Negative and Positive Effects of Information Technology and Communications in Rural Development

Today, various innovations have found their way into the market. Information and communication technology can be considered as one of these innovations. Villages, as a part of the country's society, have always shown sensitivities toward new innovations. Among the innovations presented to villages is information and communication technology, which requires attention to the effects of its development in villages. The research method is secondary, and various national and foreign sources have been used. In this article, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is defined and the Internet status, as one of the most important tools of information technology in the world, is examined, and the status of Iran in the world and region is discussed. In the following, the national strategy of information and communication technology for infrastructure, education and research are considered, and information technology applications in the rural areas are expressed. Information and communication technology can be influential in agriculture. Subjects such as precision agriculture, the environment and crisis management are among the main concerns of information and communication technology in agriculture. It is necessary to conduct a pathological examination about the application of information and communication technology, and this will be considered with regard to dimensions such as digital divide and the cost issues of the application of information technology.