Assignment

1.  Information and communication technology (ICT) can be used innovatively in the absence of minimum literacy level among the poor in the following ways: The service role of ICTs can enhance rural communities opportunities by improving their access to market information and lower transaction costs (for poor farmers and traders); increase efficiency, competitiveness and market access for developing country firms; enhance ability of developing countries to participate in the global economy and to exploit their comparative advantage in factor costs (particularly skilled labors); health and education. Furthermore, ICTs can promote greater transparency, speed-up decision-making process of governments and thus empower rural communities by expanding use of government services, and reduce risks by widening access to microfinance. However, barriers to access, high costs and minimal human resources often prevent those living in poverty in reaping the benefits. When private and civil sectors work together as partners, benefits of ICTs can be greatly enhanced, returns to the community improved and profits increased.

2. It is very interesting to observe in some of the rural areas, the use of Internet services by the rural female farmers. A new species of pepper was discovered in the Internet and the whole community is now into the production of such cash crop. This shows that the significance of ICTs can never be over emphasized. The rural farmers were made to know about the activities of the ministry of Agriculture in Delta State and were compelled to form Rural Farmers Agricultural Cooperative Societies. And through this unions, most of them have benefited from agricultural loans and the distribution of fertilizers and other farm implements by the state government.

It is therefore highly recommended that:

1. Adequate training and awareness given to the rural female farmers should be promoted by the government.

2. Link roads should be constructed to help the rural...