Internet-Based Information Communication Technologies for Developing Agricultural Information Systems in Developing Countries: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Internet-based Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to open new information channels to the information-poor rural areas of developing countries.  New ICTs can educate and empower rural farmers and offer limited employment to locals but there are numerous constraints to the development of telecentres and utilization of the computer-based services that they offer.  Most important of these limitations are the lack of information and computer skills in rural areas and the pressing survival needs of rural dwellers that relegate information to a luxury rather than a necessity.  In this paper, the role of telecenters for making such ICT available to rural inhabitants is considered.  The limitations and constraints of telecentres are also highlighted and some guidelines for effective employment pf telecentres in rural areas are noted.