a project designed for rural areas
A catalyst for the participation of civil society in global development

The " ICT + " concept - based 
on new information and communication technologies

		ITC+
	communication		development

An intranet communication network that is low cost, alternative and evolving

Aimed at local development and education for all

With a focus on women's participation

I. The background

New information and communication technologies (NICT) play a significant role in development. Without a doubt, the consensus today is that access to these tools can critically improve economic and social conditions. The Cotonou Agreement (Art.31-43) acknowledges access to NICT as an effective tool in the fight against poverty and as a prerequisite for integration into the world economy.  NICT make it possible to access a wealth of information and knowledge in all areas, leading to significant improvements in the community, notably in health and education. By opening local markets to regional and international opportunities, NICT stimulate the formation of micro-enterprises. Moreover, by reducing isolation and promoting emancipation and education, NICT can help slow the urban migration of young people. The rural areas in the Southern countries characteristically lack means of communication whereas they abound in human resources. The development of alternative mini communication networks, such as wireless intranet connections, would give rural populations a real opportunity to contribute to development through the information society and would encourage the active participation of civil society. Pilot programmes involving women have shown their ability (often greater than that of men) to use NICT to improve their quality of life to the benefit of the whole community (as was experienced by the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Tarahaat in India, etc.).

II. The concept

An evolving wireless Intranet network « ICT+ » as a development tool

This tool should be considered the backbone of a global development project in which all development agents are invited to take part (women's associations, schools, healthcare centres, and local authorities).

"ICT +" is a tool supporting education, vocational training, exchange networks, as well as the formation of micro-enterprises.

« I »        the Intranet network to which everyone will have access: the backbone of local development

« CT »    the Communication (and Information) Technologies

 « + »      the tool's alternative approach to development

In rural areas, a communication network such as the Intranet is made up of a chain of computers linked together by radio communications that are independent of any infrastructure. One of the Intranet network nodes is linked to the worldwide Internet network via a satellite connection or a local Internet service provider (ISP). This Internet connection is then shared by all the computers linked to the network. This project was inspired by similar ventures undertaken notably in Uganda, Laos and India.

The "ICT +" concept also:

-        Gives preference to simple and low cost "alternative" solutions in the field of NICT: the recently developed telecommunication systems based on wireless technologies and satellite connections will drastically reduce the cost of connection (as has been the case in India and Bangladesh, for example). Free software will enable maximum number of people to have access to computer technology;

-        Focuses on solutions that are suitable for a largely untrained public;

-        Aims to secure rapid technical and financial autonomy of the communities concerned.

Explanatory diagram ITC+

Fast satellite Internet connection Solar energy Information and communication training centre: "www-iNet" Designed for, and used by, women in particular Active participation of civil society Wireless connections Wi-Fi Activity Centre "www-Act" Intranet network made up of interconnected computers: "Wi-Fi-Net"

III. Objectives

The aim of the "ICT+" project is to provide rural populations with the means to exchange information on the following subjects:

·         The democratic process: the different forms of participation;

• Rural development and arts and crafts: improved seed production, innovative farming techniques adapted to the local environment, appropriate technologies, the search for new markets and product adaptation;
• Health: remote diagnosis, food hygiene, maternity, primary healthcare, AIDS;
• Education and vocational training: study centres, sharing of skills; 
• Environment : living environment, joint management of natural resources

IV. The 3 stages of the « ICT+ » concept :

• 1 « www-iNet »  Setting upan Information and Communication Training Centre

• 2 « Wi-Fi-Net »  Developingan Intranet network made up of interconnected computers

• 3 « www-Act »     Launching an Activity Centre

V. The four first activities

VI. Strategies  
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