Local information upload strategy in building up rural community information pages on the Internet: An approach to attending the information needs of rural Sri Lanka

Abstract

The rural population in Sri Lanka consists of about 78.5% of the total population. Even though they contribute to a considerable portion of the GDP, most of them live in disadvantaged socio-economic conditions. The rural communities are equally enthusiastic in obtaining information for their daily lives, as are urbanites in facing challenges of the modern world. In planning development projects, the 'information' component is often overlooked. A SWOT analysis was done in the information environment to assess the feasibility of launching this kind of project. Information need categories were also identified by a mini-survey conducted in a rural area. This paper discusses a strategy to fulfill information needs by building up community information pages and using existing administrative structure. It is also important to upload the information generated at the local level. Two strategies are presented in collecting local information. The information upload strategy discussed in this paper is established on district and provincial administrative levels. Lower levels of administration are used to collect locally generated and specialized information.