ICT Update on podcasting: A new way to reach rural communities

Podcasting has been around since 2004 but it is still very much at the experimental stage when it comes to applying it to development efforts. In this issue we highlight some early initiatives from organizations currently testing the technology, and so far their results are all very positive. By using audio - speech and music - there is no need for expensive printing or distribution costs since the podcast can be downloaded from a single, central site on the web.

In fact, the term podcasting is now commonly used to include the general distribution of audio files over the Internet, but it is this fact that podcasting uses audio that makes it so interesting. Like radio, it can overcome problems of literacy, but a radio programme is transient - if you miss the programme you miss the information. Podcasting makes it possible to listen to a programme at the time of your choosing.

Having important information available that can be played, and even replayed, at any time means there is less chance of the message becoming confused or misinterpreted, making it ideal for agricultural extension work. Podcast updates can be automatically downloaded if the user subscribes to the podcasting service, giving them the most up-to-date information available. Previous podcasts can also be archived on the provider's website allowing users to download only the information they need, when they need it. Although a computer or media player, an mp3 player or an iPod is needed to listen to a podcast, the prices of these devices are falling sharply while their storage memories, ease of use and battery life are all rapidly improving.

This issue of ICT Update highlights some early initiatives from organizations currently testing the technology, and so far their results are all very positive.

All the contributors to this issue reinforce the importance of speech as a communication tool, using radio as an example and pointing to the spread of mobile phones, even among poorer communities in very remote areas. Podcasting, and the general distribution of audio files on small, portable media players, provides another method of disseminating information to rural and farming areas. The technology is still relatively new so it remains to be seen exactly how it will be used for development. But as the technology gets easier to use and becomes more affordable, it is likely that we will see much more podcasting in the coming years. It will become another useful addition to the whole ICT package.

ICT UPdate: http://ictupdate.cta.int/