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

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of the digital divide in the community of Tierra Blanca and present the case of the Agricultural Information Service of Tierra Blanca as a solution to reduce the digital divide in this farming community. Based on the premise that new information technologies 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. Next, the investigation studies the relationship between the digital divide and the productive, political, economic, social, cultural and commercial business development of small farmers. Then, based on the collaboration of a group of farmers in Tierra Blanca, the impact of the digital divide is considered specifically in this community. Finally, the case of the Agricultural Information Service of Tierra Blanca is presented as an automated information system tha t allows combat lags generated by this phenomenon. We conclude that the case of the Agricultural Information Service of 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