Role of Digital Technology in Rural Settings

This article describes how digital technology can be useful in developing countries and provides several case studies based in Costa Rica. The author offers information regarding how community work and microeconomic development can be enhanced through the use of social network analyses.

Pentland entitles one section of his article, "People are the Content." This supports his belief that "existing social networks are the critical change agents in the community." By recognising these groups, connecting them, and allowing them to find the value of "community communication content," a critical step is made. Therefore understanding community networks, their motivations and needs is essential. Pentland contends that social networks act as the distribution channel for the flow of ideas and that "the process of an idea flowing through a social network is critical to its usefulness."

Pentland offers one example of an experiment taking place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where models are created in different settings which seek to improve community access to digital technologies. The example he provides is called the "little intelligent communities" (LINCOS) project, carried out as a join partnership with Costa Rican Foundation for Sustainable Development with the goal of creating a 21st century community center.

The premise for the usefulness of the LINCOS approach is that it focuses attention on the ability of communities to organise themselves around the telecentre and its services. LINCOS is designed so that it is adaptable to different situations and needs. When creating this kind of centre, the first step described by Pentland is to look for main business clusters and the networks that are in place, including for example, mechanisms of coordination or similar "goals and values." From there, tools are identified which can help the core group get on-line and see how useful digital tools can be. The digital tools are described as "social strengths, such as negotiation skills, leadership, conflict resolution, team building, and interpersonal trust..."

In one of the projects described, a "Digital Weaver" is identified as a "young professional / entrepreneur that catalyzes change by promoting new digitally-enabled businesses that can be adopted by local entrepreneurs." This individual works with local businesses to help determine their technology and community needs. One project known as the Santa Maria Experiment (located in a rural community of southern Costa Rica) focuses on their main economic activity, coffee production. The "Weaver" as he or she is known, leads in exploring the structure of relationships and learns that there is a "very poor flow of ideas through the producers..." and that almost "everyone lives in semi-isolation." Based in part on this information, the technology is shaped accordingly.

The author stresses the importance of finding the right tools because users, or in this case, rural entrepreneurs, may well have different demands on the design and abilities of their communication tools. Pentland describes several examples of how digital technology can be helpful for people living in remote, small villages. It can help in instances of simple logistical needs like letting a neighbor know about something found in his or her field, or perhaps letting someone know that a half empty truck is available to be shared.