Communication can be used as a strategic tool to support and improve stakeholder engagement. Done effectively, it can help different types of rural development stakeholders understand why, when and how they can benefit from engaging in the Rural Development Programmes (RDPs). Good communication is essential for ensuring stakeholders find out about the opportunities available to them through the RDPs and how they can take advantage of them in practice to develop different types of rural development activity. It is also essential in the arranging of consultation processes to ensure that stakeholders know how and when to engage in the programming cycle. Good communication of the messages emerging from stakeholders can also be an important element of getting voices heard by RDP decision-makers. Social media offers significant new and evolving potential in this regard.