Community Information Capacity Building through Information Systems-A Conceptual Framework Based on Case Studies from India

The strategy of providing access to Internet through kiosks for fostering socio-economic growth in rural areas in developing countries is receiving increasing attention. However, results from case studies have shown that context-related factors and inadequate supporting infrastructure tend to limit the potential of such development strategies. We propose an alternative conceptual framework for designing and deploying Information Systems for Rural Development (IS for RD) in developing countries, with the objective of cultivating each involved community’s information “capacity building” (Skinner, 1997). This framework emphasizes a bottom-up approach to IS system-centered development strategies. We identify two important factors that can contribute to the successful assimilation of ISs in a rural social context scenario for information “capacity building”. Finally using a number of IS for RD development projects from India and other developing countries, we highlight how the conceptual framework can be operationalized.