Participatory Communication and Digital Media in Africa: A New Paradigm

Abstract

Digital media has had an unquestionable impact on participatory communication. The use of digital media has become a part of the community development framework for inclusive participation. Premised on the foregoing, this chapter sought to examine how digital media, an emerging development in Africa, has changed the status of participatory communication across the continent. Furthermore, it reviewed how this new phenomenon has paved the way for empowerment journalism and digital participation, thereby making participatory communication a community development tool in the 21st century that heightens collaborations. The study was anchored on theories of new media and development communica tion. The methodology employed a desk review. Findings showed that aside from vitalizing participatory communication for rural development, community journalists needed to be conscious that they create a new twist that clashes with what the mainstream media professionals do from a community’s viewpoint, which can impede participation.