Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.

org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.7, No.1, 2017

The Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in

Rural Development of Nigeria

Chieme Azubuike
Email- chieme.Azubuike@gmail.com,

Nyekwere, Endwell Onyinye

Email: onyifavor@gmail.com,

Nwaubeta, Grace Nnennaya

Email: nnennayah@yahoo.com,

Ikiriko, Stella, I.G

Department of Mass Communication, Port Harcourt Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Nigeria).

Abstract
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the world over, has gained prominence, especially in the
area of communication, to the extent that the level of understanding of several tenets in every sphere of life has
also been better understood, arising from the gains of communication empowered by technology. It is common
knowledge to aver that communication that is imbued with digital ingredients know no boundaries. It means,
therefore, that information and communication technology cut across all shades of people, irrespective of culture,
location among others, provided that the accessibility is ultimately guaranteed. Thus, in Africa, rural dwellers
are kept abreast with happenings globally with the instrumentality of information and communication
technologies, their location notwithstanding. However, there are myriad of gains accruable from the existence of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Africa, especially in the realm of rural development. It is
also evident that there are challenges inherent in their use. This article x-rays the role of ICTs in rural
development in Nigeria, juxtaposing it with their challenges.
Key words: ICT, Rural, Development, Nigeria, Africa

Introduction
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a compound or generic term that envelope all the modern
improvements in the area of communication (Michael and Iwokwagh 2007, p.36). Crowder van, et al, cited in
Asadu, (2009, p.83) defines ICT as “a range of electronic technologies which when converged in new
configurations are flexible, adaptable, enabling and capable of transforming organizations and redefining social
relations”. Communication and Technology involves the application of electronic equipment, especially the
computer and telecommunication in gathering, analysis, storage, retrieval and transmission of information as part
of man’s effort to find solution to the multifarious problems he is facing (Asadu,2009,p.83).
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can also be described as a revolutionary advancement in
communication, possessing possibilities far too numerous to count. It creates a next door effect whereby distance
is completely exterminated and far reaching possibilities are brought to our reach (Amodu, 2007, p.9). He notes
further that the introduction of ICT into any sphere engenders unprecedented level of transformation.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are made up of several forms of communication. These
include the use of computer, radio, TV, Telephone, the Internet, among others. “The most prominent of the
manifestations of ICTs is the Internet. The ability of the Internet to maintain open standard for transmitting
digitized data-voice, video or text from one computer to another has constituted its single most important reason
for success, and thus, needful in rural development (Amodu, 2007).
The Internet, for example, is garnering an industry of its own with a lot of resources accruing to and from it.
Rodney, (2005,p.144) defines the internet as a potentially powerful vehicle to mitigate and ultimately change
social dynamics, an empowering and engaging means for personal exploration and expression, and a medium
that enables one to one communication. The Internet does not only allow one to one communication but one-
many, many-many e.t.c.
Awake (2009, p. 3) observes that from cell phones to computers to television, technology has found its way into
every corner of the world even crossing the divide between the rich and poor and has become a part of life for
many. The pervasiveness of technology is perhaps most apparent in the proliferation of cell phones, many of

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which are no longer just phones. Advanced models enable users to access the internet, send and receive e-mail
and text messages, watch TV, listen to music, take photos, navigate by the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Today, ICT is the order-of-the-day, such that even children are becoming heavy consumers of the Internet to the
extent that the major campaign today has shifted to parents to ensure that their children/wards exposure to new
media technologies are monitored. This is because at any given moment, millions of youths are online, whether
at home, at school, at a friend’s house, or if they have internet access on a hand held device or cell phone almost
anywhere, and they may even know how to keep you in the dark about their online activities (Awake, 2008, p. 3).
However, the advanced countries have used the existence of ICT as a platform for enhancement of
several spheres of their endeavour while their counterparts in the developing countries are yet to adequately
utilize the gains derivable from ICTs.
Nworgu, (2008, p.191) states that “it is a painful fact that in the face of avalanche of information suffocating the
information highways and super high ways, the less developed countries of the world still lack access to
information that is vital to their lives and livelihood”.
Corroborating the above, Hall, (cited in Rodney 2005) explains the proportion of Africa and the entire world
utilization of the ICT and its technicalities thus:
In many parts of the world, especially in Africa, little movement has been
evident over the past two decades. Africa has just 3% of the world’s TV
sets, 2% of the world’s daily newspapers, and 6% of world radio
receivers. These proportions are scarcely changing as the world’s richer
countries push further ahead in the technological race (p.145).

To further present this fact in a clearer perspective, Ogunsola (cited in Nworgu, 2008) observes that the
availability and use of ICT in Africa is at its slowest speed hence, Africa has 13% of the world population, but
only 2% of the world telephone lines and 1% of internet connectivity, measured in terms of number of internet
hosts and the internet users.
Information and Communication technology (ICT) has been seen as a platform for advancement and
survival in the workplaces in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Shittu, et al, (2008, p. 29) observes that Africans
perceive ICT as basic tools for survival, which increases efficiency in the workplace as well as facilitates easy
and speedy communication.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is in affinity with the concept of the world being a global
village, indicating that the world is now a place where a lot of people are communicating all the time, such that a
good chunk of the world population is involved in the process, thereby creating an advancement in the
communication sphere with the generality of them becoming aware of the fact that the world is a common and
little place that is covered in a split second with the technicalities of ICTs.
As a result of the foregoing, therefore, Baran chronicles the positions of foremost progenitors in globalization,
Mcluhan and Gibson thus, “Global village is an exciting place, a good place for people enjoying increased
contact and increased involvement with one another aided by electronic technology, it is about electronic
technology turning us into distinguishable non individuals, rallying around products…” (Baran 2009, p.299).
As a result of the unavoidability of the ICT in today’s events and man’s existence, most developing countries
have started adopting the totality of its workability for transaction, information, storage and acquisition of salient
data. In Nigeria, for instance, “Nigeria Federal government has since 2000 accelerated ICT development projects
in the country. The Nations’ Information Technology (IT) policy and an implementing agency, the Nigerian
Information Technology Development Agency have been established. The country launched the NIGERIA SAT
1 Satellite into space in 2003 (Shittu, et al, 2008, p.29). Nigeria launched SAT I for environmental monitoring as
well as communication satellite.
This particular scenario is prevalent across the African landscape, as most African countries are in various
processes and stages of the advancement of the ICT in their domain, with the aim of achieving results. Most
government agencies and parastatals are online; offering services pertaining to e-governance. Today through the
various IT policies of African nations, ICTs can and is been used for health care improvement and delivery,
improvement of information dissemination strategies, research development as well as rural development.

Importance of Information and Communication Technology

Computers, for example, spare us tedious task, enable us to buy and bank conveniently online, and help us keep
in touch with others by e-mail, voice mail or video link. With the computer, a lot of tedious and herculean tasks
are reduced. For instance, at the convenience of our personal computer or laptops, we can transact business and
interact with different people which ordinarily would not have been possible (Awake, 2009 p.4). They note

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further that prior to now, family members went their various ways in the morning and would not speak to one
another again until evening, but now, “70% of couples in which both partners have cell phones contact each
other dearly just to say hello, 64% contact each other to coordinate schedules, and 42% of parents contact their
children using cell phone”.
Instructively, information and communication Technology (ICT) provides irresistible platforms for quick
information dissemination. Information sent out is received simultaneously. This is achieved via the
instrumentality of ICT. Rodman, (2006, p.297) explains that “digital communication would be most accurate and
reliable than analog, because a message converted into digits could be sent without distortion. As long as the full
text of digits arrived at the destination, the message received would be an exact copy of the message sent”. Thus,
ICT development has miniaturized the communication process, such that it is easier to access.
Similarly, ICT promotes interactivity in the communication process. In course of communication, there comes a
wide gap that is closed and this tremendous closure of gap is enhanced by the fact that interaction among two or
more communications are in progress. Obviously, this high degree of interaction that is garnished with
tremendous success could only be achieved with the aid of the Information and Communication Technology
(ICT). Aina, et al, (2008,p.104) observe that “Computer conferencing systems typically include not only e-mail
and bulletin boards but also many-to-many communications, by allowing all participants to join topics and enter
comment on subject being discussed. This is interactivity re-echoed”. Today, these interactive capabilities are
also made manifest in social media platforms where openness, collaboration, participation and connectivity are
the other of the day.
In the same vein, Information and Communication Technology enhances textuality in communication. It implies
that as a result of ICT, information electronically initiated end up coming up in hard copy. That is, interactions
that happen electronically are produced in hardcopy for distribution, which enhances further readability by those
who were not directly involved in the interaction that took place. Hardcopies could be produced in the city and
distributed to the rural dwellers. Perhaps, in an organized programme aimed at sensitizing them on a particular
aspect of life. The growth of ICT promotes confidentiality, to the extent that you are known for your
information. This is achievable by the fact that information emanating from a source as confidential would be
treated as such. To do this, the originator of the information uses a particular code to store the information,
especially if it is not for the consumption of everyone. When such information is required, the progenitor of the
information is approached.
More than anything else, ICT encourages interdependence among people of various background, opinion and
interest. Thus, due to ICT, professionals have a free market place of ideas, where these professionals can
ascertain the latest information in their various professional callings. Hence, in appraising ICTs growth,
Nworgu, (2008, p.192) asserts that “Communication technologies have encouraged interdependence among
professors, institutions and countries. Many important factors have increased interdependence. They include
new developments in science and technology, especially computers and the growing sophistication of
information software which have speeded up communication”
Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Rural Development
Oladipo (cited in Mojaye, 2007, p.76) define development as a process of economic and social advancement
which enables people to realize their potentials, build self confidence and lead lives of dignity and fulfillment”.
Moemeka (2007,p.7) sees development as “a positive change from conditions that are no longer good enough
for the goals and aspiration of a society to those that are most likely to meet those goals and aspiration.
Consequent on the huge track record set by ICTs and the Internet in particular, it has been generally concluded
that the same order of substantial success can be achieved in the area of development in rural Africa (Amodu,
2007, p.9). He notes further that ICT bridges the gap between development professionals and rural people
through the initiation of interaction and dialogue. They also believe that the Internet as part of the ICTs can
foster new alliances and interpersonal networks together with literal and cross-sector links between
organisations.
According to Akeredolu-Ale (1993, p.32) rural development is grouped into two conceptions thus:
-Remedial conception and
-Dynamic or transformational conception.
By the remedial conception, rural development is seen as an initiative whose primary objective is the alleviation
of poverty. In this case rural development is aimed at identifiable target groups among the rural poor. By
transformational conception, rural development is perceived as a more comprehensive concern, both in terms of
its target and in terms of its programme orientation. Thus, rural development is aimed at the entire rural sector,
even if it entails constituent programme aimed at particular target groups. In this case, rural development is

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intended to correct not just the poverty of selected target group, but rural poverty as a structural phenomenon, as
well as maintaining relationship between the rural and urban sectors of the economy.
Apart from the foregoing conceptions, the Federal ministry of Agriculture, water resources and rural
development in a paper presentation, see rural development as strategies designed to improve the economic and
well being of Nigerians in the rural communities by extending the benefits of development to the poor and
indeed, the small scale and subsistent farmers and other rural dwellers. This is because, over 75% of Nigerians
live in the rural areas and because of this large proportion, the success of development programmes would
depend on the importance attached to this rural populace and on efforts being made towards solving their
economic and social problems.
The dominant view by scholars is that development must be people-centered for it to be effective. “Development
must be of the people, by the people and for the people” (Soola, 2012,p.15). A people-centered or participatory
approach to development planning and management involves people’s active participation in decision making on
issues that pertain to their livelihoods and interest (UNDP 2006, 65) they note further that such participation help
people to realize their potential and play an active role in the social and economic transformation of their
different communities.
Information and communication Technology (ICT) can automatically be used as a catalyst for rural
development, especially in developing countries of the world and Nigeria in particular. But, this aspiration
cannot be achieved except the generality of the populace in the rural areas are integrated through trainings and
taught how the packages can enable them solve specific problems.
Therefore, ICT/Internet must be used in a decentralized manner for it to be effective and relevant to development
generally. The bottom line of the foregoing is that those in the developing countries should be encouraged to
participate to enable them appreciate themselves on the present realities, which abound via ICT in all sphere of
life’s existence.
Providing targeted training opportunities for rural dwellers on how to make use of such communication
technologies, making Cyber cafes available in strategic points in rural areas in Nigeria so that the ruralites can
use them at subsidized rates or even free of charge, in which case government can offset the bills will foster rural
development and facilitate the change process. Creation of programmes using the local language of the target
communities should also be considered as this will not only proof successful but will give the people a sense of
belonging (Nwabueze and Nwabueze, 2007 p.174).
Arising from the need for participation in rural development by the rural dwellers, Asadu (2009:36) used a
paradigm which he referred to as the participation communication approach. This paradigm hinges on the
subjugation of the developing countries. He maintained, citing Inagaki that populace should be integrated or
encouraged to take part in the developmental process of their place rather than copy from the ‘developed’ world.
This indicates that Inagaki abhors master – servant relationship playing out among developing and developed
nations in terms of modernization paradigm.
Above all, participatory communication is that type of communication in which all the interlocutors are free and
have equal access to the means to express their viewpoints, feelings and experiences, collective action aimed at
promoting their interest, solving their problems, and transforming their society, is the means to an end
(Bondenave 2006,p.44; Asadu, 2007,p.36).
Therefore, in the rural areas and for rural development to thrive, the people must be abreast and carried along on
every step to take. When this is the order-of-the-day; then information and communication technology will be
extensively used for advancement of rural development in Nigeria and beyond.
Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) also stimulates economic growth and reduce ignorance. In
the agricultural sector, ICT can provide information that can lead to food security; assist in poverty alleviation;
provide information on health matters and trade facilities including online banking. Information as the key drives
excellent performance in e-banking channels such as ATM, Pos and cards; direct customer feedback on e-
banking services and products and public awareness. Therefore the benefits of the cataloged roles in the banking
and business industries are also enjoyed by rural people, hence promoting development in the rural areas (Punch
October 28, 2007). The rural dwellers will improve their knowledge on health, agriculture education business to
mention but a few.
However, it is only persons who are able to find relevance in terms of the value that they add in that context that
will have competitive advantage (Punch, 2007, p.34). For instance, Professionals like doctors in the rural areas
of Nigeria can enhance and develop themselves through interaction or information gathered from colleagues’
national or internationally. The information may come from telephone interaction, the Internet, teleconferencing,
Satellite etc. When this information is garnered by these professionals the results and benefits would be shared
by all and sundry in such rural area.

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To Odion, et al, (2008, p.81), ICTs promotes information enhancement. Just like every other person in the
developed world keep abreast of information through online newspaper websites, rural dwellers can also do the
same without waiting for papers to get to them before they are informed.
Furthermore, even though, in the rural setting of Nigeria, a lot of setbacks are recorded, the fact still remains that
the ICTs have become a strong platform for expansion of horizons and experiences; hence, Baran (2004)
maintains; “It is about electronic technology turning us into indistinguishable non individuals, rallying around
products. We are united by buyable things, identifying not with others who share our common culture but with
those who share common goods… The new technologies are expanding our experiences”. Dominick (2007,
p.276) affirms that new media technologies have opened up new ways of doing things that were not possible
before: blogging, file sharing, looking for a companion, rafting a product, and so on”.
However, electricity plays a vital role to the functioning of almost all the information and communication
technology anywhere in the world. To achieve rural development therefore, electricity among other basic
infrastructures that will engender rapid development must be put in place. Until this is done, meaningful
development in the rural settings of Nigeria and others would be difficult to attain.
To give credence to this, Wilson (2008, p.2) opines that human development is today powered by the driving
force of technology which is largely regarded as a critical sum in our drive towards development. The poor state
of our infrastructures and our abandonment of the obligation to think for ourselves has contributed, largely to our
stunted growth.
The rural dwellers or the development communicator also need to be trained on how to combine ICTs
and traditional media in embarking on development-oriented communication capable of mobilizing rural
dwellers for development activities. This is necessary in order to ensure that lack of technical-know –how on
how to effectively utilize these facilities would not act as a stumbling block to the entire development process
(Nwabueze and Nwabueze, 2007 p.174).

Challenges of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Rural Development

Undoubtedly, information and communication technology (ICT) have offered a great deal of opportunities for
the teeming beneficiaries, but not without salient hiccups, which makes it impossible for the rural populace to
benefit. More striking is the backwardness of the developing countries, which trickles down to the rural dwellers
and development. According to the World Bank report on the developing countries, it is clear that the sub
Saharan African are at the lowest ebb in terms of general development, compared to their counterparts in the
developed countries of the world. To explain this down-turn, it is important to state that the developing countries
need to put their house together to catch up with the developed countries, considering the myriad of obstacles
that require urgent attention. Nworgu (2008) succinctly chronicles the ills in the developing countries which
have left them copiously at the divide thus:
There are several obstacles on the way of less developed countries joining the rest of
the world in reaping the abundant benefits of the present information age. Such
problems include lack of security in safeguarding inequity; lack of awareness of the
need for ICTs use, high cost of internet browsing; fear of unemployment due largely
to undiversified economy; low level of professionalism and lack of strong regulatory
body… corruption is a worldwide phenomenon, but its negative effects on the socio-
economic and political development of any nation is felt more in the less developed
countries of the world. (p.195)

As a matter of fact, literacy has continued to be a major setback to the growth of ICT in developing countries
like Nigeria. Most Nigerians are illiterates and do not have the well withal to understand the use of ICTs for
accessing information that will no doubt, enhance their lives. Some of the literates are so hungry and poor that
they cannot afford any of the ICT facilities.
Jeno, et al (2008) agree with the above and explain that more than 850 million people in developing countries are
excluded from a wide range of information and knowledge, with the rural poor in particular remaining isolated
from both traditional media and new information and communication technologies which would improve
livelihood.
Asadu, (2009, p.86) enumerates the problems of ICT in rural area viz;
- Commercialization
- Digital divide
- Network break down

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Commercialization here implies that ICT are left in the hands of the private sector, which leaves the poor in a
marginalized state, thereby isolating the poor from enjoying the opportunities that abound in the sector. ICT
facilities Internet are very costly especially in developing countries most of the facilities exist in urban areas and
difficult to use or access by the poor. If ICT is not made a free market place of idea by establishing it in an
accessible place where everybody can use of it, it can, therefore, be said that ICT is far from encouraging rural
development.
Digital divide is the imbalance playing out in the access to the ICT facilities between two groups of
internet users, as a group has access, while the other does not. Hence, Emenari, (2004:102) says “the gap
between African countries like Nigeria and developed world remain too wide”. Instructively, Asadu, (2009:88
citing United Nations Administrative committee on universal Access to Basic communication and information
services states that most developing nations are not benefiting from the communication revolution due to lack of
the following:
- Affordable access to core information services, cutting edge technology and sophisticated
telecommunication system and infrastructure;
- The capacity to build, operate, manage and service the technologies involved;
- Policies that promote equitable public participation in the information society as both
producers and consumers of information and knowledge;
- A workforce trained to develop, maintain and provide the valve –added products and services
required by the economy.
He notes further that another major problem to the use of ICTs in the rural areas is the lack of electric
supply and incessant power outages where electricity exists (Asadu 2009, p.89; Nwabueze and Nwabueze, 2007,
p.174).
Above all, the case of network breakdown is a reoccurring decimal. The incessant occurrence destabilizes the
cyberspace, as it is referred to noise, which distracts people. Strictly, networks are not re-enacted for either
minutes or hours, thus forcing users to abandon their already initiated discussion or information surfing half way.

Conclusion
From the foregoing, it is evident that the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in
rural development efforts cannot be overemphasized. Nigeria have benefited from the emergence of Information
and Communication Technologies (ICTs) through interaction with other people from other parts of the globe, for
instance through ICTs health, education and agriculture has improved.
In Africa, like in other continents of the world, less developed nations are still lagging behind in terms
of these technologies, thereby adversely affecting them, especially those who live in the suburbs or hitherland,
who are not abreast with information and technological advancements.
Due to the deep rooted posture in corruption and other maladies associated with governance in Nigeria and most
African countries, rural development programmes are not easy to come by and the gap occasioned by non-
existence of ICT facilities in Nigeria’s rural communities continue to exist. Until this is addressed, the
possibilities of taking the required development to the rural populace will be unrealizable.
Basic facilities must be put in place for ICT to engender the desired development in rural communities. Relevant
agencies of government should also ensure that creation of ICT centres in rural communities are canvassed and
appropriate trainings given to rural dwellers. This will definitely engender development in the rural areas.

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