rural ICT4D

Rural communication: Is there still a need for telecentres now that there are mobile phones?

LisaC — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:09:03 +0000

MONTEVIDEO (Ian Howard for APCNews) -

Following the initial rush of Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) projects in rural Africa, many did not yield the anticipated outcomes, and interest has been dying down. People then began talking about “sustainable ICT” projects, in which it was understood that projects would become self-sufficient after their initial donor-led investment and set-up period. But with the use of mobile phones gaining in popularity, popular rhetoric has begun to question the need of ICTs beyond the mobiles phone. While mobile phones certainly have had a great impact in rural areas, a new study by Ian Howard, commissioned by APC, through the analysis of two case studies he argues that the need for telecentres and affordable internet connections exists, as such centres cater to rural and niche markets the way larger companies cannot.

Unbounded possibilities: Observations on sustaining rural ICTs in Africa

karel — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:18:23 +0000

: Getting connected thanks to Wireless

This study commissioned by APC and written by wireless expert Ian Howard explores susta

African blogs on ICT for development

karel — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:24:15 +0100

As part of its research activities, APC has compiled a list of African ICT blogs.

Fantsuam Foundation workers erect a satellite internet connection. Photo: Fantsuam Foundation (2003)

kah — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:15:47 +0100

The Zitt Geeks - Young Nigerians turn to computing to improve their job prospects

webmaster — Thu, 02 Sep 2004 06:00:00 +0100

BAYANLOCO (Karen Higgs for APCNews) -

The Fantsuam Foundation provides refurbished computers to civil society organisations and partners, runs computer training centres and offers the only internet connection for hundreds of miles around in rural Nigeria. All this in Kafanchan State where electricity is often unavailable and innovators power their computers using car batteries. The Foundation’s work is supported by a home-grown corps of ICT youth volunteers, the Zitt Geeks. The Geeks are already free software devotees and they are the first participants in Fantsuam’s business incubator which provides training, mentoring and funding to enable enterprising youths to become self-employed.

The challenge of getting online - Fantsuam brings satellite internet to villages in rural Nigeria

webmaster — Fri, 30 Jul 2004 06:00:00 +0100

KAFANCHAN (Karen Higgs for APCNews) -

APC member in rural Nigeria, Fantsuam Foundation, has recorded yet another first in rural ICT programmes. Earlier this year, Fantsuam launched a VSAT facility which provides the first rural-based internet access in Kaduna State, if not in Nigeria. APCNews talked to Fantsuam’s director, John Dada, about the impact the new internet satellite connection is having on the community and the Foundation.