ICT and rural development in the global South

"This book dives into the achievements, opportunities, risks and dangers of ICT in the rural Global South, and takes a look at the likely future. Drawing on years of experience across 45 counties, as well as extensive original academic research, Willem van Eekelen situates the evolving role of ICT in wider development patterns in the Global South. He discusses the effects of ICT on agriculture, trade, financial flows, resource management and governmental performance. He then considers the associated risks of financial insecurity, online gambling, exclusion, misinformation and the effects of ICT on people's freedom. The book concludes with six recommendations to maximise the usefulness of rural ICT investments and minimise the risk of them causing harm. This engaging and authoritative account of ICT and rural development will help students, academics, governmental policymakers, donors and investors wishing to support socio-economic development in the Global South"--

Cover -- Half Title -- Series Page -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Table of Contents -- Table and boxes -- Abbreviations and acronyms -- Acknowledgements -- Prologue -- PART I: ICT's contributions to rural development -- 1. Agricultural production processes -- 2. Trade -- 3. Diversified livelihoods -- 4. Microfinance -- 5. Remittances and social assistance -- 6. E-government -- 7. Climate change and natural resource management -- 8. The spread of ICT products and services -- PART II: The risks, dangers and externalities of ICT -- 9. Farming and rural employment -- 10. Financial safety and security -- 11. Gambling -- 12. The digital divide and its effects -- 13. Misinformation -- 14. Inclusivity and civic space -- Conclusions -- Annex 1: Methodology -- Annex 2: Research integrity and ethics -- Index.

This book dives into the achievements, opportunities, risks and dangers of ICT in the rural Global South, and takes a look at the likely future. This engaging account of ICT and rural development will help students, academics, governmental policymakers, donors and investors wishing to support socio-economic development in the Global South

This book dives into the achievements, opportunities, risks and dangers of ICT in the rural Global South, and takes a look at the likely future. This engaging account of ICT and rural development will help students, academics, governmental policymakers, donors and investors wishing to support socio-economic development in the Global South