Assessment of the Role of Participatory Communication in Enhancing Development in Rural Communities of Kuje Area Council, FCT Abuja

Abstract

 This research examines the role of participatory communication in enhancing development in rural communities of Kuje Area Council, FCT Abuja. Participatory communication, which involves the active involvement of community members in decision-making processes, is crucial for sustainable development. This study therefore aims to explore how local engagement through dialogue, collaboration and shared information contributes to addressing key developmental challenges in these rural areas. The paper is anchored on the theoretical underpinning of the Participatory Communication Theory developed by Paulo Freire in 1970 which emphasise dialogue or two-way communication as a means of providing consensus for sustainable action in development activities. The research draws from a population of 102,299 residents of Kuje Area Council. Through the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 100 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique was utilised. Being a survey methodology, data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews to assess the impact of participatory communication on areas such as healthcare, education and infrastructural development. The findings are expected to reveal the extent to which community-driven communication fosters collective action and contributes to the socio-economic improvement of these rural communities. Insights from this study could inform future strategies for more inclusive development policies in Kuje and similar rural areas.