The Significance of Information and Communication Technology for SMEs in Rural Communities

This research examines the significance of information communication technology (ICT) to the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in rural Ghana using a study of some selected SMEs in the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East region of Ghana. One hundred SMEs were sampled using simple random sampling of small businesses operating in the rural areas within the Bawku municipality. The study found out that ICT has contributed to the growth of SMEs by decreasing cost of communication and transaction, and enhancing better relations with customers and suppliers. Though ICT awareness of the benefits of ICT to SMEs is high among SME owners in the Bawku Municipality, its patronage and usage is still low. High cost of hardware and software infrastructure, non-availability of support systems and lack of expertise are some of the barriers to the adoption of ICT among SMEs. The author recommends recruiting and training (or outsourcing) of ICT expertise in SMEs, SMEs should also be encouraged to use mobile money wallets for cash transactions. Educational and institutions should also look at developing cheaper and more accessible ICT applications primarily for SMEs.