Message-ID: <199605280752.MAA18106@sdnpk.undp.org> Date: Tue, 28 May 1996 05:37:59 -0400 From: mailto:RIAZKHAN@NLDP.SDNPK.UNDP.ORG> Subject: DEVELOPING-RURAL INFORMATION SERVICE To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Dear List members, It seems that all of us on this list are interested in the field of DEVELOPMENT. According to my interpretation development is about bringing an inprovement. Information is the key to bring about this improvement. However Most of the population lives in the Rural areas in the developing countries who have no access to information and are also not in a position to utilize the information. Earlier I had posted my article regarding provision of Rural Information Services. Most users showed an interest in it. However now I am interested in developing a better Concept/Framework/model on Rural Information Services with your help and assistance. My idea is to involve the list members in developing a generalized Rural Information Service Concept/Startegy which can then be implemented (if required) with modification in any coutry. A reason for this exercise is that we in the developing countries are not familiar with the latest technology (appropriate). Also no one person has all the knowledge to develop such a strategy. Frankly at this stage I do not know whether a Rural Information Service is required or not. Maybe there are better and more cost efficient alternatives. This list can thus serve as a good forum.The problem: whether access to/utilization of information can bring about a change in lives of the target group ie. Villagers, if yes then what is to be provided and how it is to be provided:
Assuming we agree that information will make a difference we need answers/elaboration/clarifications to the following:
1. Typical Village/Target Group Rural Area (a village within a 1 - 2 hour drive from a City) Mostly Illiterate population. 500 - 5000 households Has a school (formal,non-formal), Basic Health Unit (???), Drinking Water (a well)???, No Sanitation facilities, Post office???, Electricity (probably no.), Telephone (???), Probably farmers. Male/Females/Children. NGO (probably none??), Has a transportation system. Village situated a few miles from the main road. Newspaper ??? Radio, Television ????.
EXISTING SITUATION 2. What is the information needs, requirements? Into the village and out of the village? According to our assessment? According to the villagers assessment?
Some areas that may be common to all villages. Health Preventive health Education Population Agriculture/Farming Environment Trading Fisheries (for those near water) other sectors
3. Exisiting systems in the village? How do they get information or satisfy thier information needs at present?
PROPOSALS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUGGESTIONS 4. In what form should the information be supplied/repackaged? ie Videos, written material, lectures, Personal visits of extension workers etc
5. Who should provide the information- NGOs, Government? What should be the Villagers/Community's role in it?
6. What delivery mechanism should be used? ie. From City to the Village and vice versa? Frequency? Mode?
7. What should be the utilization/dessimination mechanism within the Village? and vice versa within the city?
8 What are the costs implications? Organizational and management implications? Sustainability?Funding requirements if needed and source of funding?
MONITORING/IMPACT ASSESSMENT 9. How are we going to monitor the service and see the impact. What information should we collect and analyze.
I feel that if appropriate list members should respond to the list so that others can also benefit. Please put the refence number ( 1- 9) which I have used when answering a specific question. It will make my work easier when preparing a summary.
WITH BEST REGARDS
RIAZ KHAN