ABSTRACT
Another approach is to focus on existing information intermediaries, or infomediaries, rather than on the technology (Schilderman, 2002). This approach analyses the existing structures and hierarchies of collecting and organising the information needed for rural economy and society. These may be public service providers, NGOs and community-based organisations, religious groups, some private companies and customary and traditional authority hierarchies. However, these groups have also been accused of ‘gatekeeping’
3 41 5 6 7 8 91 10 1 2 31 4 5 6 7111 8111 9 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 30 1 2 3 4 51 6 7 8 9 40
2002). Then the aim is to support the infomediaries and thus the rural community through effective and appropriate provision of information to meet its needs and demands. The information provided by infomediaries is embedded and verified by the recipients through their social networks. These social linkages may be very important for people on low incomes, because social capital can serve to replace or access financial capital where it is missing. However, Schilderman (2002) suggests that the social networks of people on the lowest income can be very limited. Social exclusion of certain groups can also mean their exclusion from access to accurate and appropriate information. There is evidence of gender differences between men and women, women’s social networks often being spatially restricted to the locality, while men’s often extend beyond the neighbourhood. This can have implications for verification and accuracy. NGOs, CBOs, state agencies and other infomediaries can be vital to strengthen or supplement limited social networks of information.
