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It is however atypical for governments in South Asia to take a proactive role in ICT development, an attitude, however, that is slowly changing. South Asia is defined by governments that look at the telecoms sector – the under-pinning of ICT – as a ‘cash-cow’ - an attitude that is inimical to the growth of this sector, since illiberal monopolistic policies inevitably lead to higher costs associated with the use of ICTs.
There are of course the exceptions that are markers to the future:
• The Radio-Internet Project in Kothmale, Sri Lanka
Specific information requested by listeners on the improvement of crops, how to deal with pests and market their products are located on the Internet by the broadcaster and conveyed through a daily community radio broadcast.
• ‘E-channelling’ in Sri Lanka and ‘HealthNet’ in Nepal
‘Healthnet’ is a tele-medicine project in Nepal which reaches 500 health professionals and claims 300 hits a day through 150 user points around the country. ‘E-channelling’ is an online initiative in Sri Lanka that allows for online booking of specialists and health professionals in four leading hospitals in Colombo. The service, available through a GSM mobile phone network as well as 46 branches of a well-known bank, allows consumers to book and pay for their appointments using a credit card or an Internet banking account.
• MS Swaminathan Research Foundation’s Rural Communications Network
This network uses the internet to provide fishermen and farmers innovative techniques relating to their craft and information on market conditions so that they get a better price for their produce.
It must be remembered however almost all of these projects are micro-level exercises, with little potential for replication on a broader scale. Ravinatha Ariyasinha, School of International Science at the American University, Washington DC, concurs and says that,
“The impression one is left with is that much of the Internet activities in South Asia has left out the State sector. This is a private sector driven initiative…Government has been slow in adopting (the internet) for activities that have broader applications, particularly for the weaker sections of the population.”
Selected case studies of NGOs, ICT and Conflict Transformation
In both advanced and fledgling democracies NGOs have developed into major societal actors. NGOs serve as a source of political legitimacy for the system by providing voice beyond electoral participation. Since they channel dissent productively, NGOs can be considered a type of "safety-valve” essential to the functioning of a democracy. They are also based on the normative commitment to transforming the existing systems of governance, so that the workings of democracy become more responsive to the diverse and evolving needs of citizens. It is to this end that many NGOs have been quick to embrace the potential of ICT, for advocacy and the dissemination of information and policy alternatives. However, using ICT is no guarantee of any positive outcome in a given NGO (though, by the same token, its use cannot be regarded in itself as detrimental).
The problems that NGOs encounter in using ICT are serious and form a familiar litany: lack of funding to purchase equipment or services, lack of skilled staff, too little time and interest. We must not forget that the majority of NGOs in South Asian countries by all accounts appear not to have computers, though this will undoubtedly change in the future. There are also other problems not immediately associated with the introduction of ICT to NGOs. The need for computers, bandwidth and skilled staff affects the budgetary structure of NGOs, and raises new workplace and accountability issues. Web sites are often carelessly designed, yet they are increasingly becoming the representation of an organization to the outside world. Thus while it is true that NGOs' functions significantly involve information, communication and networking, it does not follow that these functions will necessarily be improved by using ICTs.
One interesting example in Sri Lanka of an NGO using the Internet is the Centre for Women’s Research (CENWOR). CENWOR, with financial support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), initiated a project in 1998 to develop an electronic information network. Simultaneously, CENWOR commenced the task of designing a web site, which also included information provided by the members. Training in the use of email was made available, technical support was given and the network members were regularly kept updated on the use of Internet based services. The web site was also up dated regularly. CENWOR also initiated a discussion list, which now has over one hundred subscribers. The CENWOR site is the only web site on Sri Lankan women and the discussion group the only feminist list in Sri Lanka.
The website of CENWOR (www.cenwor.lk) was conceived as one that would serve as an information source on Sri Lankan women. It is an interactive site and provides information on critical issues facing women, action taken by the government and other agencies on various issues, information of its network members, current events, a Notice Board, and an Opinion page. CENWOR programmes and activities, and publications are also included. The website has an integral discussion list to which one can subscribe to and contribute free of charge. The objective of the CENWOR initiative was to provide a communication platform transcending all types of boundaries to women and women's organisations striving to realise women's rights. It was expected that this initiative would have a good response given the cooperative endeavours within the NGO community. The project envisaged setting up communication links among the local, regional and international women's groups and individuals. Although initiated by CENWOR, it was to be a collaborative effort in achieving a common goal. Though much needs to be done, websites and discussion lists like CENWOR help the dissemination of viewpoints of particular importance and interest to women that in turn, inform and shape conflict transformation processes.
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Writer Profile
Sanjana
Sanjana Hattotuwa is a Rotary World Peace Scholar presently pursuing a Masters in International Studies from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. The views expressed here are his own. He can be contacted at hatt@wow.lk.
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Comments
wonderful article Laurent Straskraba | Apr 7th, 2003
thanks sanjana for this wonderul article. it shows so many objectives and possibilities of the net and related issues. the most important fact in my opinion is that the tool is not the solution itself ... there has to be content, people who train others and many other criteria which are necessary for "good governance" and high value impact of information and communication.
kind regards,
laurent
thanks sir Shakti Ghimire | Aug 17th, 2003
thanks sir Shakti Ghimire | Aug 17th, 2003
i want to more artical than that
please send me releated artical (computer)
apexnepal@hotmail.com
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