Availability and Use of ICT in Rural Areas: The Case of Bunda District in Tanzania

Abstract

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been streamlined into policy and strategy frameworks of most Countries, Tanzania included. At national level, most countries has made good progress on several MDGs targets. Tanzania is considered to be off-track with regard to the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger which is MDG one. Thus, it has embarked on the MDGs Acceleration Framework (MAF) initiatives to develop a nationally owned MDGs acceleration action plan to speed up progress towards a specific MDG target that is otherwise unlikely to be met by 2015.

This study was carried out with two broad aims: mapping availability and use of ICT in rural areas; and ICTs impact on, and contribution to peoples life. The primary focus of the study was to develop a better understanding related to availability, access and the usage extent, challenges, and the impact of ICTs and associated infrastructure and services in rural areas. To achieve its objective, the study used literature review and field survey through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The results of the study indicates that primary school is the highest level of education, agriculture was the main economic activity, more than half of respondents have an income per month below 30 USD, majority use mobile phones as a communication tool, and public gatherings are the most effective communication means. ICT services on the livelihood was reported to bring positive changes at various levels in the society.