Abstract

This Delphi study was aimed to identify the effectiveness of rural information and communications technologies (ICT) centers in rural communities of Kermanshah Township, Iran. Rural information and communication technology (ICT) centers play an important role in rural development through improving e-governance in rural areas. The study utilized a Delphi technique, carried out by participation of ICT experts to first determine indicators of effectiveness. Based on the identified indicators, effectiveness of rural ICT centers was assessed utilizing structured interviews with questionnaire.  Results indicated that a majority of rural people never used internet services despite its availability. ICT centers also showed to have low effectiveness improving households’ income, employment rate, diffusion of agricultural information, and e-commerce. They were found to be effective, up to some extent, in preventing migration to urban areas and decreasing number of daily trips to nearby cities as well as facilitating postal requirements and improving e-governance.

Key words: Rural information and communications technologies (ICT)  center, effectiveness, E-governance, Iran.