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A Framework for Understanding the Empowerment Effects of Telecentres on Rural Communities in Developing Countries

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Information and Communication Technologies for Development. Strengthening Southern-Driven Cooperation as a Catalyst for ICT4D (ICT4D 2019)

Part of the book series: IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology ((IFIPAICT,volume 551))

Abstract

This paper proposes a framework for understanding how individuals empowered by telecentres, in return, empower their rural communities. The issue is that although ICT4D projects such as telecentres are viewed as a vital way to foster social economic development, their effectiveness on reducing digital exclusion is continuously being questioned. This research suggests that the way telecentres users empower communities is key to understanding how communities can harness ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) to fight against digital exclusion. The study adopts qualitative research methods and targets two telecentres in Malawi. The study will help understand how individuals empowered by the use of ICTs such as telecentres can then empower members of their community. Hence, this study will provide insights of how ICTs can also become means to generate collective empowerment.

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Change history

  • 20 November 2020

    In the originally published version of this chapter, the name of the second author Roberta Bernardi was incorrect. The name of the author has been corrected.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Holloway University of London, London, UK

    Sellina Khumbo Kapondera & Niki Panteli

  2. University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

    Roberta Bernardi

Authors
  1. Sellina Khumbo Kapondera
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  2. Roberta Bernardi
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  3. Niki Panteli
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sellina Khumbo Kapondera .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Petter Nielsen

  2. University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Honest Christopher Kimaro

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Kapondera, S.K., Bernardi, R., Panteli, N. (2019). A Framework for Understanding the Empowerment Effects of Telecentres on Rural Communities in Developing Countries. In: Nielsen, P., Kimaro, H.C. (eds) Information and Communication Technologies for Development. Strengthening Southern-Driven Cooperation as a Catalyst for ICT4D. ICT4D 2019. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 551. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18400-1_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18400-1_9

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-18400-1

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