In support to the vision, the programme will assess the knowledge and communication needs of all sectors of the community for social support and livelihood purposes. The programme will provide appropriate ICT tools and expertise in content and services based on needs expressed. The programme will build research and development capacities of project implementers to deploy the project plan. It will build the capacities of farmers, fishers, women and young people, local line agencies, other organizations and authorities, students and teachers, the religious communities, and other key actors to use ICTs in problem solving.
Through demonstration projects the programme will work with local community groups, including local businesses and micro-finance institutions, and will encourage the development of ICT-enabled services anchored on communication needs in the pilots. The programme will apply participatory communication and research to engage people in collective action for their sustainable development.
Ultimately the programme will nurture the formation of local cooperative enterprises to govern the project and to generate income. The programme will also document experiences and present evidence to influence decision-making in ICT policies and programmes in rural development. The programme will identify and communicate benefits of the iREACH approach to local and central authorities, and to the international community.
