Challenges and Prospects of Information Service Delivery to Rural People of Nigeria

Nigeria federation has a population of over 150 million people out of which 80% are living in the rural areas. It has 36 states with 774 local government council areas spread across the country. The large rural population is a direct consequence of poor living standards, shelter, infrastructure and issues of physical and social environment. The wild spread of illiteracy, poverty, hunger, and disease, absence of basic infrastructure such as water, roads, schools, electricity and health services are by no means having negative impact on rural development. The characteristics of rural people are identified and the information needs, sources and types of information desired are highlighted. Also the challenges and benefits of information services delivery and the value of information and communication technologies (ICT) is mentioned.

Keywords: Information, service delivery, rural people, information and communication technology.