During the last ten years, there has been a gradual shift from hierarchical, top-down communication to a two-way process that is interactive and participatory. This change in perception about the communication process, coupled with th e dramatic spread of democracy in recent times, are working in favour of more participatory decision-making at the local level, and of communication as a part of the process. This book resulted from a two-day consultation focusing on "Participatory Develo pment Communication in the West and Central African Context" held in Toronto, Canada in 1995. It was attended by 49 participants drawn from development agencies, universities and NGOs. The participants were a unique mix of communicators, development worke rs and adult education specialists.

Foreword Martha B. Stone

INTRODUCTION
A Canadian-African Dialogue in Participatory development Communication
C.V. Rajasunderam

PARTICIPATORY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
Development Communication in West and Central Africa: Toward a Researach and Intervention Agenda
Guy Bessette

Participatory Communication for Development
Chin Saik Yoon

COMMUNICATION AND NONFORMAL EDUCATION

The Role of Participatory Development Communication as a Tool of Grassroots Nonformal Education Workshop Report
Elayne M. Harris

Adult Education and Development Communication: Personal Comments
Elayne M. Harris

Participatory Development Communication and Nonformal Basic Education: A Personal View
Alioune Danfa

WOMEN AND COMMUNICATION

The Potential of Women and Young Girls as Community Communicators and Their Specific Nonformal Basic Education Needs Workshop Report
Awa Adjibade, Affoue K. Sangare, Caroline Newton and Jennifer Welsh

The Potential of Women and Young Girls: Shared Reflections
Jennifer Welsh, Awa Adjibade and Affoue K. Sangare

Women and Communication: A Personal Comment
Affoue K. Sangare

Communication and Nonformal Education -- Role and Needs of the African Woman and Young Girl: Personal Views
Awa Adjibade

COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING NEEDS

Training Needs in Participatory Development Communication Workshop Report
Don Richardson

Training Needs in Participatory Communication: Personal Reflections
Macaulay A. Olagoke

Training and Communication: Personal Perspectives
Emmanuel Noumossie

APPENDICES

1. Profiles of Workshop Participants
2. African Organizations Associated with Program Development