Bringing the gap between the information rich and the information poor in malawi

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the appraisal of the gap between the information rich and information poor in Malawi by focusing on the notable legislations and technological infrastructures that contribute to the information flow in Malawi. It also explores the strides made in Malawi in terms of library development, electronic information development and human resource development. The appraisal employed a desk research approach where journal articles, internet publications, government publications, online newspapers, books and international organisations’ databases like UNESCO, World Bank, UNDP, European Commission and United Nations were reviewed The review found out that the Malawi government has notable legislations that can assist in bridging the gap between the information rich and poor and these include Access to Information Act, Copyright Act, and National Information Communication and Technology Policy. It also found out that there are initiatives from the government, and private and non-governmental organisations to reach out to the masses with ICT, technological infrastructure, library, electronic information, and human resource development. The paper concludes that although there are initiatives that have been developed, they are inadequate especially for the rural masses to close the gap between the information rich and information poor.