Application of Modern Information Technologies for Rural Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Access to information services by rural community dwellers is essential in bringing about sustainable development, economic empowerment, improved agricultural productivity and poverty reduction in the rural areas. Yet, these services are not available in the area due to rural neglect despite the growing trend in technological innovations, economic pressures and regularity reforms which are making information services more affordable and available and as well, providing opportunities to bring these services to the door step of the people (both rural and Urban), thereby closing the information gap existing between the rural and the urban areas. This study has raised issues on the current state of information services to the rural people in Nigeria. The concepts of rural area, community development in the rural areas were identified to include poverty, illiteracy and social exclusion, among others. The study also highlights the information needs of the rural dwellers, and recommends that poverty reduction, reactivating the various information sources and provision of supporting infrastructure should be the priority of the government and related development agencies in Nigeria.