From the debated Modernisation paradigm all the way to the participatory and inclusive approaches for social change, development communication research has given rise to a stimulating scholarly discussion that has introduced both theoretical and evidence-based claims, which are contributing constructively to the evolvement of this discipline. By addressing a number of points that have been raised as evidence of a decline in communication research, this article discusses how development communication research has followed a parallel but different path from other areas of communication research and has slowly but successfully made an important contribution to the field of communication.
CouldryN (2015) Alternative media and voice. In: AttonC (ed.) The Routledge Companion to Alternative and Community Media, Hoboken: Taylor & Francis, pp. 43–52.
2.
FAO (2004) Participatory Rural Communication Appraisal. A handbook, Rome: FAO & SADC.
3.
Figueroa ME, Kincaid DL, Rani M, et al. (2002) Communication for Social Change: an integrated model for measuring the process and its outcomes. Communication for Social Change working paper series, Working Paper Series: No.1, Rockfeller Foundation, New York, http://www.communicationforsocialchange.org/pdf/socialchange.pdf (accessed 10 February 2016).
4.
LennieJTacchiJ (2013) Evaluating Communication for Development. A Framework for Social Change, London: Routledge.
5.
RodríguezCFerronBShamasK (2014) Four challenges in the field of alternative, radical and citizens’ media research. Media, Culture & Society36(2): 150–166.
6.
ServaesJPolkEShiS (2012) Towards a framework of sustainability indicators for ‘communication for development and social change’ projects. International Communication Gazette72(2): 99–123.
7.
TacchiJSlaterDHearnG (2003) Ethnographic Action Research, New Delhi: UNESCO.
8.
ThirlwallAP (2008) Development and economic growth. In: DesaiVPotterRB (eds) The Companion to Development Studies, London: Hodder, pp. 37–40.
