Browsing Library and Information Studies (DLIS) by Subject "Zambia"
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Kalusopa, T. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – This paper attempts to discuss some of the key challenges that Zambia faces in the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small-scale farmers. Design/methodology/ approach, A survey of information needs of small-scale farmers in two selected provinces was carried out in order to establish and prioritize their information needs. Evaluation of the existing information infrastructure provided insights into the type of ICTs that can support the provision of information to small-scale farmers in Zambia. Findings - The paper highlights some of the salient findings of the research carried out under the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Zambian Chapter and financed by the International Development Research Foundation (IDRC) from 2001 to 2003. These, among others, include: weak human capital and technical infrastructure, lack of clear national information policy and lack of a coordinated agricultural information support system for small-scale farmers anchored on ICTs. Research limitations/implications – This study illustrates that it is becoming increasingly evident that the success of any agricultural development programme in Zambia requires a well organized and functionally integrated information delivery system propelled by the application of appropriate ICTs. The paper presents recommendations for this to be realized. Originality/value – The changes in the socio-economic and political arena in Zambia have had a drastic effect on the management of the agriculture sector. Further, even though it is widely acknowledged that information plays an important role in agricultural and rural development in Zambia, this conception has received less pragmatic attention and seems to have been less consolidated over time. The central role of information in this sector has thus been largely superficial. The need for a clear national policy framework on the use of ICTs for the small-scale farmers to enhance national development is thus articulated in this paper. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/764 Files in this item: 1
Kalusopa_LHT_2005.pdf (897.5Kb) -
Bwalya, Kelvin Joseph (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: The emergence of knowledge economies and extensive use and adoption of ICT in business entities have placed more pressure on governments to implement e-Government in their public service delivery platforms. For some of the governments, implementation of e-Government follows no explicit strategy but is done with a loosely coordinated approach. A properly designed e-Government implementation strategy with input from the local context is desired if implementation were to be deemed successful. Because of efficiencies brought about by the adoption and appropriate use of ICT in businesses and other private sector entities, e-Government is slowly becoming a sine qua non for responsive and transparent governance and is seen as one of the most important ingredients to national competitiveness. Using a desk literature review, this paper emphasises the different factors that should be considered when developing e-Government projects, especially in Africa. The paper discusses the basics of e-Government readiness in Zambia by analysing the different initiatives that are being put in place to encourage e-Government development, and analyses the balance between the back-end and front-end applications in public delivery platforms. The paper posits that a lot needs to be done if proliferation of e-Government applications was to be attained in Zambia and that future Zambia and that future e-Government strategies should be implemented within the realm of community informatics. This entails the application of ICT aimed at personal, social, economic, cultural and governance development of and within communities. It is anticipated that the adoption of a community informatics approach will enable the citizens to buy-in to the different e-Government applications and thereby guarantee continued usage. This paper presents factors which may act as reference points when e-Government strategies are being drawn for the SADC region. Description: A discussion paper URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1146 Files in this item: 1
Bwalya_Unpublished_2011.pdf (3.081Mb)
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