The Impact of ICT on Rural Development
in Solomon Islands: the PFnet Case
The "The Impact of ICT on Rural Development
in Solomon Islands: the PFnet (People First Network)
Case" research was funded by the
ICT Research Grant to examine the impact of Internet
on lives of poor grass root rural people in the
Solomon Islands.
The research findings on impact of Internet on
the lives of the poor grass root rural people
include the following:
- PFNet has assisted in reducing the 'digital
divide'.
- PFNet has helped farmers to contact relevant
agricultural authorities and NGOs to get information
and advice on farming matters.
- Rural businesspeople use PFNet services to
develop business customer contracts in Honiara
and other towns and carry out many other business
related activities.
- Education was the second major reason (36%)
for using PFNet services.
- Around 6% of people use PFNet's services for
health related issues. The main users are doctors,
nurses, and health workers who email regarding,
medical results, diagnosis, treatment advice,
etc.
- PFNet news service has contributed towards
security, peace building and reconciliation
by reducing the number of false rumours and
misinformation.
The report is in final stages and hopes to be
published by end of May 2005.
