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The DFID/FAO/Oor (2002:6) stipulates that the focus on rural livelihoods in
India is on improving the exchange between diverse decentralised agencies
involved in rural development, in particular those involved in poverty
alleviation, food, security and land reform. Information systems geared
towards rural communities need to provide a range of content such as
market prices, small enterprise development and economics, information on
government schemes, and the weather.
The e-Bario research project in Sarawek, Malaysia, is another example of a
project that involves the participation of its communities. The objective of
this project was to provide opportunities for remote and rural communities
in Sarawek to develop socially, culturally and economically, from the
deployment of ICTs. Of interest here is that the project is run by academics
in collaboration with the resident community. Through Participatory Action
.Research, a development agenda was defined before ICTs were introduced
to the community. Today, both primary and lower secondary schools in
Sarawek are equipped With computer laboratories and Internet access. The
community tele-centre is functional, enabling email exchanges and web
browsing. A development agenda has been set with the community for
implementation, and includes e-commerce for Bario rice (a delicacy). The
success of this project is linked to the close collaboration between the
research team and the community and the use of PAR as a methodological
guide (rru: 2006; Harris, 2004:51)
4.7 Critical reviews of socio-technical systems
In a critical review of an article on Feenberg in: "Questioning Technology",
Kellner (1999: 1), illustrates that technology is a major constituent of
contemporary society and is intimately connected with politics, economics,
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