Analysing the role of ICT in rural community development: the case of Bakgoma Community Library in Makobe Village

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY : Rural development is a process that leads to the improvement of the lives of rural people. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are an effective tool, amongst others, that can foster rural development. Community Based Information Centres (CBICs) are established with the purpose of bridging digital divides in rural areas. The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of ICTs in fostering rural community development focusing on BAKGOMA community library in Makobe village, within Mogalakwena Municipality, Waterberg district, Limpopo province.The study took a qualitative approach using a case study. The librarian, founders, local ward councillor and community development practitioner were identified as the main change agents and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. Participant observation was also incorporated and users were observed; this was done to gather more data and to verify the collected data.The study has revealed that the centre is not being fully utilised as it is regarded as a centre for learners only. ICT facilities were highlighted as one of the main reasons users frequent the centre. The study has further revealed that there is a gap between the educated and uneducated. Little use of the centre by elderly people, lack of interest from the unemployed youth and poor newspaper supplies were some of the challenges that were highlighted.The study concludes that ICTs can foster rural development only if young and old, educated and uneducated people show support in established CBICs. The results imply that the community needs to be more exposed to effective ways that ICTs can improve their lives.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University