Resource information
The major objective of the study was to
come up with illustrative success stories as well as
failures to give lessons on ICT interventions in the area of
rural livelihoods and their impact in Tanzania. The key
issues addressed in this study were: 1) common ICTs used by
the rural poor in Tanzania; 2) which ICTs are regarded as
attractive by different groups and why; 3) the use of ICTs
by different age cohorts as part of their livelihoods
strategies; 4) the role of ICTs in influencing the
livelihoods of the poor; 5) what effects, if any, does use
of these resources have on vulnerability, livelihoods and
value of assets; and 6) whether or not ICT services can be
improved in relation to their usage and effects. The study
also made a comparative analysis of the use of ICTs by
different groups based on age, location, gender and
ethnicity. This study was conducted for a period of four
months from October 2006 to January 2007, in three different
districts (Bagamoyo, Moshi Rural and Njombe). The findings
from this study reveal that ICTs commonly used by the rural
poor in the selected districts are radio, mobile phone and
TV. Development of ICTs is a result of a number of
interventions by government, NGOs, development partners and
the private sector, and this has impacted on the livelihoods
of the rural poor. Survey results confirmed this by
revealing that ICTs contributed to improving rural
livelihoods through improved businesses (17%), increased
access to education (3%), ease of communications (50%) and
increased access to key information (30%). The output of
this study is expected to inform policymakers as well as
other stakeholders, such as development partners, civil
society and the private sector, on how ICTs can be adapted
to help improve the livelihoods of poor individuals,
families and communities in rural areas and increase their
income opportunities and/or livelihood sources, thereby
improving their chances of escaping from persistent poverty.
It also documents what has already been implemented in
Tanzania as far as ICTs and rural livelihoods are concerned,
and the pertinent gaps in terms of improving the livelihoods
of the rural poor by using ICT tools.
