Metodologías, herramientas y técnicas utilizadas

The results of the literature review and data analysis are clearly reveal the following patterns:

(a) Geographical differences have a major influence on the adoption of information technology and internet usage. The issue of geographical differences has always been the centre of reference on how diffusion of technology is taking place.

Analysis on the utilisation of internet have revealed a low utilisation rate of rural areas while for Urban and Peri-Urban, there is a clear indication that internet is accessed daily for long periods of time. This corroborates with the assertion that rural areas have a low absorption of technology. The spatial adoption potential theory predicts that technological developments follow a filtering down process from the urban hierarchy (core area) to the peripheral area”^210. Furthermore, “the agglomeration effect theory also agrees on how the adoption of a new technology is taking place: the core areas will be the centre for further growth, including with improved or adopting to new technology”²¹¹. There exists a digital divide between the urban and rural populations, with the urban

210Capello, R. 1994, Spatial Economic Analysis of Telecommunications Networks Externalities, 145.

211 Capello, Roberta, 1994, Spatial Economic Analysis of Telecommunications Networks Externalities, 145

population valuing access to, and use of ICT more highly than the rural population.

(b) There is very little to no evident DD based on gender differences. No statistically significant difference was revealed between females and males in higher education in urban, rural and peri-urban areas. A comparison of the utilisation of technology in all the different areas (urban, rural and peri-urban) have demonstrated a balance between males and females. This suggests that the level of technology adoption by both sexes is balanced.

(c) The adoption and usage of technology is more skewed towards the literate cadres. There is a need to develop a robust training curriculum to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to all people to ensure the utilisation of the internet and computers.

One of the main output of this research was to provide action plans that are geared towards the closing of the DD in Gaborone and surrounding areas. The lessons learnt can be further applied to all areas in Botswana. This can only be possible provided the same type and kind of infrastructure is applied and installed throughout the country. The recommendations made are in line with the literature review, the findings and trends in international treaties and action plans of the IS. The following are the recommendations:

(a) Focus of the government investment should be for both the hard and soft infrastructure with special attention to the rural areas

The existence of DD in Botswana, with particular focus to the geographical locations is a documented and well known issue. There are a number of programmes that the government has continued to develop and implement aimed at closing the DD in rural areas. Clearly, ICT is a critical component and a tool in the delivery of the National Development Plan of Botswana. The existence of DD has a potential of making the country fail to achieve its vision of a well-educated and knowledgeable society. Effort and measures need to be put in place to ensure improved ICT infrastructure in all the villages in Botswana. There are trends in the data that suggest a hunger for ICT infrastructure in the urban areas. There is an accelerated adoption of technology that has resulted in a different movement as compared to the natural “S-curve”.

A number of projects have been undertaken by the government to improve infrastructure in the rural areas. These are evident through the Nteletsa I and II projects. Despite these, there is also

a need to accelerate the adoption of technology by providing high speed internet facilities.

Furthermore, a deliberate attempt should be made to improve the soft issues in relation to the geographic area. There is a need to provide internet access in all the schools in the rural areas as they will provide a place for students to access computers and internet. For diffusion of ICT to be successfully accelerated, the focus should include soft issues. There is a need for lifelong learning in the rural areas. Most of the population in the rural areas are using the Nteletsa amenities for photocopying, emailing and printing. Advanced possibilities of the internet and its capabilities need to be demonstrated to different people. The use of e-commerce application is one of the areas that rural areas do not participate in or use as a platform. Most of the people in the rural areas do not use application such as online banking, e-commerce and other advanced computer related facilities.

(b) The Provision of subsidy on Internet prices. Tariffs should be reduced to ensure a better playing field for all people

The majority of people in Botswana are sensitive to costs. Through BOCRA, the government needs to continually make improvements on the traffic for usage of internet and computers in the country. Lower internet prices will attract more people towards the usage of internet and the penetration levels will be improved.

Another alternative in tariff implementation is to impose pricing discrimination for rural areas.

This would increase the volumes of people accessing internet facilities in villages and rural areas.

(c) Participation of the Private Sector – liberalisation of the market

The GoB has made tremendous efforts by liberalising the telecommunication industry. To date, there are three service providers. More efforts should be made to reduce participation by government in this sector. The private sector should be given leverage and motivation to setup more businesses that are geared towards telecommunication. The more competition there is in the market, the more innovative products and pricing will be enjoyed by citizens. The diffusion of ICT in rural and urban areas can be possible and accelerated when there are more players in the market willing to offer unique and competitive solutions.

(d) Policy to encourage personal computer ownership

According to the analysis made, it has been shown that there are a number of people who use internet at home as opposed to work and internet cafes. Based on this analysis, interventions

have to be made to propel the growth of ownership of personal computers by citizens.