Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

This study aims at investigating the limitations to accessing ICTs and how access to ICTs can benefit people from Mutare rural district. The Zimbabwean government has recognised the impact that ICTs will have on society and has already assessed the status quo of ICTs in the different sectors of the economy ( ICT Survey, 2005). It is from this basis that the researcher will try to investigate whether everyone especially those in rural areas such as Mutare Rural could also benefit from the potential benefits offered by ICTs. This study will also investigate how access can improve the socio-political and economic activities in Mutare Rural District. The study will also explore the ways in which access to ICTs can improve livelihoods in Mutare Rural District. Basing on the universal policy of the Zimbabwean government, the study will identify types of ICTs that the people of Mutare Rural District have access to. It will also identify how access can facilitate development in Mutare Rural District. At the end of the study the researcher aims to come up with recommendations in regard to provision of suitable ICTs for Mutare Rural District.

Autorentext

Martha Chigovanyika is a social scientist and researcher. Her research interests are in the use of communication tools in empowering rural communities in Africa. She holds a M Soc Sci (Communication). She is a PhD candidate at a South African University.