The role of communication in PovertyReduction Strategy (PRS) processes has evolved since 2000.The introduction of new communication channels for publicpolicy debate has empowered a wide array of stakeholders whopreviously were absent or marginal in the developmentagenda. Initially, consultations were mainly a donor-ledrequirement, often done to access Heavily Indebted PoorCountry (HIPC) funding quickly. This experience led to therecognition that more can be gained by working inpartnership with other stakeholders. This publicationupdates a 2005 review of communication in PRSs. It includesfour country case studies (Ghana, Tanzania, Moldova, andNepal) and a regional analysis of Latin America and theCaribbean. It explores how the use of strategiccommunication has expanded beyond the PRS and is now beingintegrated into national development planning andimplementation. Many of these strategies are shifting theirfocus from a 'dissemination and publicitystrategy' to a 'communication program' thatemphasizes information intervention beyond the traditionalcampaign, workshop or seminars. Compared with the 2005review, the main difference is the institutionalization ofcommunication, moving beyond the one-time experience for thefirst set of PRSs to broader, deeper sustained communicationin support of poverty reduction and national developmentstrategies. A second major difference is expanding beyondcommunication and participation in PRS formulation to PRSimplementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The challengesof communication in national development strategies bothwithin and between government, civil society, and donorscorrespond to some of the key challenges of the PRSinitiative, how to create a genuinely participatory, andcomprehensive process. Donor harmonization and aidcoordination have improved government-donor relations, butboth parties need to forge a new relationship with civilsociety for the more ambitious agenda to promote good governance.
PDF
download
878987797
028-85220240
