Promoting rural development through satellite broadcasting (Page 1)

A case study of the Arid Lands Information Network in Eastern Africa

INTRODUCTION

The Arid Lands Information Network – Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA) uses Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) to promote the exchange of information to benefit people living in the dry lands of Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Formed in 1987 out of a conference discussing development concerns of arid and semi-arid areas, ALIN-EA aims to link people from marginalised dry regions. Most of East Africa’s dry lands lack basic infrastructure such as electricity and appropriate facilities for communication purposes.

This scenario makes it difficult for communities living in these regions to access information on social and development issues that they could use to improve their livelihoods. Modern information access tools such as the internet are centred in the major cities where there are good telephone facilities – this leaves out the marginal areas in developing countries who continue living in an information vacuum.

ALIN-EA recognises that community development workers are a common denominator in project implementation even for the most bottom-up initiatives. We use participatory rural appraisal methods to assess local community needs and channel resources to local groups. We also help to organise and train local groups, in partnership with communities and using existing indigenous knowledge.

There is a critical need for information in areas with low telecommunications connectivity. Most rural African areas have low teledensity10 and scarcity of other forms of modern communication such as email and internet. Although we work in the most remote, underresourced areas, we believe that ICTs can play a significant role in enhancing equitable and sustainable development, and help to grow local economies. ICTs are catalysts for development through the effective, fast and cost-effective dissemination of information.

ALIN-EA works through grassroots community development workers within well-organised focal groups. These groups bring together ALIN-EA members located within the same geographical location where they share ideas, experiences, information and information resources. These are found at community information centres established at host organisations in Kasese in Uganda; Dodoma and Shinyangah in Tanzania; and Homabay and Garissa in Kenya.

About the Arid Lands Information Network

The Arid Lands Information Network – Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA) is a nonprofit membership network of 1 500 community development workers involved in dry lands development. ALIN-EA encourages its members to exchange ideas and information, thereby strengthening their work. Members are drawn from non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and government departments in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

ABOUT WORLDSPACE

WorldSpace is a United States-based company that pioneers digital satellite audio and multi-media services, primarily to the emerging markets of Africa and Asia. The company provides high-quality programming using low-cost, portable satellite radios.

WorldSpace is the only company with rights to the world’s globally allocated spectrum for digital satellite radio. It broadcasts to 130 countries via three satellites, potentially reaching five billion people. Currently, WorldSpace broadcasts news, sport, music and educational programming through 62 channels, offering world-class programmes that are unavailable on local, national or regional radio.

page 2