Development Communication is the use of traditional and non-traditional communication mediums in support of development efforts. Communication has been shown to be crucial to the success of any development project because it increases the receiver’s understanding and involvement with the project. This understanding is essential for a development project to achieve its goals.

The use of communication materials has also proven invaluable in highlighting projects, the work of organizations and even development needs with a view to attract funding, support or even to simply raise awareness.

“A picture is worth a thousand words”. And who wants to write a thousand words when pictures and sound will do the job more effectively?

“Modern communication tools have enabled us to make the world a smaller place, as well as providing us with gateways to knowledge and pathways to information. Now is the time to recognise the potential and power of these instruments and to utilize them in unshackling people from their “prison of poverty”.

Jan Servaes “COMMUNICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT: MAKING A DIFFERENCE” 2007

Examples of PASiFiKA’s successful development communication projects include:

• Renewable Energy – Education Project for Fiji’s Department of Energy
  

  Pasifika first carried out a baseline data survey, development and pre-testing of materials, design and execution of media campaign and then post campaign evaluation. Project resulted in substantial increase in general awareness of renewable energy amongst test groups.

• Corporal Punishment – DVD and supporting print materials for Pacific Children’s Program and UNICEF;
  
  Pasifika wrote and produced a television drama that highlighted the issue of corporal punishment through a conflict between two characters – a teacher and a problem student

• Feminisation of Poverty – DVD documentary and support materials for Pacific Foundation for the Advancement of Women (PACFAW);
  
  Pasifika wrote and produced a DVD with a regional perspective documentary and created a user guide and brochure to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of the DVD’s messages.

• Population Issues – Regional documentaries for UNFPA
  

  PASiFiKA produced a series of four documentaries in different Pacific island countries on various population related issues. These were produced in the vernacular for each country and they collectively show the many socio-economic problems interwoven with unsustainable population growth.