Introduction

During the last 30 years significant communication for development experiences have been gained in Asia, Africa and Latin America , but relatively few initiatives have been systematically implemented in the Near East Region.

Communication for development approaches and methods allow planning and implementation of communication activities according to the characteristics and needs of the population. It facilitates the integration of interpersonal communication methods, and “conventional” media (e.g. video, radio, printed, posters, calendars, etc) with the use of new Information and Communication Technologies. Furthermore, these approaches focus on enhancing the capacity of local stakeholders to manage communication processes, to develop local contents and to appropriate the use of media and tools. Communication for development strategies and initiatives are context specific and reflect values, perceptions and characteristics of the stakeholders and institutions involved.

FAO, among other development agencies, has promoted communication for development components in a number of field projects and more recently has carried out an assessment study on introducing communication for development in natural resource management and agricultural policies and programs in the Near East .

It is therefore critical for development institutions to start a reflection about advancing communication for development in the NE Region, to share experiences, build common understanding and agree on a strategy and joint initiatives for the Region.