Information needs for rural development

Abstract

The sixth in a series of articles on the activities of the Information Sciences Division (ISD) of the International development Research Centre (IDRC). Discusses an information strategy for the rural sector in developing countries. Traces the broad concept of rural development over five phases and examines the difficulty in providing rural populations with greater access to information aimed at improving their lives. Consideration of user needs is critical since information must be focused, generated by demand, grassroots-based, reflective of local conditions and based on indigenous knowledge. ISD's rural development approach is multidisciplinary. Projects focus on information requirements across basic social, economic and scientific issues. Rural information projects also require effective information flows at each phase to ensure that knowledge is actually being used. Recommends the strengthening and coordination of local information systems to better support rural populations as well as decision-makers.