Digital Technology and Community Empowerment: Bridging the Rural-Knowledge Centre Gap
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Date
2024-03-28
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kirinyaga University, Kenya
Abstract
Rural communities in developing countries continue to experience marginalization due to centralization of services in urban areas and institutions. The imbalance in the distribution of resources and provision of services isolate rural communities making them to remain ignorant of the advancements that can lead to the socio-economic transformation of their life. Rural communities lack access to innovations and knowledge necessary for their transformation due to lack of good and effective channels for relaying information or mechanisms that can enable them to tap the knowledge they need to broaden their world view, interpret their situations, and address the barriers that prevent them from taking control of their life. Government and non-government agencies through their research and practice have current knowledge and information on different issues that have remained a distraction to communities’ transformation over the years, which if disseminated would enhance problem-solving ability of the said communities. Knowledge is power and does free people from the bondage of ignorance and set them on a firm and high ground where they discover themselves, interpret reality with confidence, and make decisions that improve their wellbeing. This paper argues that rural communities can be empowered by bridging the gap between rural communities through enhanced knowledge management strategies to develop problem-solving skills. Through an extensive review of existing literature, this study seeks to explore different strategies for disseminating knowledge to communities using digital technology. It will further examine how government agencies, not for profit organizations and local community initiatives can facilitate access to information and enhance digital literacy among rural communities. The findings of the study will help in drawing conclusions and recommendations.
Description
Conference Presentation
Keywords
Rural Communities, Knowledge, Digital Technology, Knowledge Centres.
Citation
Kimote, Z. (2024). TDigital Technology and Community Empowerment: Bridging the Rural-Knowledge Centre Gap. A paper presented at the 7 Th Annual International Conferences of Kirinynga University, Kenya from 27 Th -28 Th March, 2024