African Robotics and Autonomous Systems | 16 December 2001
Bridging Digital Inclusion Gaps in Rural South Africa: Strategic Approaches and Technologies
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Abstract
Rural communities in South Africa face significant digital inclusion gaps due to limited access to technology infrastructure and skills training. A mixed-methods approach combining surveys, focus groups, and case studies was employed to identify needs and evaluate proposed solutions. Survey results indicated a need for at least 75% of participants in accessing reliable internet services; specific training programmes were found effective in improving digital skills by an average of 40%. The identified strategies, including subsidized broadband access and community-led technology hubs, show promise in addressing the digital inclusion gap. Implement a phased rollout strategy for high-speed internet infrastructure with targeted training programmes to ensure sustainable adoption among rural populations. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin<em>{\theta}\sum</em>i\ell(y<em>i,f</em>\theta(x<em>i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert</em>2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.