IDIA2009 Conference
ICT and Socio-Economic Development: Interventions and Issues in Rural Communities in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Jainaba M.L. Kah
The University of The Gambia
Muhammadou M.O. Kah
The University of The Gambia
Martha Speirs
American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Abstract
This article explores the literature on prospects, possibilities and special issues of ICTs and socio-economic development in deep rural communities before taking a look at two interventions in ICT for development in a small rural community in Yola, Northeastern Nigeria. The African Center for ICT Innovation and Training, an American University of Nigeria community engagement initiative is used as a case study to gauge its importance as an ICT resource center for the community and for small businesses; and the issues faced and lessons learnt to better use ICT to meet the needs of rural communities. Another intervention, the Karatu Library Project, aims at developing sustainable libraries using measures such as economic sustainability, proper distribution of funds, innovative housing of libraries, training of staff and the development of policies and procedures that have been found to be appropriate in rural ICT deprived communities These two cases illustrate successful and problematic interventions, and how project designs had to be changed and expanded due to issues and challenges faced especially in deep rural communities. The lessons learnt are particularly useful for developing project components and interventions to develop ICT competencies and capacity building to help bridge the digital divide and empower both rural and deep rural communities.
