Opportunities and Challenges for Community Development (Information and Communication Technologies for Development in Africa)

Volume 1 looks at the introduction, adoption, and utilization of ICTs at the community level. In various contexts -- geographical, technological, socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional -- the book explores the questions of community participation. It looks at how communities in sub-Saharan Africa have reacted to the changes brought about by the introduction of these new ICTs and, in detail, presents both the opportunities and the challenges that ICTs present for community development. The book will be useful for both researchers and development practitioners active, or just embarking upon, an "ICT for development" program. It will also be a very useful reference tool not only for academics but also for policymakers, decision-makers, and development professionals interested in the issue.

Ramata Molo Thioune is a Knowledge Analyst with IDRC’s Acacia program in Dakar, Senegal. She holds master’s degrees in macroeconomics and environment studies (from Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal) and in rural economics (from Université Laval, Canada). Mrs Thioune has worked with several national and international agencies in project planning, monitoring, and evaluation. She is a member of the Canadian Council of the International Association of Agricultural Economists and the Senegalese Council of the Francophonie’s International Women’s Association.