Information and communications technology distribution inequalities in rural South Africa

This chapter asks the following question: to what extent are the rural poor in South Africa progressing or being left behind in the adoption of new ICT? The extent of ICT access at multiple levels in South Africa is assessed. Thus the focus is on ICT distribution to households, farm households and rural enterprises, with the intention of exposing the most marginalised groups in rural areas to these technologies. To this end, the meaning of ICT and its usefulness in the country are explored, and a brief explanation of the research design adopted and its limitations are provided. Results are discussed.