Perspectives of Development Communication Post the Millennium, 2000 to Present
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21050137Keywords:
Development communication; Participatory communication; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC); Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D); Development communication models; Digital transformation; Communication for sustainable development.Abstract
This paper critically examines the shifting perspectives of development communication from 2000 to the present, tracing its evolution from top-down modernization approaches to participatory, inclusive, and technology-enabled models. The analysis highlights how global frameworks such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have influenced communication strategies, while also addressing the roles of key actors including civil society organizations, private sector players, and multilateral institutions. Emphasis is placed on the impact of digital technologies, bottom-up communication strategies, and models such as Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) and the Integrated Model of Communication for Social Change (IMCSC). The paper uses case studies from Uganda, Kenya, and Cameroon to demonstrate how modern development communication supports health promotion, climate action, and youth engagement. It also engages with emerging challenges such as misinformation, the digital divide, data privacy, and contested global-local narratives. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for inclusive, ethical, and adaptive communication approaches to support sustainable development in the digital age.
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