Expert meeting on rural information networks in Asia-Pacific: Innovative practices and future directions Series title: RAP Publication  - 2006/26 2006   36 pg AG121/E Download     Other Publications in this collection : RAP Publication Abstract : The past decade has witnessed a dynamic and rapid growth in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing enormous benefits to society at large. The challenge, however, is to get relevant information and technologies to the millions of poor living in rural areas. It is here where information and communication technologies can play a useful role in bridging the rural digital divide and empowering rural communities. The goal of this expert meeting was to advance knowledge about the use of ICT for agricultural development and rural poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific by bringing together a cross-section of leading thinkers from organizations and countries active in ICT for rural development. The meeting provided a unique opportunity to exchange the latest information on development trends and provide a means of moving forward from an accumulated body of case studies, through the development of a programme framework, to the validation of models of ICT for agriculture and rural development with the aim of extending the application of successful innovations and innovative practices more widely. These proceedings give an account of the presentations and discussions of the meeting as well as of the recommendations. Asia South West Pacific Extend your search using the following keywords : Access to information ,  Access to information ,  Communication technology ,  Diffusion of information ,  Digital divide ,  Information technology