The internet and rural development: Elements of a new paradigm

Abstract

The prevalent approach to providing the Internet in rural areas of developing countries takes the form of ‘telecentres’, where, it is assumed that ‘access to’ this technology will confer benefits on the target groups. The purpose of this paper is to show that this approach diverts attention from the many variables that determine whether and to what extent, access is translated into well‐being. During this part of the paper we draw on Sen's analysis of the complex relationships between consumption and welfare. The second part of our critique is concerned to show that excessive concern with access, has led to the neglect of an alternative type of model in which knowledge rather than technology is the main concern.

Citation

James, J. (2004), "The internet and rural development: Elements of a new paradigm", International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 93-108. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb045841