Rural communication access centres in Tanzania : lessons learned from setting up and managing IICD supported RCA Centres
Document type: report
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Abstract:
This paper focuses on the practical experiences and lessons learned by partners of the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) in Tanzania with setting up and managing Rural Communication Access Centres (RCAs), which are also known as telecentres, rural information centres, community media centres. Using 5 case studies, conclusions are drawn with regard to sustainability – also in comparison with the experiences from IICD projects in Bolivia. Recommendations for follow up activities are provided. The factors for successfully running a RCA include the necessity to have the RCA strongly anchored in the local community, sturdy management, availability of relevant local content, and technical knowledge to provide support and maintenance. IICD’s Tanzania Country Programme consists of 25 projects operating at district and national level in the sectors agriculture, governance, education and health. Access to the Internet in rural communities is provided through RCAs, but also via access points in schools, hospitals and offices of local government. Presently, via these RCAs over one million end-users are reached, directly or indirectly, amongst whom are students, teachers, women, youth, farmers, government officials, health workers and small entrepreneurs.
Note:
Edited by F. Neuman
Authors:
Tan, L.
,
Huizinga, B.
Series Title:
Thematic Report
Country:
Tanzania, United Republic of
Category:
Practice
Keywords:
information services
,
information and communication technologies
Language:
eng
Organization:
IICD - International Institute for Communication and Development
PAGE:
15
Place:
The Hague
Publisher:
IICD
Year:
2007
Region:
Africa South of Sahara
,
East Africa
Right:
© 2007 IICD
Subject:
Information, Knowledge and Communication
Title:
Rural communication access centres in Tanzania : lessons learned from setting up and managing IICD supported RCA Centres