Journal of Development Communication And Applied Theatre

This study explores the process and impact of facilitating Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) tools in development communication among women in Dogarawa community. Although numerous development initiatives target women in semi-urban communities in Nigeria, many still adopt top-down approaches that limit participation and sustainability. PLA tools, which emphasize collective analysis, dialogue, and action, has emerged as vital methods for promoting inclusivity and empowering marginalized groups. However, their practical facilitation and outcomes among women remain insufficiently documented. This study hinges on the participatory communication theory. Using a qualitative field-based approach, this research examines how PLA tools are implemented, how women engage in the participatory process, and what measurable effects these interactions have on communication practices and empowerment. Data was collected through focus group discussions, interviews, and participatory deployment of the PLA tools and observation. The study reveals the extent to which PLA enhances women’s capacity to articulate needs, influence decisions, and drive community development initiatives. By linking participatory communication theory with field realities, the research contributes to understanding how locally grounded communication strategies can foster gender-responsive and sustainable development in peri-urban Nigeria. 

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