IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

Journal of Business and African Economy (JBAE )

E-ISSN 2545-5281
P-ISSN 2695-2238
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/jbae.v11.no2.2025.pg113.126

---

The role of ICT in facilitating lifelong learning and community empowerment in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas

Amachree, T, Nweke, DC

---

Abstract

This study examined the role of ICT adoption, digital literacy, and e-governance in community development in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A total of 320 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Z-test statistical tools. The findings revealed that the major challenges to ICT adoption in community development include lack of infrastructure, high cost of ICT devices, limited digital literacy, cultural resistance, and poor government policies. The study also found that digital literacy significantly enhances lifelong learning, employability, and community collaboration. Furthermore, e-governance was found to improve access to government information, promote transparency, and encourage citizen participation in community development projects. The Z-test analysis showed no significant difference in the impact of ICT adoption, digital literacy, and e-governance between Khana and Gokana LGAs. The study recommends the provision of ICT infrastructure, digital literacy training programs, and inclusive e-governance platforms to promote sustainable community development. The findings contribute to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the role of ICT in enhancing community development in rural communities.

keywords:

Role, ICT, Facilitating, Lifelong, Learning, Community & Empowerment

---

References:

Adebayo, S. & Lawal, A. (2021). The Role of E-Governance in Enhancing Transparency and
Citizen Participation in Rural Communities. International Journal of Public
Administration and Policy Studies, 8(3), 45-57.
Akinwale, A. & Ojo, O. (2019). Community Development and ICT: Challenges and Prospects in
Rural Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 8(2), 324-336.
Ekong, E. E. (2020). The Impact of ICT on Rural Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of
Selected Communities in the Niger Delta. Journal of Development Communication,
9(3), 55-68.
Kpolovie, P. J. & Awusaku, O. (2020). ICT Integration in Community Development Projects:
Prospects and Challenges in Rivers State. African Journal of Information Systems, 6(4),
212-227.
Nwafor, C. & Okeke, T. (2020). E-Governance and Community Engagement in Rural
Development: A Study of Selected LGAs in Nigeria. African Journal of Governance
and Development, 15(2), 99-114.
Okonkwo, C. & Nwafor, J. (2020). Digital Literacy and Socio-Economic Empowerment in Rural
Communities: A Study of Selected LGAs in South-East Nigeria. Journal of
Information and Communication Technology, 12(1), 89-102.
Okwu, O. J. & Ede, P. (2020). Barriers to ICT Adoption in Rural Community Development
Projects in Nigeria. Journal of Rural Development Studies, 14(2), 112-128.
UNESCO (2021). Digital Literacy for Lifelong Learning: A Global Perspective. Paris: United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
World Bank (2020). Digital Transformation and E-Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa:
Opportunities and Challenges. Washington DC: World Bank Publications.

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back