Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Rural Development

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) refer to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunication. It is similar to information technology (IT) but focuses primarily on communication technologies which include the internet, wireless networks; cell phone and other communication technologies have created a “global village” in which people can communicate with others across the world. For this reason, ICTs after studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect society. Several initiatives way in India to demonstrate the significant benefits of ICTs for rural populations. The ICTs are expected to exert positive inference on Education, Health, Employment and Agriculture which will have impact on Socio-economic aspects of rural poverty. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are crucial in improving access to health and education services and creating new sources of income and employment for the poor section of society. At present, the majority of applications and systems on climate change issues within the agricultural sector are related to scenario development, impact assessment and adaptation planning. Information is vital to tackle climate change effect for this reason, a shift is needed in the agriculture sector to disseminate appropriate knowledge at the right time to the ones who are at the frontline in the battle the farmers, in both developed and developing countries. Knowledge transfer should take into account farmers’ point of view, with the aim of building on their knowledge and capitalize on it. The decreasing cost of hardware, increase in reach of communication network and availability of the same at district and below district level is open-up huge potential for agricultural scientists and extension worker to reach the farming community in more focus, precise and specific manner.