Abstract
This chapter investigates the link between ICT and rural livelihood expansion in
the context of the sustainable livelihood framework. Using two sets of agrarian
reform communities (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of e-AGRIKultura project), we found evidence of a positive association between ICT, livelihood and income.
There is greater appreciation of the value of information among beneficiaries compared to non-beneficiaries. While income for non-beneficiaries has increased due to another development intervention, because they appreciate information less, there is a potential threat in sustaining income gains. The ICT project is successful in converting rural communities to have a more progressive viewpoint on the role of ICT in providing information to enhance their livelihood assets. Considering the present endowments available to the rural households, they are better off with the ICT project with significant impact in increasing farm incomes as it facilitates expansion of rural livelihood, thereby increasing non-farm incomes as well.
While there is a growing realization of the role of ICT among rural households,
more extensive advocacy campaigns and investments are necessary to ensure that information can be usefully accessed by all the potential stakeholders. Community organizations can be used to develop sustainability plans and act as a conduit in empowering rural communities. Local governments should play a vital role in ICTs supporting livelihoods through policies that will facilitate operation of private businesses, thereby forming catalysts of public–private partnerships.
the context of the sustainable livelihood framework. Using two sets of agrarian
reform communities (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of e-AGRIKultura project), we found evidence of a positive association between ICT, livelihood and income.
There is greater appreciation of the value of information among beneficiaries compared to non-beneficiaries. While income for non-beneficiaries has increased due to another development intervention, because they appreciate information less, there is a potential threat in sustaining income gains. The ICT project is successful in converting rural communities to have a more progressive viewpoint on the role of ICT in providing information to enhance their livelihood assets. Considering the present endowments available to the rural households, they are better off with the ICT project with significant impact in increasing farm incomes as it facilitates expansion of rural livelihood, thereby increasing non-farm incomes as well.
While there is a growing realization of the role of ICT among rural households,
more extensive advocacy campaigns and investments are necessary to ensure that information can be usefully accessed by all the potential stakeholders. Community organizations can be used to develop sustainability plans and act as a conduit in empowering rural communities. Local governments should play a vital role in ICTs supporting livelihoods through policies that will facilitate operation of private businesses, thereby forming catalysts of public–private partnerships.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Strengthening Rural Livelihoods |
Subtitle of host publication | The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies in Asia |
Editors | David J. Grimshaw, Shalini Kala |
Place of Publication | Dunsmore UK |
Publisher | International Development Research Centre |
Chapter | 6 |
Pages | 89-108 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Edition | 1st |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781552505175 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781853397226 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |