ICT for rural communities has been a topic debated for decades now. Despite the many debates, the issues around this topic have mostly remained unresolved especially in most rural parts of Africa. It is with this in mind that this study; meant to emphasize the importance of Information and Communication Technology ICT by raising awareness of its benefits was found necessary. An investigation on the benefits of (ICT) in rural communities of Lesotho revealed that it will take addressing a number of issues before any benefits can be realized. Results revealed that realizing the benefits of ICT in rural communities require adequate knowledge of the underlying causes of the digital divide. It was also found that while ICT had a number of potential benefits towards the socio-economic status of rural Lesotho, issues like cost, accessibility, lack of infrastructure and illiteracy among others remain a challenge to the full realization of this empowerment.
The aim of the study was to find the benefits that ICT contributed to the socio-economic development of Lesotho rural communities. The study used Activity Theory and investigated ICT diffusion and infusion in Lesotho’s disadvantaged communities. The study also applied the ‘cause and effect’ principle and questionnaires were distributed in the two villages of Lesotho that were investigated; Mabote and Khubetsoana. Recommendations were also contributed to the research community on ICTs for rural communities in terms of suggesting the best way that ICT can possibly be implemented for the benefit of rural communities.