[quote="Lisa-Cespedes"] Question 4 (10 Dec.) What are the real drivers of success for the use of ICT (in value chains) in rural areas? What challenges are faced in these situations? [/quote]I think that Raul, Sapna and Rabiu have all raised important points. I would like to add four more "drivers of success" to the list: relevant content; appropriate technology; private sector investment in rural ICT; and opportunities for the small private sector in rural areas. IFAD experience in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) with the First Mile project and Rural Knowledge Network has shown that farmers and others in the value chain will use ICTs, especially mobile phones, to gather and share locally-relevant market information and to arrange trading deals. They are also using the Internet to upload market information that can be accessed and shared via SMS - and to share lessons and experiences on how to develop their own small businesses. They key is that the information is locally relevant and up-to-date. Farmers spontaneously started using mobile phones in this context because they were available, relatively cheap and there was good coverage. Some local entrepreneurs have now started using "ruggedized" laptops with GPRS modems, that enable them to access the Internet via the mobile phone network. Alongside these developments, IFAD is supporting the emergence of IT service providers in rural areas who can lease out equipment to small entrepreneurs, and provide maintenance and back-up support when the ICTs break down. Another key issue is the role of the public sector, including development organizations. In my opinion, we need to focus on working with governments to support creation of the "enabling environment" for private sector investment in rural ICT, and for the corresponding emergence of a healthy "small" private sector. Take a look at www.linkinglearners.net