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A closer look at the success behind both AfriAfya and ALIN-EA reveals some of
these processes; the establishment of a District Health Committee (DHC) and
Community Development Workers (COWs) are in both case studies
fundamental in a two-way information communication process; collaborative
efforts involving other organizations working with the community, such as the
Aga Khan Foundation (in the case of AfnAfya) are equally important;
incorporating other social factors, such as the language commonly used; the
use of traditional modes of communication, such as discussions held with the
women groups, along with the use of other media technologies such as
videos; and skills enhancement through the training of community leaders,
which would have a multiplier effect in the long run. All these efforts and
processes have been used to some degree by both organizations, in a bid to
harness and disseminate information with the help of ICTs in rural
development.
9.9 Summary
This chapter has discussed the findings obtained from the survey method, a
structured questionnaire, an interview schedule, case studies and document
review.
The study's findings regarding occupations indicate that well over 50% of
the rural women in both South Africa and Kenya are small-scale traders.
In terms of the types of ICTs used, "old" technologies, such as radio and TV,
are highly prevalent in all sectors of South Africa and Kenya. These
technologies play a major role in helping women keep on top of current
events Within and beyond their borders. The versatility of the cell-phone
transcends poverty and geographical boundaries. Overall, well over 50% of
the rural women felt that ICTs were not only unavailable and inaccessible to
them, but also difficult to use.
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