Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s) in Rural Communities: A Case of Mutare Rural District in Manicaland, Province Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the limitations to accessing ICTs and how access to ICTs can benefit people from Mutare rural district. The Zimbabwean government has recognised the impact that ICTs will have on society and has already assessed’ the status quo of ICTs in the different sectors of the economy ( ICT Survey, 2005). lt is from this basis that the researcher will try to investigate whether everyone especially those in rural areas such as Mutare Rural could also benefit from the potential benefits (flered by ICTs. This study will also investigate how access can improve the socio-political and economic activities in Mutare Rural District. The study will also explore the ways in which access to ICTs can improve livelihooals in Mutare Rural District. Basing on the universal policy of the Zimbabwean government, the study will identify/ types of ICTs that the people of Mutare Rural District have access to. It will also identify / how access can facilitate development in Mutare Rural District. At the end of the study the researcher aims to come up with recommendations in regard to provision of suitable ICTs for Mutare Rural District.