Role of information for rural development in Bangladesh: a sector-wise review

Abstract

Although it is generally agreed that information plays a critical role in development, no sure-success way of applying information for sustainable development has been worked out so far. This article gives an overview of the roles information could play in various socio-politico-economic sectors in the rural areas of Bangladesh. Against a backdrop of the enactment of a Right to Information Act and the government’s recent efforts towards establishing a Digital Bangladesh by the year 2021, the country has been witnessing a revival of information-focused activities in its rural and far-flung areas. Covering diverse areas including agriculture, health, human rights, education, employment, market and finance and disaster management, the article indicates how an informed and knowledge-empowered rural people could carry their way forward towards ensuring socio-economic advancement of the country and thereby recognizing the role of information for sustainable rural development.

Poverty alleviation through strategic public library services in Nigeria in the 21st century: a model

“…The librarian or information worker can assist the patrons by acting as a facilitator in such programmes. This includes providing useful information and making important texts available to encourage people to read, especially those in the rural communities (Hoq, 2012). Outreach programmes.…”

“…Examples can be taken from China, where their existence was reported by Clarke et al (2011). Also, according to Hoq (2012), a rural information centre that is run by an able information professional can educate the rural people on how to make the best use of their money and resources, as well as providing information on jobs and ways of getting them. Library and information entrepreneurship programmes and schemes.…”

Public perception of human trafficking: a case study of Moldova

“…Counter-trafficking organizations have reached their target audience: rural residents, people from lower social classes, and less education are more informed about human trafficking. Despite the organizations' assumptions, another study also found that accurate information can empower rural people with knowledge on human rights, health, and employment, among others (Hoq 2012).…”

Can community-based organisations deliver adequate agricultural information to farmers? Evidence from rural resources centres in Cameroon

“…Information serves as the basis for any development activity (FAO and World Bank, 2000; Tadesse, 2008). In addition, in the agricultural sector, making relevant, reliable and useful information available to producers at the right time can significantly contribute to increasing agricultural productivity (Tadesse 2008; Demiryürek 2010; Hoq 2012; Rehman et al 2013). Norton (2005) argues that for extension services to achieve their agricultural and rural development objectives, the availability and flow of good quality information are important.…”