Communication for Rural Development: Challenge to Diffuse Development Information on Non-agricultural Rural Needs

In this 2-page paper Rivera suggests that non-agricultural services in the agricultural sector are generally lacking and that there must be an emphasis placed on non-agricultural ways to address poverty and people in rural areas. He also describes what he perceives as a need for new thinking in respect to communication in rural development.

According to Rivera, a system that coordinates rural knowledge and information networks would be useful in helping get development information circulated on non-agricultural subjects. Communications support for rural development is challenged by the need for financial sustainability of the systems established. Rivera suggests three ways forward: one, "organize networks of rural knowledge and information centers for rural development that would respond to observed and expressed rural development needs"; two, develop appropriate ICT programs, which continually seek funds to install and maintain new information and communication technologies, especially computers with Internet access"; three, "establish mechanisms for linkages with public and private sector agencies and organizations, institutes and centers."

Rivera suggests that a conceptual framework for a rural development knowledge and information system should include two separate components: agricultural knowledge and information systems for rural development as well as a separate rural knowledge and information system for rural development (RKIS/RD). In this last instance, communication specialists could use information to direct interested parties in ways that can produce resources such as information, training, instruction or other assistance. With this framework, multi-institutional alliances could help foster needs of small business owners in rural settings. Part of the challenge is for governments, the private sector, and international organizations to determine ways to serve RKIS/RD approaches to communication for rural development.

Please contact William Rivera: wr@umd.edu for the paper in its entirety.