Paul Kariuki
ABSTRACT
A new era of rapid growth in technological innovation has dawned on us, characterized by increased sharing and communication of information globally using technology. To date, the world has moved into an era of advanced technological innovation that significantly affects all consumers of technology -- people, communities, governments and institutions. It is possible that benefits will begin to accrue from the 'digital age' in terms of social and economic development. However, in most developing countries, the majority of citizens, especially poor people in rural areas, are not benefiting from the rapid advancement of technology. Hence, there is a growing urgency of utilizing ICT-enabled services as tools, to equitably support sustainable social and economic development in poor communities. This paper premises that because different communities have different needs, ICTs ought to be provided in a manner that is responsive to local needs, in full recognition of the different multi-dimensional livelihoods of communities. This is critical for efficient and equitable distribution of ICT-enabled services, in order to contribute to social and economic development in the poorest communities. This paper focuses on the impact of digital community hubs (DCHs) in facilitating ICT diffusion and penetration in the Inanda Ntuzuma Kwamashu (INK) area. This is a presidential development node, located approximately 30 kilometers from Durban. The area is hugely composed of economically impoverished communities and has a significant political background.
In the first section, the paper defines DCHs and their importance in enhancing ICT diffusion in impoverished peri-urban areas. In the second section, a brief discussion on strategic approaches to establishing sustainable DCHs is provided. Thirdly, the paper analyzes the utilization and accessibility of computers and other technologies by community members in the INK area, to communicate and access information and services, such as those related to education, health care, market prices, banking, business development services and government services. Fourthly, the paper identifies critical success factors necessary to facilitate ICT diffusion in peri-urban areas such as the INK community. Lastly, the role of government in supporting the implementation of DCHs is discussed and pertinent recommendations are provided.
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Index Terms
- An analysis of the impact of digital community hubs in facilitating ICT diffusion in peri-urban areas: a case of Inanda Ntuzuma Kwamashu (INK) digital hub, Durban, South Africa
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