Information Communication Technology for Community Development: A Case Study of Hatcliffe High Density Residential Area in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for development in the high density suburbs of Zimbabwe. The study was carried out in Hatcliffe, a high density suburb of Harare the capital city of Zimbabwe. Three main areas guided the study firstly it sought to establish the nature of ICT that are prevalent in the area. Secondly Challenges that are faced by the people of Hatcliffe in the use of ICT were established. Lastly, the study sought to suggest ways of improving the use of ICT for development in the High density suburbs. A cross sectional descriptive survey research design was used in which a sample population of one hundred (100) people took part. A semi structured questionnaire was used. Face to face interviews were also held with a part of the sample population to augment data from the questionnaire. The results from the study show that there is a high prevalence of ICT in the high density suburbs, mainly in the form of cell phones (99%). However the equipment is used for basic activities of communication that is one on one conversation.Other ICT equipment, (computers, televisions, radios, and landlines) was found to be available in decreasing numbers. Major challenges in using ICT for development were lack of awareness and lack of capacity to use available resources. There was no training available to capacity build on the use of available ICT. The study recommends that ICT education should be addressed at policy level to ensure that it becomes a core component of the curriculum. Intervention training is required for the out of school population to increase ICT literacy if the country is to benefit from the high prevalence of ICT in the communities.