Message-ID: <199512150847.DAA282509@atlanta.american.edu> Date: Fri, 15 Dec 1995 00:47:00 -0800 From: mailto:khm1@AXE.HUMBOLDT.EDU> Subject: Re: (IT vs. Poverty)=(Let Them Eat "IT") II To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
On Thu, 14 Dec 1995, Abubakr Alkhalifa wrote:>
> "In an area that appears to be relatively new, Information technology can
> participate in solving developmental problems. However, this is most
> applicable where vital information is complex, rarely available, and/or
> inaccessible, as is the case in developing countries.
>
[...] > computer technology is widespread in rural and urban areas of developing
> countries, and ... the proposed approach may become an effective tool
> for achieving their developmental goals...
Is the 'solution to' (treatment of) poverty a goal of the people who are suffering in the same way it is a goal of those who are concerned to help them somehow - and how does *communication* fit the agenda of either group? That is, the relevance - not to say *need* :-/ - of it should have to be established for the first group, and I don't see that an easy task. (I don't think we need to be too concerned about the second group on this score, except to wonder if they have been communicating with the first group very well...)
Even if we revert to accepting IT as *information* technology, Is a book to be less trusted because it's last years edition instead of last night's mail - and 90+% of what will be learned will be the same? It seems like the use of IT might make things worse instead of better; haves and have-nots even here.
I appreciate the lively discussion the topic has evoked.
kerry mailto:khm1@axe.humboldt.edu