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unaffordable. Coincidentally, the number of those who found ICTs useful
(20; 10%) and those who felt that ICT centres should be established near
rural women (20; 10%) were similar. 9 (9.5.0%) respondents were of the
opinion that ICTs were easily available and accessible, while 18 (9.0%) felt
that ICTs are affordable. A few respondents attuned to problems with
infrastructure, such as lack of power (13; 6.5%) and poor 1V and radio
networks (10; 5.0%).
In Kenya, a large number of respondents (63; 31.5%) indicated that ICTs
were unaffordable, followed by 48 (24%) stating them unavailable and 28
(14%) inaccessible. On the use and availability of ICTs, the survey portrayed
that 139 (69.5%) respondents felt that ICTs were too far, too costly or
entirely unavailable. Only 16 (8%) respondents acknowledged the
usefulness and availability of ICTS, citing that they were "handy" (2; 1%) or
"improved access to information" (14; 7%).
This study indicated that respondents in both RVP (Kenya) and KZN (SA)
feel that ICTs help them in accessing/receiving news items and keeping in
touch with family and friends. There is however, a higher percentage of
respondents in RVP (Kenya) than in KZN (SA) who feel that ICTs enhance
their lives through entertainment, for research purposes and for distance
education.
With the exception of computer illiteracy, there is a significant difference in
hindrances faced by rural women in South Africa and in Kenya. More
specifically, there is a higher percentage of respondents in KZN (SA) who
face hindrances that range from un-affordability, time, distance, poor roads
and cultural taboos than respondents from RVP (Kenya).
On the whole, results from both countries indicate that there is a definite
need for the [internet/computer] training of rural women in order to assist
them in accessing ICTs more often.
The next chapter (eight) presents an analysis of data from four case studies.
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