Information Technologies for Rural Development in Africa: New Paradigms from Radio to Broadband

Abstract

Broadcast media have been considered the most cost-effective means of reaching target populations in the developing world. Two trends are changing this paradigm. The first is the proliferation of interactive information and communication technologies (ICTs) from basic mobile phones to Internet access through smartphones, Internet cafes, and community telecenters as well as connections to work places, schools, and residences. The second is the emergence of social entrepreneurship—using business skills and strategies in nonprofit settings to accomplish development goals. Social entrepreneurs are learning to use ICTs as key components of strategies to achieve their goals.

This chapter presents the strategies and outcomes of an African project using radio plus ICTs to increase the productivity of small farmers and marketability of their crops as part of strategies to improve food security in Africa. With core funding from the Gates Foundation, the African Farm Radio Research Initiative (AFRRI) project developed farm radio campaigns and market information services to help small-scale farmers. Using targeted radio programs plus mobile phones, MP3 recorders, and Internet access, AFRRI projects reached farmers in Ghana, Mali, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. The project was rigorously evaluated, comparing results in farming communities with radio plus interactive ICTs, radio listening only, and no access to the radio programs. The combination of both radio and ICTs greatly increased not only awareness but also adoption of new farming practices.

This chapter presents the outcomes and lessons of this multi-year, multi-country research project. It then explores possible incorporation of broadband video and lessons from the AFRRI project that could apply to video as a component of an ICT strategy for food security.

Research reported in this chapter was carried out by Farm Radio International (FRI) with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The author is a member of the board of FRI and was an advisor on the project evaluation.