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Planning of Integrated Ict Centre in a Rural Area for Development of Rural Communities

M A Zaman
Professor
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Due to ever-increasing population, food requirement is increasing but cultivable land is decreasing as new dwelling houses, roads, markets, and industries are being constructed both in rural and urban areas. Increased agricultural production is no more possible using traditional ways and means. Most of the rural farmers are marginal and small and they are lacking information as to how production can be increased substantially using their limited resources. Many of them are illiterate and require special attention in selecting information tools and materials. Close supervision and guidance are also necessary for the farmers in their efforts to increase production and to alleviate poverty. Govt. extension system is not effective due to lack of sufficient manpower and required fund allocation. Private sector initiatives with funding from national and international donor agencies and in association with Govt. extension system are essentially needed. Non-agricultural development activities such as food security; health, nutrition and disease control; children and mothers’ health care; family planning; education and skills; human and property rights; rights to information; organizational rights; gender issues; transportation and marketing; protection of environment and biodiversity are to be done simultaneously to make all development activities sustainable. For dissemination of information an integrated ICT centre, comprising a low-cost and simple internet connectivity (with edge modem connected to the USB port of the PC); community radio listening and television watching; multimedia display; a library of printed materials, audio cassettes and CDs and a digital photo studio, is suggested. The centre will be able to provide information service along with cell phone, internet, e-mail, e-learning, e-governance, e-marketing, photo printing, photocopy, library and training services. Adequate number of trained manpower will have to operate the centre. Initial funding by donors may be required to equip the centre with necessary materials and facilities and running the centre for a couple of years; after which the centre is expected to be self-sustained. The centre will collect information from different sources such as websites, radio and TV broadcasts, community radio programs, success stories, universities and research institutes, Govt. organizations, NGOs, experts in relevant areas, extension workers, community trainers, etc. The collected information is to be sorted and processed according to the demands/requirements of the communities. Information needs are to be determined through group discussions with various communities and information materials are to be prepared in local language. Participation of the target people/community has to be ascertained in the ICT development and implementation process. Linkage with the organizations and personnel working in the filed of ICT development has to be established so that the development plans-strategies-activities of the centre can be modified according to the lessons learned by them.

Keywords: ICT centre, Rural communities, Cmmunication technology, ICT in Agriculture

Location: Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Knowledge Management

Non-commodity: ICT

Objectives:

1. To serve as an information exchange centre and a repository of all sorts of information needed by the rural people;

2. To provide information on all aspects of community life;

3. To help people make use of information;

4. To help community members acquire skills, knowledge and confidence to participate more willingly in community affairs;

5. To assist communities to improve their economic conditions;

6. To coordinating and organizing activities with extension and other community workers, such as workshops, discussion groups, and practical demonstrations;

7. To organizing activities in which community members can share ideas, information and concerns with GO and NGO agency workers; and

8. To providing a meeting and activity space for community use.

Methodology:

The availability of large numbers of poor laborers and the fragmented character of many landholdings has perpetuated a labor-intensive style of agriculture. Out of the total farm holdings of 15.09 million, the marginal (0.05-0.49 acre), small (0.05 - 2.49 acres), medium (2.50 - 7. 49 acres), large (7.5 acres and above) holdings account for 38.63, 49.85, 10.34 and 1.17 percent, respectively. The landless holdings (absolute landless) accounts for 14.03% of 28.17 million total holdings (BBS, 2005). Per capita availability of cultivable land is only 0.14 acre, and the average farm size is 1.50 acres. Landless people are also dependent on farming. Huge number of small landholdings with limited resource poses a big threat on modernization of production system (Nazrul Islam, 2008). The country has begun to experience various problems related to hybrid rice. In such a situation agricultural production system has become very much complex. Most of the rural farmers are marginal and small having limited resources. In order to increase production substantially, each and every farm has to be given attention and proper guidance with appropriate information. Govt extension system is not effective due shortage of manpower and lack of fund. To ensure food security, Govt. should should take immediate measures to strengthen extension system. Private sector initiatives with funding from national and international donor agencies and in association with Govt. extension system have become very much essential. Farmers need information on how to increase agricultural production; how to grow better crops; how to raise better animals and poultry birds; better ways of farming; how to protect crops from insects, pests and diseases; how to protect animals and birds from diseases; availability and prices of agricultural inputs; availability and prices of fertilizers; fertilizer doses and timing of application; availability and prices of machines for farming; weather forecasts; harvesting and post-harvest processing of crops; crop storage techniques; marketing of agricultural produces for higher price; access to extension workers/advisory services; finance/credit for the people under poverty-line in order to rebuild adequate resources for increased income; finance/credit in case of crop damage due to natural disaster; finance/credit in case of death of poultry birds due to bird flue; and finance/credit to poor but meritorious students. Fishing community needs information on the issues related to fish farming and fish production. Unemployed youths need information on job opportunities. Teachers and students need information resources for their educational attainments. Some of the rural families may be engaged in handicrafts, bamboo crafts, pottery, sewing and embroidery. These people need information on the better design, quality standards and better production technology. Health, food and nutrition are the primary concern of all categories of people. Public health care services are almost nil in rural areas. The people should have access to information on good nutrition for better health; sources of better nutrition; good and balanced diets; safe water to drink and wash; prevention of malnutrition and diseases; good health practices; good sanitation; child and mother health care; family planning and health education. The experiment were considering the among field of Education, Health Care, Information Need of the Rural Community, Agricultural Information, Health, Food and Nutrition, Planning the Integrated ICT Centre, Information and Library services, Internet Cable TV Service, e-mail service, On-line help service, Radio Listening Service, Training service, Document printing and photocopy service, Digital Photography and Printing Service, Distance Education, Learning and Management etc. Concerted primary healthcare activities with community development efforts should be undertaken to improve the overall living condition of the people.

Source of Information: World conference on agricultural Information and IT; IAALD AFITA WCCA2008

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Human activities are based on information as because it is essential for decision making. Vast majority of the rural population are striving for economic emancipation. But there is none to pay attention to them. Their rights and privileges are always undermined. Food security is now a global concern. It is high time to give the farmers due support and assistance on all aspects of life. They should have access to required information and support services to ensure increased agricultural production. ICT is the most appropriate tool for dissemination of information and village level ICT centre can play vital role in providing information to every individual.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings