Forms of Community Informatics in Rural Communities (A Case of Kaliro District)

Abstract

The field of community informatics (CI) is broadly concerned with the study, design and application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in communities. It is about identifying community needs and figuring out how technology can be leveraged to help meet those needs. It recognizes the importance of ICTs in shaping the lives of people in communities and communities shaping the future of ICTs. This study identified the forms of community informatics in Kaliro district using participative case study design with mixed methods research approach. To that end, data from questionnaires issued to 173 CI users across the district and interviews held with 33 district workers were analysed and the results presented in form of tables and themes for interpretation and discussion. Data obtained from the study revealed that Kaliro district had various forms of CI in the education sector, health sector, DLG (District Local Government) administration, and general community of the district. The study recommended; implementation of more forms of CI in the deeper areas of the district to suitably address common concerns of uneven CI distribution and contribute towards closing the information gap between the information “haves” and “have nots”, sensitisation of masses in communities on matters pertaining to CI and formulation of inclusive CI policies to regulate the implementation, management, maintenance and sustainability of CI in communities.