African Communication Research: Communication and Development in Africa

African Communication Research is a peer-reviewed journal which seeks to help bring African communication researchers into dialogue and debate about their common efforts with the aim to strengthen African theories and methods around communication for development. It is published three times a year by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communications at St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Mwanza, Tanzania.

The focus of this issue is on Media and Development in Africa. It contains the following contributions:

Review article: Research for Communication and Development in Africa: Current Debates - by Robert A. White

Abstract: "Over the last forty years, the field of communication for development has moved away from the modernization, central-planning models to an emphasis on participatory responses to people’s grassroots organizations and programs to deal with persisting rural and urban poverty. The focus today is on issues of culture, environmental protection, fostering indigenous knowledge and indigenous forms of communication, research by beneficiary organizations, the adaptation of ICT to development needs and the empowerment of women and youth. In the African context, there is increasing emphasis on fostering the development of indigenous African conceptions of communication and development, community-based media, and the dialogue between the African, Islamic and Western civilizations rooted in Africa as the basis for a peaceful and united vision of the African future."

Designing an MA Program in Communication for Development: The Experience of the University of Zambia - by Kenny M. Makungu

Abstract: "Since 1995 the Department of Mass Communication of the University of Zambia has offered the MA in Communication for Development. The program was designed on the basis of consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and an international team of experts in development communication. The program accepts twenty candidates each year from governmental and nongovernmental agencies for an 18-month program of six modules, a practicum and internship with a stress on development policy and communication practice. The program stresses use of inter-personal, group and mass communication (particularly radio), with heavy emphasis on community and participatory communication to solve problems of reaching isolated rural and lower-status urban populations."

How to Improve Standards of Journalism Education - by Guy Burger

Abstract: "During 2009, the Media Council of Kenya commenced a process to secure statutory regulation of journalism education. These steps are located within broader controls of the value chain of journalism, including registration provisions for media institutions and individual journalists. While the intentions may not be to compromise freedom of expression and media freedom, the measures do open up risks to these norms, and they also violate international and African standards. Alternative strategies to deal with the standards of journalism education should be explored – for example, by letting the market rule, and developing forms of voluntary peer accreditation."

The Values and Attitudes of Tanzania Journalists Regarding Environmental Journalism - by Bernadin Mfumbusa and Peter Mataba

Abstract: "The present article presents the findings of a survey of Tanzanian journalists regarding age, professional training, occupational motivation, ethical principles, knowledge of public affairs and attitude toward reporting of issues of environmental conservation. The survey found that journalists in Tanzania have a relatively high degree of job satisfaction because of their involvement with public affairs in spite of their low pay and low status due to poor general and professional education. Their knowledge and awareness of issues of environmental protection is also relatively low."

Traditional Media in Nigeria: The Semiotics of the Tiv Kwagh-Hir Theatre - by Gowon Ama Doki

Abstract: "Communication is the grist of human existence and communal living. Without communication most of what makes life and living meaningful would be lost. This paper examines communication from the point of view of traditional Africans living in their rural space. The performance method devised to inform, educate, instruct, entertain and also appropriate nature around him is very critically explored. The conclusion arrived at in this work is that traditional forms of communication, mostly creative theatre forms, are quite effective in the administration, mobilization and education of a people. As such, these forms must be encouraged, and efforts made at improving its quality and efficiency. While exogenous forms such as the radio and television are good, they should not be seen as substitutes for culture or traditional forms."

An Assessment of Information Media on Breast Cancer in Kenya: Is Print Media the Best Way to Reach Women? - by Ann Nyambura Muthoni-Thuo and Ann Neville Miller

Abstract: "This study employed eight focus groups with low- and middle-income rural and urban Kenyan women to assess print informational materials on breast cancer produced by the Kenya Breast Health Programme (KBHP). Responses were then compared to expectations of the material as elucidated by personnel at KBHP. Findings revealed four major areas in which KBHP expectations regarding the materials differed from responses of their target audience: (a) the accessibility of the language used in the materials; (b) the value of the visuals on the materials, especially the posters; (c) the usefulness of contact information regarding KBHP; and (d) the segment of Kenyan women for whom the materials are appropriate."