The Capacity-Enhancing Power of ICT: The Case of Rural Community-Based Organizations in the Peruvian Andes

This study examined the impact on the organizational capacity of nine grassroots organizations (organizaciones sociales de base [OSBs]) located in a rural district of Peru's Andean region, Daniel Hernández (Tayacaja province, Huancavelica department), associated with the use of computers and the Internet from public access venues (PAVs), such as telecenters and cabinas públicas (i.e., cybercafés). PAVs help make communication processes more effective and facilitate meetings and coordination, especially with external agents. PAVs have greater impact on OSBs when they are linked to the organization's objectives and goals and when actors who facilitate information flows between the OSB and external agents use the Internet to search for funding opportunities. PAVs can also become public spaces where members meet and coordinate activities. PAVs may help strengthen the capacity of OSBs, but their limitations should be taken into account by programs that deploy information and communication technology (ICT) in rural areas. To be specific, some organizational skills are more likely to be impacted by ICT (e.g., those related to inter-institutional links, leadership, infrastructure, and external communications) than others (e.g., supervision and monitoring and evaluating plan implementation). The study's recommendations are directed toward public and private organizations that seek to foster a more productive use of technology by OSBs. First, programs should focus on developing those capacities that are most impacted by PAVs, such as leadership, networking, and financial management. Second, given that youths tend to adopt technology most readily, their participation in grassroots organizations should be encouraged. Third, the promotion of PAVs as part of universal Internet access initiatives should consider including OSBs, not just individuals, as part of their goals. In parallel, projects should promote OSBs' use of PAVs as a management tool. Finally, public agencies should ensure that PAVs are socially inclusive and discourage all forms of discrimination.