The Development of Automated Information Systems to reduce the Digital Divide in Agricultural Communities: The Case of the Agricultural Information Service in Tierra Blanca (SIT), Costa Rica

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the phenomena of the digital divide in the community of Tierra Blanca and presents the case of the Agricultural Information Service in Tierra Blanca as a solution to reduce the digital divide in this farming community. Based on the promise that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have a great importance in today´s society, the article analyzes the concept of digital divide composed by three components: access to information, connectivity and digital literacy, contextualized in farming communities. The paper studies the relationship between the digital divide and the productive, political, economic, social, cultural and commercial business development of small farmers. Based on the collaboration of a group of farmers in Tierra Blanca, the impact of the digital divide is considered specifically in this community. The case of the Agricultural Information Service in Tierra Blanca is presented as an automated information system that allows to combat lags generated by this phenomena. The study concludes that the case of the Agricultural Information Service in Tierra Blanca is an initiative that has reduced the digital divide in a comprehensive way for farmers, but the development of comprehensive policies and strategies at the community and national levels is necessary, seeking the involvement of various institutions and communities.