ICT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE, THE YOUTH AND THE LAW
ICT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE, THE YOUTH AND THE LAW
Mar08
The Law in developing ACP Countries is an ever evolving phenomenon that is both dynamic and versatile in nature. It not only addresses traditional issues such as criminal and civil disputes, but as of recently, caters for emerging global developments in various fields including ICT, Rural Development and Agriculture.Increasingly, the Youth are playing a pivotal role in the advancement of rural communities across ACP Countries. Accordingly, the Law must increase its potency and effect to commensurate with the needs of these communities. Clearly, however, the task of framing the legal structure so as to meet these needs is made increasingly difficult by the following factors:
- Inadequate physical and institutional infrastructure
- Phony Political dialogue
- Lack of involvement of key stake holders
- Lack of enforcement mechanisms
- Dependency modes of thinking thereby adversely affecting emerging jurisprudence; and
- Lack of involvement, both monetary or otherwise in promoting an efficacious legal system.
These challenges have indeed proved fatal to efforts made over the years by Youths in ACP Countries. Apart from the basic lack of motivation which is inherent in the approach by youths to the legal system and its relationship to key features of rural communities, the Youth have admittedly been side-lined by some who have deemed their contribution as ineffective in developing and promoting agricultural and rural development, an area of competence traditionally held by community elders. Further, the lack of access to resources, intellectual property issues and incapacity have all complicated the issue of youth participation and hence the need for the law to play a more active role in addressing these concerns.
Suffice, the use of ICT, particularly Web. 2.0 tools have over the years proved to be quite effective in disseminating pertinent information relating to the Youth and agriculture/rural development in Communities across ACP countries. Apart from the effective dissemination of information, these instruments of communication have also proved successful in ensuring that copyright laws are complied with and that trades mark and other legal requirements for the marketing of various products are complied with. However, it must be admitted that the knowledge base in respect of these potent issues remains vastly limited.
In sum, the Law has a recognizably important role to play in respect of addressing the many challenges faced in the area of agriculture and rural development. However, to achieve the purpose of enhancing livelihoods through legal structures and mechanisms, ICT tools, particularly web development tools must be effectively invested in, and adopted. Only then can true progress be recorded and the demands of our rural communities be met.
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