Suggests that a narrative perspective can provide a fruitful way to learn from rural development experiences and improve the organizational capacity of development projects. Also suggests a number of conceptual windows for the analysis of narratives in projects. (Author)

This newsletter discusses development projects in developing nations, including the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru. The following major articles are included: (1) "Radio Santa Maria: A Case Study of Participatory Evaluation" (John K. Mayo, Charles B. Green, and Miguel E. Vargas); (2) "Instruction by Audio Conference: An…

Eight articles on various aspects of communications in developing countries make up this newsletter issue: (1) "Extension and Communications in Nepal: Reforestation Program Uses Media Support" by P. K. Manandhar, E. Pelinck, and R. H. Gecolea; (2) "Using Puppets to Teach Ideas. 'Khel Dori Ka', an Audiovisual with Puppets from…

This report describes the state-of-the-art of audio cassette technology (ACT) and reports findings from field tests, case studies, and pilot projects in several countries which demonstrate the potential of audio cassettes as a medium for communicating with rural people. Specific guidance is also offered on how a project can use cassettes as a…

A summary of educational planning methodologies tested in Argentina, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia, the document offers opinions and proposals about integrated rural development. Integrated rural development is seen as a social, economic, political, and cultural process in rural areas, designed to improve living conditions. Chapters…

Indigenous community organizations and organizational federations in Ecuador have moved from dealing with issues of land, civil rights, and cultural identity to promoting culturally appropriate, community-based, sustainable economic development ventures. The need for technical training and the success of Indian-to-Indian job training are…

Discusses how cultural vitality drives successful community development. Links cultural, community, and environmental values. Examines successes and failures of programs attempting to link culture and development in Panama, Ecuador, and Colombia. Examines role of cultural self-examination for creating new development paradigm. Examines prospects…

In addition to the lead article by Andrew Hanssen, Steven Kozlow, and Anne Olsen, this publication contains the following articles related to communications in developing nations: (1) "World Communications Year, 1983"; (2) "Field Research in Botswana Leads to More Relevant Media Production," by Chris Garforth; (3) "Kenya…

Just east of the Andes live two of the largest concentrations of tropical forest Indians in central Ecuador. Both speak Quichua which is a language long associated with Incaic expansion in the highlands and well known as a lower-class, rural, "Indian" means of communication in contemporary highland Ecuador. These Jungle Quichua live near…

Operating under the philosophy that people can learn from each other, the Nonformal Education Project trained 24 Ecuadorian campesinos in seven rural mestizo villages to instruct their peers in basic litaracy skills, negotiating techniques, and the development of self-esteem. Within a year of operation some of the original "facilitators"…