IAMCR RCS Awards session, where three researchers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China share how their

The FAO/IAMCR Rural Communication Services (RCS) Awards session during the 2025 IAMCR Conference in Singapore on July 16 showcased the winning papers of three outstanding researchers whose work explores how communication can bridge the rural divide. This awards session was a celebration of meaningful efforts to make communication systems more inclusive, community-centered, and responsive to the real challenges rural populations face. The first presentation came from Dr. Subekti Priyadharma of

Despite advances in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) designed to enhance agricultural production while protecting the environment, many farmers remain hesitant to adopt innovations that can improve productivity and sustainability. However, addressing this trust gap has become essential for advancing rural development due to increasing climate and resource challenges. In rural areas where information access can vary, what drives farmers to adopt new agricultural technologies and what holds them back? Dr. Li

Rural Bangladesh faces development challenges due to limited access to government services and information, significantly affecting community empowerment and socio-economic progress. The Union Digital Centre (UDC) initiative, launched by the Bangladeshi government with support from international partners, aims to tackle this by providing ICT-based services at the grassroots level. By decentralizing access to these services, it aims to reduce the burden on rural residents who had no choice but to

Access to reliable internet remains limited or entirely absent in many rural areas in the world, leaving millions cut off from opportunities in basic human needs, such as education, healthcare, livelihoods, and civic participation. In Indonesia, an archipelagic nation of over 17,000 islands, this digital divide remains a pressing problem. Bridging this gap requires inclusive strategies that prioritize community ownership, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable development. How can this be filled?

An interview with Mario Acunzo, Head of FAO’s Communication for Development (ComDev) Team In this interview, Mario Acunzo shares insights on the continued relevance of Communication for Development (ComDev) in today’s world. He highlights how participatory communication approaches are essential to fostering inclusion, encouraging local engagement and facilitating knowledge sharing, critical elements for achieving sustainable food systems and advancing rural development. For those who aren’t familiar with ComDev – what is it

The World Association of Community Radio Stations for Latin America and the Caribbean (AMARC LAC), in collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will hold a training this 2025 aiming to strengthen the work of community radio stations on Media and Information Literacy (MIL), reports Onda Rural.  It will be entitled “Community Radio Stations in Latin America and the Caribbean Promote and Work on Media and Information

The Knowledge for Great Green Wall Action (K4GGWA) programme is inviting civil society organizations and dedicated stakeholders from 18 eligible African countries to submit their environmental advocacy project proposals, reports Yenkasa Africa. Prospective applicants may apply here. Deadline of application is on May 18, 2025, while the notice of acceptance will be sent by June 15, 2025. Funding of up to $30,000 and technical support await the winning proposal. K4GGWA