- Title
- The Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Rural Development:
- Creator
- Fikeni, Thandokazi Gugu
- Subject
- Information technology
- Subject
- Communication in rural development
- Subject
- Rural development -- South Africa
- Date
- 2020-12
- Type
- Master's theses
- Type
- text
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19747
- Identifier
- vital:43232
- Description
- Abstract text.
- Description
- Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Format
- computer
- Format
- online resource
- Format
- application/pdf
- Format
- 1 online resource (90 pages)
- Format
- Publisher
- University of Fort Hare
- Publisher
- Faculty of Management and Commerce
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Rural development is a process that leads to the improvement of the lives of rural people. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is an effective tool, amongst others, that can foster rural development. Community Based Information Centres (CBICs) are established with the purpose of bridging digital divides in rural areas. The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of ICTs in fostering rural development, focusing on Umzimvubu community Umzimvubu Local Municipality in Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study took a qualitative approach using two case studies. Two municipal officials were interviewed, one from Local economic development department (LED) and the other from IT department; semi-structured interviews were conducted with them and Mabaca craft NGO was interviewed as well as The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). Focus group discussions were held with the twelve members from the Aloe Vera and nine members from the Community Nursery. ICT was highlighted as key in driving rural development especially at a time when the global village is grasping new technological advancements. The study has further revealed that there is a gap between the literate and illiterate rural folk and ICT could be playing a bigger role in bridging that gap. The study then concludes that both the old and the youth should have an interest in rural projects for ICTs to have an impact on community projects. The study also revealed that there is lack of Monitoring and Evaluating existing projects, which then implies that the municipality officials‟ aim is ”Achieved” for the purpose of their score cards and bonuses. The results indicate that the community needs to be exposed to effective ways that ICTs can improve their lives through skills enhancement.
- Rights
- All Rights Reserved
- Rights
- Open Access
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UFH Department of Development Studies
| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | SOURCE1 | FIKENI T 201003102 MCOM DEVS.pdf | 1 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |