adminConrad Gweru Features Correspondent
For far too long, rural communities have lagged behind in many human development indices. In fact, the sobriquet of “strong rural background” which those that grew up in rural areas often suffer is both as loaded as it is derogatory.
However, where information and communication technologies are concerned, the bridge between Zimbabwe’s rural and urban areas has narrowed significantly. In fact, Zimbabwe’s rural dwellers are in touch with the globe.
Mobile phones have proliferated in most rural areas as the country’s three mobile phone operators have over the years intensified efforts to grab the untapped rural market through voice calls and mobile banking, among many other services.
Exhibitors at this year’s edition of e-Tech Africa Expo 2014 hosted by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services under the theme “Promoting Competitiveness and Sustainable Growth Through ICTs” appreciated that rural people had been left behind in ICT. Although much needs to be done, fortunately, other stakeholders have already started bridging the gap through meaningful and self sustainable projects targeting growth points and rural schools.
One such project is the establishment of Community Information Centres at growth points being advanced by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology,
Postal and Courier Services. Initiated in 2013, the project involves setting up information centres, starting with one centre in each province located at a ZIMPOST office, a partner in this project.
Mr Rangarirayi Magwere, a representative of the MICTPCS at the expo, said: “As a ministry, we are setting up Community Information Centres with the objective of reducing the information gap between urban and rural people. So far the project has managed to set up such centres at Mapisa in Matabeleland South, Murombedzi in Mashonaland West and Mutoko in Mashonaland East.”
“This year we are targeting Lupane in Matebelalnd North, Murambinda and Mupandawana. Our target is to set up at least one centre in each province. Each established centre will receive 2 LCD television sets, a play station, 20 computers, a scanner, a printer, a photo printer, stationery and consumables required for the centre to operate.
Part of the ministry’s package in this project includes 2 weeks’ training of local staff that will be maintaining the project. It is our expectation that the project will be self-sustainable as people will be paying for the services that they normally travel to the nearest city or town to access.”
Zarnet chief executive officer Mr Mupangawana said Zimbabwe was coming from a background where the majority were disadvantaged “by a system of seas and walls”.
“Now broadband is a resource and as such it is expensive and therefore not available to the majority,” he said.
“A number of ICT service providers are private entities driven by profits, hence will invest in areas that are more profitable. Our organisation exists to eliminate that discrimination and so far we have done sound projects that include providing broadband internet access at Community Information Centres.
“These centres will allow rural people to access relevant information with regards to weather patterns, soil structure, livestock varieties, investment, among many others,” he said.
He further indicated that, unlike other negative perceptions that people generally have concerning ICT solutions to rural people at this stage, there are also downstream benefits that will guide Government in planning and budgeting. There were economic activities which were not counted in the GDP but were making a difference in people’s lives in the rural areas, he said.
GDP expansion is one area that can benefit government and it can only be achieved through empowering rural people. ICT stakeholders provide the environment while other stakeholders like ZIMRA can then come in and take advantage of the environment we would have created.
Mr Mupangawana said: “We have targeted growth points that have basic infrastructure needed. At the same time they are nerve centres of economic growth and therefore it makes sense to establish ICTs there as a starting point.”
In their appreciation of the phrase “catch them young”, some stakeholders have over the years been making concerted efforts to bridge the communication divide by setting up computer laboratories in schools.
“So far we have managed to set up computer laboratories at Chogugudza Primary School, Parirehwa Primary and Secondary in Domboshava and a community based information centre in Murombedzi.
“In this regard, we also donated necessary equipment for the laboratories and the community centre to function in partnership with HP,” said Clarice Chava, chief strategy officer for Document Support Centre (formerly Xerox).
Co-founder and chief executive officer of e-Learning Solutions Mr Itai Masimirembwa indicated that they has been setting up “Smart Schools” in rural areas, targeting all that received computers through the Office of the President and Cabinet.
He said: “We are in a transformation agenda; we are working with District Education Officers and teachers on how to assess students and not only teach but also equip students with analytical skills, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation.
“By making use of the 21st Century framework for learning and teaching, students are able to acquire requisite knowledge, skills and attributes that are required in the modern world apart from the core curriculum subjects such as Mathematics, English and Science.”
Society of Engineering Technology in Africa Foundation, a Social Responsibility arm of Mukonitronics has been doing it differently.
The foundation has been dealing with youths in both rural and urban areas to have a mentality of techno-premiership.
“We have been to more than 50 schools in the country. Our focus is to coach a child and transform their mind so that they are technically sound from a tender age. We are creating a ‘Little Japan of Africa’. We teach children from Grade 3 how to assemble lights, identify components, circuits, how to make alarm systems and amplifiers, amongst others.
“We are creating a society that is production oriented rather than consumer oriented. Already, we have children that are able to make water heater buckets, surge protectors and lantern lights.”
While these are great strides that can be appreciated in reaching out to rural people, there a number of challenges that include availability of relevant infrastructure that will see these projects expanding further to households.
Stakeholders in the industry noted that generally Zimbabweans do not need a push, the moment they set up information centres, is the same moment they realise that the resource has huge market as many people in the rural areas will be frequenting these centres.
There is need for more players to come in with funding and other resources to ensure that rural people are not disadvantaged. The returns are not so immediate but in future, Zimbabwe will have a better workforce.
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