Information transfer as technical assistance for development

Abstract

Policies for development assistance have undergone several changes In recent decades. These changes have affected the information needs in developing countries and the responses of aid agencies. The article outlines trends in assistance strategies and types of international organizations as sources of Information transfer. The review concludes with information-related factors to be considered by technical assistance projects and implications for developing countries.Technical assistance is governed by political, economic, and social forces. It blends governmental, commercial, and voluntary action. Researchers, managers, professional practitioners, and advocates of the poor work side by side and often at cross purposes. Critics of the process are more vocal than its champions. Failures abound, yet technical assistance creates more opportunities for person-to-person professional collaboration than any other process. Informal communications are often more important than formal information systems. The main determinant of the effectiveness of information transfer to a developing country* is the ability of the intermediary-individual or organization-to blend the information process with the culture of the particular society or group. Development and InformationThese are elusive concepts that have been defined differently in different contexts. Formal organizations supporting rural development efforts tend to identify development "information" with scientific and technical knowledge, socioeconomic data, or a management information system. Development, however, implies not only a societal process but also an intensely personal involvement. As Ong observes, in those parts of developing countries where an oral culture exists "education consists in identification, *The term "developing country" will be used with the understanding that a wide range of economic, social, and cultural differences exist among nations as well as among population groups within each country.

Effective information service delivery to rural dwellers in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Besides, patience, time and concentration are indispensable factors in the use of print media. In fact, researchers have clearly suggested that this type of medium is not relevant to rural dwellers in general and in Sub-Saharan Africa in particular because the majority of the rural dwellers have little or no formal education (Aderibigbe, 1990;Aina, 2007;Dosa, 1985;FAO, 2005;Saracevic, 1986).…”

Global Diffusion of the Internet X: The Diffusion of Telemedicine in Ethiopia: Potential Benefits, Present Challenges, and Potential Factors

“…Telemedicine is experiencing growth in becoming a significant domain of international cooperation, with several institutions contributing funds and expertise. Through foreign alliances, projects in developing countries can receive help in formulating policies and implementing strategies, creating government awareness, obtaining financial and technical assistance, and facilitating links and relationships between national and research institutions abroad (Dosa, 1985;Nagy et al, 1995).…”

Information technology and Africa: an appraisal of the present situation and future potential

“…UNESCO also feels that IT will help co-operation and collaboration. Dosa (1985) said that microelectronics can help in the important job of providing avenues for storage, retrieval and communication of information. To Deighton (1981), it could be used to enhance water resource management, transportation, and so on.…”