ICT for Rural Community Development: Implementing the Communicative Ecology Framework in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

This research is part of a larger research project which explored how information and communication technologies (ICTs) may contribute to sustainable development of rural communities' development in Nigeria. One of the major reasons for the failure of ICT for development initiatives in Africa is their "fit" with the socio-cultural context in which they are implemented. The communicative ecology framework is used to explore ICT use and interaction in the wider context of people's lives. The research findings demonstrate the truism that technology does not have an independent determinative existence. Using an exploration of the complex and dynamic links, both real and potential, between ICTs and community development in Nigeria's diverse and troubled Niger Delta region, the paper makes a strong case for: the social embeddedness of ICTs in developing world contexts and the empowerment of local populations in defining the parameters of such a "fit." The paper concludes with an integrated media framework on how ICTs may be successfully deployed to support the development of marginalized communities in Africa.

Icts Usage Among Rural Communities in the Information Age: A Case Study of Small Scale Farmers in Eastern Cape Province South Africa

“…The findings of the study confirm the findings of Chilimo (2008) and other past studies. The findings also affirm what Okon (2015) said, that in studying ICTs use in everyday it is critical for one to understand the social networks of people within the community been study way of exchange of information because it does play a key role in how and type of technology that will be used. Therefore it is imperative for developmental agencies task with facilitating rural development agenda when integrating and using ICTs as a tool to reach rural people needs to be cautious of this as well.…”

“…There is ample empirical evidence in literature on key factors that influence ICTs usage and adoption among rural communities in Africa and other developing countries across the globe (James, 2010;Jacobs and Herselman, 2006;Meyer, 2003;Okon, 2015;Ramirez, 2001). Findings such as physical access; costs; lack of awareness of the benefits of ICTs; lack of skills; attitudinal barriers; literacy; content, gender and age, etc., have been identified by researchers such as Okon, ( 2015 2003); as key factors that prevent rural people globally from reaping the benefits of ICTs and serves as barriers to using technology.…”

COVID-19 Communication Ecologies: Using Interpersonal, Organizational, and Mediated Communication Resources to Cope With a Pandemic

“…The communication resources potentially included in a communication ecology are multifaceted and can include interpersonal, organizational, and mediated sources (Ball-Rokeach et al, 2001;Okon, 2015: Wilkin et al, 2007. Thus, COVID-19 communication resources can include family and friends, local organizations, news organizations, and government agencies (see Figure 2).…”

Community Development Approaches, Activities, and Issues

“…In a digitally divided world, efforts have been made to provide information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in rural communities to empower people with digital literacy, network, and current information (Marshall and Taylor 2005;Okon 2015;International Telecommunication Union 2006). A number of innovative projects are being experimented to see how information and communication technology can be employed to achieve community development (UNESCO 2004;Solution Exchange 2009;Cecchini and Raina 2002).…”