Description
Book SynopsisThis book dives into the achievements, opportunities, risks and dangers of ICT in the rural Global South, and takes a look at the likely future.
Drawing on years of experience across 45 counties, as well as extensive original academic research, Willem van Eekelen situates the evolving role of ICT in wider development patterns in the Global South. He discusses the effects of ICT on agriculture, trade, financial flows, resource management and governmental performance. He then considers the associated risks of financial insecurity, online gambling, exclusion, misinformation and the effects of ICT on people's freedom. The book concludes with six recommendations to maximise the usefulness of rural ICT investments and minimise the risk of them causing harm.
This engaging and authoritative account of ICT and rural development will help students, academics, governmental policymakers, donors and investors wishing to support socio-economic development in the Global South.
Trade ReviewThe book provides a fresh and exciting view of how technology is used in rural areas in the Deep South. I enjoyed reading the examples and feedback as well as the opportunities, future, and challenges experienced in their own contexts. I think a tremendous amount of knowledge is shared that can assist similar future projects in knowing how to approach ICT in rural contexts and what the pitfalls and dangers to be aware of.
M. E. Herselman, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), CSIR, Pretoria Campus, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Willem van Eekelen, in ICT and Rural Development in the Global South, provides an open and honest review of ICT4D in the Global South. Van Eekelen's experience is clear to anyone who has worked in this field, and his knowledge of the benefits and risks is reflected on each page. Not only does he debunk many myths of ICT for development, but he also provides insight into where ICT can be beneficial, what risks ICT4D faces,
and how to mitigate them. [...] ICT and Rural Development in the Global South is a must-read for anyone involved in ICT4D wanting to make a noticeable difference to livelihoods in the Global South.
Malcolm Garbutt, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
Table of ContentsPROLOGUE PART 1: ICT’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT Introduction Chapter 1: Agricultural production processes Chapter 2: Trade Chapter 3: Diversified livelihoods Chapter 4: Microfinance Chapter 5: Remittances and social assistance Chapter 6: E-government Chapter 7: Climate change and natural resource management Chapter 8: The spread of ICT products and services PART 2: THE RISKS, DANGERS AND EXTERNALITIES OF ICT Introduction Chapter 9: Farming and rural employment Chapter 10: Financial safety and security Chapter 11: Gambling Chapter 12: The digital divide and its effects Chapter 13: Misinformation Chapter 14: Inclusivity and civic space CONCLUSIONS ANNEX 1: METHODOLOGY ANNEX 2: RESEARCH INTEGRITY AND ETHICS
