Rural communities around the world face significant challenges in accessing basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, as well as in promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability. In short, smart village infrastructure has emerged as a potential solution to the challenges faced by rural communities around the world. By leveraging technology and innovation, smart village infrastructure has the potential to increase access to basic services, promote economic growth and environmental sustainability, and improve the overall quality of life in rural communities. However, addressing the challenges of funding, skilled labor, and community engagement requires a holistic approach that involves collaboration between multiple stakeholders. The policy recommendations provided in this paper can help promote smart village infrastructure and sustainable rural communities.
TopIntroduction
The past few years have witnessed an upsurge in interest in the creation of smart village infrastructure and the promotion of sustainable rural communities. The reason for this is that rural areas face a plethora of challenges, including inadequate access to basic services, lack of employment opportunities, and environmental deterioration. Smart villages are a response to these difficulties, aiming to use technology and innovation to enhance the quality of life of rural communities. This article delves into the concept of smart village infrastructure and its part in advancing sustainable rural communities.
Smart village infrastructure pertains to the implementation of innovative solutions that tackle the problems faced by rural areas. Its goal is to enhance access to fundamental services such as education, healthcare, and clean water, as well as promote economic development and environmental sustainability. Digital technologies, such as internet connectivity, mobile devices, and renewable energy sources, are the typical foundations of smart village infrastructure. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power are essential components of this infrastructure. By providing electricity to rural areas, they enhance the quality of life for rural communities and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to climate change. Another critical component is the use of digital technologies to enhance access to fundamental services such as healthcare, education, and financial services through telemedicine, e-learning platforms, and mobile applications.
Sustainable rural communities are inextricably linked to the creation of smart village infrastructure. These communities can satisfy the needs of the present generation without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs. This necessitates a focus on environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity. A primary issue encountered by rural communities is the shortage of economic opportunities. Inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic development is required for sustainable rural communities. This includes supporting local businesses, promoting sustainable agriculture, and using renewable energy sources. Sustainable rural communities must prioritize environmental sustainability. This involves protecting natural resources such as forests and water sources, as well as decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing renewable energy sources. Finally, social equity is a fundamental element of sustainable rural communities, ensuring that all members of the community have access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water, regardless of their socio-economic status.
The establishment of smart village infrastructure is essential for promoting sustainable rural communities. By leveraging technology and innovation, we can enhance access to basic services, promote economic development, and protect the environment. Sustainable rural communities must prioritize inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic development, safeguard natural resources, and guarantee social equity. As the world confronts issues such as climate change and rural-urban migration, the concept of smart villages will continue to play an increasingly vital role in promoting sustainable rural development.
According to Amit Degada et al. (2021), almost half of the global population, around 46%, lives in rural areas. In order to foster economic development, enhance agriculture, and improve healthcare and education, smart villages have become increasingly necessary alongside smart cities. The concept of a smart village involves the use of digital technology to modernize traditional rural practices. This digital transformation is built on a foundation of heterogeneous digital technologies, with the Internet of Things (IoT) serving as a central pillar. As a result, there are numerous research opportunities to create a secure, cost-effective, and efficient technical infrastructure for smart villages which is shown in Figure 1. This article highlights some of the key areas where IoT can be applied in the context of smart villages.
Figure 1. Source: Degada (2021)