What are the steps to implement a microservices architecture in a Python-based application, and how can I ensure effective communication between microservices?

Implementing a microservices architecture in Python involves several key steps:

1. Begin by decomposing your application into smaller, independent services, each with a specific function. Design these services to be loosely coupled but capable of communicating effectively.
2. Then, choose a communication protocol, such as RESTful APIs or messaging queues like RabbitMQ or Kafka, for inter-service communication. Ensure each microservice is self-contained with its database or storage mechanism to maintain data consistency.
3. Implement robust error handling and fallback mechanisms for inter-service communication.
4. Finally, consider containerization with tools like Docker for deploying microservices, and use orchestration tools like Kubernetes for managing and scaling these services.