The citizen-led information practices of ICT4D in rural communities of China: A mixed-method study

Information and communication technology is regarded as a critical means of addressing rural problems of information deficiency, ineffective communication and emotional disconnection. Most studies on information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) can be categorized as a top-down development approach and are often theoretical research or case studies conducted using qualitative methods. In this study, we discuss a new phenomenon of citizen-led information practices in rural areas driven by the rural community and its citizens. By employing a mixed-method approach combining case studies and social network analysis (SNA), we explore how ICT4D can be achieved through citizen-led information practices. This study makes theoretical contributions to the study of ICT4D and information practices as well as the mixed-method approach, which deepen our understanding of the citizen-led information practices of ICT4D. This study also provides practical suggestions to the governments, enterprises, social organizations and rural communities in ICT4D practices and ICT function design.