Nweke Eugene N.
Department of Political Science and
Public Administration
Ebonyi State University,
Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Abstract
The challenges of mankind in finding solution to the problems within the society has been greatly Influenced by digital revolution. This informs the purpose of this paper as it seeks to contribute ideas to the discussion about what information and. communication technologies (ICTs) are doing to alleviate poverty. Although doubts exist to the potentials of let, the tangible benefits of using it to fight poverty is assessed. In doing this, the paper through introduction reconciles the potentials of applying ICTs in poverty alleviation, conceptualizes poverty and information communication technologies. Furthermore, theoretical approaches to the study of information and communication technologies are discussed to establish link with poverty, and efforts to alleviate it. Conclusively, the roles of information and communication technologies to alleviating poverty are examined and constraints to the full utilization identified.
Introduction
Poverty is multidimensional and has complex cause. Not only do the poor have little money, few material possessions, they are often deprived of basic needs such as food, education and health services. Furthermore, they lack access to knowledge, a source of income earning opportunity, and to political visibility and influence, which reinforces their social and economic vulnerability. These conditions drive the poor into social exclusion, powerlessness and poverty traps. The role of let in combating poverty and fostering sustainable development has been the subject of much debate and experimentation during the last decade. The contrast between the complexity and expense of some these technologies and the urgent, basic needs of the poor has led some to doubt whether ICTs should be a priority for development agencies or for developing counties themselves.
Therefore, evidence seems to suggest that 1CT can play an important role in eradicating poverty, if 1CT is appropriately deplored to take into consideration people’s differing needs. It can become a powerful economic, social and political tool for the poor, and for all those who work to eradicate poverty.
Conceptual Clarification
Poverty
Poverty is a condition of social, political, economical and emotional deprivation resulting from want. Nweke (2004) It is both individual and group affair as reflects on lack of material necessities and comfort, psychic travail and problems of group individual dysfunctional behaviour. Considering the fact everybody is poor resulting from circumstance one find his or herself, Poverty classified into three broad classifications; Absolute, Relative and Consensual.
Absolute poverty is the absence of minimum of provision needed to maintain health and working efficiency. The minimum provisions required include food, shelter and clothing. It is implied that whoever that falls short of the capacity to have access to these basic needs is within the bracket of absolute poverty.
Relative poverty is a social exclusion from normal patterns of life in a society, through lack of income. It is measured in terms of judgment by acceptable standard of living and style of life according to the conventions of the day. Consensual poverty is the aggregate necessities found to be lacking or wanted by a large majority of the people questioned. (Nweke 2004) The study focuses on absolute poverty because good number of Nigerian found themselves in this category and consequently constitute obstacle to development. This is essential as broader definition of poverty includes deprivation of the information needed to participate in the wider society.
II Information and Communication Technology.
Information and communication technology refers to all technology that facilitates the processing, transferring and exchange of communication. It uses microelectronics, computing, Internet and telecommunications as mechanism for this purpose. As Heeks(1999a) notes 1CT is a “electronic means of capturing processing ,storing ,and communicating information; in order to make this useful, we add in two further components beside the technology and the information system” This modern mechanism is global phenomenon that affects all spheres of human endeavour. It is characterized by; (i) interactivity, (ii) permanent availability, (iii) global reach, and (iv) reduced cost. The diverse application and opportunities created by 1CT, if rightly used has ample evidence of achieving specific social and economic development. However, the focus of this paper is to examine the contributions of ICT in reducing the poverty as well as hiccups in applying the technologies in resolving the crisis of poverty.
Theorizing information and communication Technologies.
Two schools of thought stand to explain and represent the relationship between telecommunications and development. These are the Technophilic and the Technophobic views. Technophilics believe that information and communication technologies (telecommunications) have a positive effect on development, while technophobes regard ICT (telecommunications) as having a negative effect on development and contributing towards the expansion of the information gap between the rich and the poor, the literate and the illiterate. The Utopian (technophilic) perspective on ICT supports the deployment of ICT in communities and associations positive developments arising as a result of this deployment. This perspective argues that in the economy, ICT will expand productivity and improve employment opportunities, and will upgrade the quality of working many occupations. Moreover, ICT will offer many opportunities for small-scale, independent and decentralized forms of production. Regarding developing countries, technophiles envision that technology will aid developing countries Leapfrog stages of development (Castells 1998; Mansell & When 1998; Nulens & Van Audenhove.(see http://cbdd.wsu.edu)
On the other hand, though admitting that ICT has profound changes in society, Van Dijk (1999) believes that ICT applications and their Tran formative nature have been greatly exaggerated. ICT may destroy more jobs than they create; the gap between rich and poor may widen, and the huge capital investments required to strengthen national capabilities for using ICT could divert resources meant from other activities that could have greater development impact (Mansell 1999:36). Furthermore, technophobes argue that let reinforces historical trends towards socio-economic disparities, in equal in political power and gaps between knowledge elites and the knowledge-disenfranchised. On the economic level, this perspective forecasts a perpetuation of the capitalist mode of production, with further managerial control over the means of production. In most countries, it foresees massive job displacement and de-skilling (see http://cbdd.wsu.edu) The Technophilic view of ICT is adopted as an explanatory framework to the contributions of microelectronic, computers) Internet, and telecommunication in poverty reduction in transition state as Nigeria. This is necessary due to potentials of ICT applications in improving the lives of the people. As it .concerns Nigerians, especially the “group in poor” the social and economic relevance is very enormous more in particular in the fight against poverty in Nigeria.
Potentials Of ICTs In Allleviating Poverty In Nigeria
The opportunities provided by information and communication technologies portend high degree of readiness to eradicate poverty, if properly deployed. Further it is a socio-economic and political tool for government, nongovernmental and “group in poor1 for resolving poverty crisis. Specifically, Munya (2000) supports that, the information revolution is another intervention with the potential to ensure that knowledge and on important technologies, methods and practices are put in the right hand. The following are considered as potentials of ICT in reducing poverty and, improve Oppoliunities in Nigeria;
- providing information, (ii)enhancement of economic growth,(iii) promoting market efficiency(iv)improving social exclusion(v)facilitating participatory political process.
Providing information
Knowledge and information are basic ingredient to leapfrog from poverty and harness opportunities, these are generated faster through ICTs such as internet. Although ICTs have been available since the advent of printing press, the digital revolution has made access to relevant information faster. In discussing, the benefits ICTs for poverty alleviation, the real concern are what type of information is made available and degree of its impact on poverty reduction. The information obtained would improve access to facilities that enhance the quality of life, for instance, citizens can obtain job adverts from ICTs facilities. This process has enabled many get alleviated from poverty through e-job concept. As Accascina (2000) puts .we see these jobs as an opportunity to reverse “brain drain” and historic migration trends where people move to where jobs are. Another relevance of information provision in poverty reduction through ICTs is measured in terms cost benefit analysis of resources spent on travel either to transact business or the other. Given that access to information reduces poverty, Nations should invest in information technologies that lower the cost and rate of communication. Nigerian state should therefore reduce tariff charged by telecommunication operators, cyber cafes, and other associated ICTs facilitators. There is high risk of poverty when developing nations as Nigeria fail to embrace and use ICT tools for entering global network and for addressing developmental needs .The neglect manifests in suffering pivotal disadvantage in form of information poverty that could further when the gap in economic status and competitiveness. All these will culminate to reduce the incidence of poverty.
Enhancement of economic growth
The key to poverty reduction, in the end, is sustained economic growth. By using ICT, nations can make a significant contribution to economic growth by increasing labor productivity through high growth of total factor productivity inICT producing industries. Increase in the real ICT capital stock per worker, and through the overall productivity growth across the entire economy arising from the reorganization of production around ICT goods and services. At international economic relations, ICT can have profound for economic prosperity of Nigerian State and her citizens. This stems from experience IT application that assist countries overcome inefficiencies in trade promotion, logistics and customs services
to be become more competitive and integrative.
At the microeconomic level, ICT provides fanners, workers and entrepreneurs opportunities to reduce transaction costs, increase market coverage and improve competitiveness- even across borders. For example, Novica, a Web and catalog merchant of international artwork and crafts connects more than 1,800 artisans and artisan groups through its offices in Peru, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico India, Brazil and Ghana with consumers and retailers, globally. According to IFC, Novica provides income to approximately 50,000 people in the developing world, including artisans and the family members they support.
Artisans working with Novica earn between 10 percent to 50 percent above their local, market prices and earn on average 70 percent of Novica’s retail price. Isidore Rojas, a woven tapestries artist in Peru, earned US$2,200 in 2000(World Bank 2001 b). Prior to Novica, Mr. Rojas made a five-hour journey to Lima in order to sell his tapestries. But today from his hometown to correspond with Novica via the Internet (Romney 2000).in Khail (2004) Global information and communication Technologies Department, World Bank Group. Similar improvement and considerable evidence in deregulated telecommunication activities have not only provided self -reliance among commercial call operators but also have reduced impact of poverty among them in Nigeria. An GECD report (2002) based on national studies about the impact of ICT on economy, has shown that ICT investments accounted for between 0.5% and 1.3%in GDP growth per capita per annum over a number of economies in the 1995-2000.
Improving Social Inclusion of Isolated Population
People living in rural areas tend to be poor and socially isolated. They lack information relevant to their particular situation and thus have difficulty interacting with other community members or other communities. This isolation serves to reinforce their marginalization, ICT, such as radio, telephone, and email, can be of great value in bringing people together, bridging geographic distances and providing relevant information about and to the poor. People can be isolated not only by geography, but by cultural barriers such as gender, ethnicity, caste and race. The four characteristics of ICT, namely @) interactivity, (ii) permanent availability, (iii) global reach, and (iv) reduced costs for many, have made social inclusion of the poor more feasible.
Facilitating Political Empowerment
The poor also often lack means to effectively voice their needs, learn about available public services, and pressure policymakers to be responsive to their interests and demands, ICT can improve information flows and communication services to make j government and organizations serving the poor more efficient, transparent and accountable, ICT can help the disenfranchised voice their concerns, demand their rights and take control of their own live. Increasing ICT use for developing pro poor policies is a critical component to reduce poverty and sustain development, In India, for example, Sakshi, the women’s rights non-governmental organization (NGO), had faced difficulties in lobbying for sexual harassment legislation. With help from international women’s networks. Sakshi was able to receive advice and technical assistance on legal issues surrounding sexual harassments. As a result, the group succeeded in convincing the Supreme Court to establish sexual harassment guidelines in workplaces and brought the issue within the purview of human rights violations (APC 2000). This demonstrates practical benefits of ICT which Nigeria could learn from.
Although the enormous potential of ICT lies not only in it being a tool for improving governance and creating higher skill jobs, but more significantly, as a means to greatly enhance the standard of living of the people. This further leads to a very responsive and transparent administration, thus facilitating the empowerment of the people and satisfies their right of information and could contribute to a socialized democracy, which reflects concern on welfare state.
Constraints In Applying ICT For Poverty Alleviation
The general application of information and communication technology in all aspects of human endeavour and in resolving poverty crisis has experienced a number problem. Whereas some of the problems are general others are particular in Nigeria.
High rate of illiteracy: Illiteracy is not only a fundamental barrier to participation in knowledge societies but to wealth creation and poverty reduction. A large proportion of the poor in Nigeria are illiterates and most pictographic and audiovisual information usual has some text that goes with it. This means that these individuals are disadvantaged and lack the basic skills required to harness the benefits of ICTs. The assistance of intermediaries may thus be required if ICT benefits could be fully employed in the aspect of poverty fight .In this regards, adequate education is required to boost let illiteracy in a bid to develop competence and confidence.
i Inadequate human resources ~ To ensure more meaningful participation in fight against poverty, and to pave way for the creation of critical mass of people that effectively harness ICTs in Nigeria, training and capacity building must be an integral part of all ICT projects. It has been observed, a critical factor in meeting the challenge of ensuring the reduction of poverty in Africa is human resource development through knowledge building and information sharing .Human capital development is particular problem in developing countries, where chronic lack of qualified staff and inadequate human resources training has been a problem for years.(UNP A&aspa200 1)
Most staff managing ICT-based projects lack adequate training that would enable them takes full advantage of the new technologies. There is need to invest in training human factor to facilitate installation, maintenance, designing and implementation of ICT infrastructure. Introductory and sensitive workshops could be organized for different categories of users and local experts could provide ongoing on-line support.
Policy considerations – In most developing countries, especially in Africa, the formulation and implementation of policies in the ICT sector is still very rudimentary and calls for an integrated set of laws. Regulations and guidelines that shape the generation, acquisition and utilization of ICTs. Nigeria lack policies and strategies that facilitate the harnessing on new ICTs for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. At present, the regulations are rigid and telecommunication tariffs and import duties on ICT equipment are high. Therefore processing ICT principles and functions requires a range of new rules, policies, laws and legislative changes to address electronic activities including electronic signatures ,electronic archiving, freedom of information, data protection computer crime, intellectual property rights and copy right issues Ndou (2004). The situation is compounded by lack of political good will.
High telecommunication costs in Nigeria – The cost of basic Internet remains a strong deterrent in Nigeria. Although market liberalization has led to the entry of several private sector ISPs service provision is through government phone companies, whose service is inadequate in terms of robustness, low bandwidth, congestion and noisy lines. Others make international calls to ISPs in the United States or elsewhere in Europe, which renders the service rather expensive. There is therefore a need for the state to take immediate and decisive action to build and shape these sector capabilities to position.
Infrastructure- The telecommunication and electricity infrastructure in Nigeria is poorly developed. Satellite and wireless technologies are now in use, but these are largely developed around urban cities and neglecting the poor, especially those in rural areas, where the infrastructure is often inadequate. There are problems of low bandwidth and there is a need for strengthening the .Internet backbone. It is worthy of note here that due to poor electricity supply none of the telecom operators’ uses energy generated from National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). The implication reflects on high tariff charged by internet and telecommunication operators in Nigeria.
Language barrier – This is another obstacle as far as poverty alleviation is concerned through ICTs. In digital world, the most common language available for use is English, which the majority of Nigerian poor cannot read. Since there is a marked shortage of relevant malarial in local languages that responds to their needs and this calls for significant investment and support for local content. Given that Nigeria is made up of over 250 ethnic groups and languages and with heavy density of the poor who are neither educated nor trained, the fight against poverty through ICT remains an uphill task that requires intervention.
Conclusion
In a world overwhelmed by digital revolution there exist a divide of information haves and the have-nots. The have nots are the group in poor that cannot afford to go beyond the absolute level of poverty. ICT as major factor in poverty alleviation need to be embraced as facilitator; for provision of information, economic competitiveness, access to political participation and improving social exclusion However the reduction of poverty as promised by ICTs is challenged by illiteracy, poor infrastructure, language barrier, human capital and political will (policy consideration) But, despite these impediments relevant cases as experiences show that developing countries like Nigeria could take advantages of ICT revolution and reduce poverty. To attain this, Nigerian State should start ICT readiness assessment that will permit stakeholders understand state of telecommunication facilities, legal and regulatory framework. Also, training workshop, events, semi mar, conference are strongly recommended.There is therefore a need for Nigerian state to take immediate and decisive action to build and shape the ICT sector capabilities to position the nation to increase employment, reduce barriers to innovation, encourage social and economic development initiatives and stimulate the need for appropriate and intermediate technologies. Above all there is a need for state regulation on free and compulsory software. And open sources of information tools must be encouraged to enable state initiated public access stations for citizens’ information.
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