摘要：This study explores whether ICT use is feasible in the rural areas of South
Africa and Kenya by using largely survey research method. The survey involved
interviewing 400 women aged between 16-60 from both Kenya and South Africa. The
multistage sampling data was obtained from Census household data of the
magisterial districts of Umlalazi i.e. Eshowe, Amatikulu, Gigindlovu and
Mtunzini (South Africa), and from the sub-divisions of the Kaplamai Division in
Trans-Nzoia district, i.e. Kimoson, Sinyerere, Sitatunga and Makutano (Kenya).
The survey results signify that problems of access and exclusion are still
predominant. For instance, while a meagre average of 11(5.4%) of the respondents
in South Africa use modern technologies such as the computer/internet, more than
half (115: 57.5%) of the respondents faced problems ranging from affordability
to distance and time. Additionally, there is a marked correlation between
educational level, type of ICTs accessed on one hand and information need and
purposes on the other. It is observed that alone, ICTs are insufficient for
significant benefits to emerge. Information ethical challenges are identified
and recommendations made.
