Definitions: a Quick Guide

"Rural Digital Divide" is the term used to describe the current inequality in access to ICT between rural and urban areas, which separates rural people from the world's information and knowledge resources. The rural digital divide is derived from a complex range of problems, including the lack of: telecommunications and other connectivity infrastructure; individual skills and institutional capacity; representation and participation of all stakeholders in development processes; and financial resources.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) consist of hardware, software, and media for the collection, storage, processing, transmission and presentation of information in any format (i.e. voice, data, text, and image).

Bridging the Rural Digital Divide requires inputs from two major disciplines: “Information Management” and “Communication for Development”:

Information Management covers the various stages of information processing, from production and collection to storage and retrieval to dissemination; information can come in any format and from any source. In the programme, information management refers primarily to technology-based approaches.

Communication for Development (CfD) is the planned use of communication techniques, activities and media to enable people to experience change and gain more power to guide decisions that affect their lives. An intensified exchange of ideas among all sectors of society can lead to the greater involvement of people in a common cause. This is a fundamental requirement for appropriate and sustainable development.

Information and Communication for Development (ICD) spans the full range of issues around information exchange and communication – from radio to the Internet; content generation to delivery; policy to practical application – and with a special focus on participatory approaches.

e-Agriculture is an emerging field within agricultural informatics, agricultural development and business. It refers to agricultural services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet and related technologies. E-Agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development, evaluation and application of new (innovative) ways to use existing or emerging ICT.

Livelihoods Approaches to development are people-centred, holistic and dynamic. They build on strengths, support links from macro level (policies and institutions) to micro level (communities and individuals) and aim for sustainability. [A “livelihood” comprises the capabilities, assets (material and social) and activities required for a means of living.]