Rural Radio and New Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): Implications on Agricultural Technology Dissemination and Adoption in Kenya

Abstract

This research paper is a culmination of an attempt to address the glaring weaknesses in the provision of extension services with the support of rural radio and enhanced by the new ICTs. The basis of the study and the outcome can be extended to other media. Society is changing fast and there is need for a corresponding change in the method and process of doing things.

Chapter one deals with the introduction and problem conceptualization, study objectives, and justification for the study. Chapter two handles the theoretical framework and literature review, as a basis for the study of rural radio and new ICTs. Chapter three handles the methodology aspects of library research, field data collection and observation. Chapter four presents the findings fromboth the field research and library sources, and gives a qualitative analysis. Chapter five discusses the findings in light of the findings and proposes framework ideals and ~ expected ICT development levels in Kenya that can result in improved technological advancement. Chapter six gives concluding remarks and tries to globalize the concept of ICT as local development levels are given a comparative projection.

The paper concludes that technology transfer is a complex process that requires that change agents invest time to find out the social, cultural, economic and political characteristics of people before venturing to implement interventions,

Choice of media, content, context, scope and personnel needs to be done meticulously to avoid disrupting the delicate social balance that exists in societies under development transition.

Rural areas need to be adequately linked to the information superhighway if meaningful development has to be attained in developing countries in order to catch up with the developed world and bridge the digital divide and benefit from dividends brought about by adequate connectivity.