Latest news with #ruraldevelopment
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Vodacom to invest $5.6mln in 106 new rural base stations across KZN
Vodacom will invest approximately R100m to build 106 new base station sites in deep rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. This aims to connect hundreds of thousands of people who have been excluded from the digital age. The deployment will help bridge significant digital divides in remote KwaZulu-Natal and promote digital inclusion. The new sites will be rolled out across 11 district municipalities, including Amajuba, eThekwini, Harry Gwala, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, Ugu, Umgungundlovu, uMzinyathi, Uthukela, Zululand, uMhlabuyalingana, uMfolozi, uMlalazi, uMsinga, uMzumbe, uMgeni, Ray Nkonyeni, Mandeni, eNdumeni, eDumbe, Msunduzi, Newcastle and Nqutu. This forms part of Vodacom's Rural Coverage Acceleration Programme, aimed at expanding network coverage in deep rural South Africa, complementing previous efforts to improve infrastructure outside urban areas. GSMA research highlights that high-speed broadband availability is critical for rural development, yet many rural communities lag behind in connectivity. Roughly half the world's population, about 4 billion people, lack internet access and are excluded from its socio-economic benefits. Imran Khan, managing executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal, said: "Ensuring network connectivity in deep rural areas is fundamental to Vodacom's commitment to connect everyone, whether in urban centres, townships or rural locations. We aim to remove barriers and empower rural and township communities to enjoy the same network experience as metropolitan areas, enabling them to benefit from the digital economy." Broadband penetration drives economic and social growth. A World Bank study shows that a 10 percentage point increase in fixed broadband penetration can increase GDP growth by 1.21% in developed economies and 1.38% in developing ones. Internet access will enable rural communities to utilise services such as e-health, e-education, and e-commerce. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times
5 days ago
- Times
Overrun goat island calls in hunters to curb its hungry herd
An army of 800 wild goats which have devastated an Italian island paradise may be shot, as frustrated politicians recruit hunters for a major cull after efforts to capture the animals failed. The goats have devoured vegetation and destroyed ancient dry stone walls on Alicudi, a stunning volcanic island off Sicily where residents take shelter in their homes as the horned animals, weighing up to 120kg, rampage through their gardens. Giovanni Dell'Acqua, a Sicilian rural development official, said: 'They eat everything, they are dangerous and a cull is the only solution left.' After a few goats escaped from captivity on the island 20 years ago, they have multiplied fast, reaching a headcount of 600 in 2023 and 800 today, far more than the human population of 120. While gobbling their way through cacti, olive trees and caper plants, the goats move in herds along the island's steep narrow paths, scaring off hikers.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Funding boost for community buildings across York and North Yorkshire
A funding boost has been announced to support community buildings across York and North Yorkshire. The 2025/26 Community Building Programme will see £1.35 million spent on such spaces as village halls and cricket grounds, according to a spokesperson for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council and is funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: "I want to make it easier for people to look after each other in their own communities, wherever they are in the region. "This is particularly key in our rural areas. "They are vast and beautiful, but often the people who live there feel more isolated than those who live in towns and cities. "I have visited community buildings from Hawes to Whitby, and so many places in between. "It might be a village hall, or a cricket ground, but it's the passion of the people who make these into more than places - into anchors for local life. "That is why community buildings are essential to be able to create healthy, thriving, and connected communities right across the region." Following on from previous UKSPF funding rounds that supported 43 village halls and community buildings, Mayor Skaith has committed £600,000 from his Mayoral Investment Fund to help more than 20 hubs. Councillor Heather Phillips, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for stronger communities, said: "We are looking forward to working with our partners on the delivery of this programme. "These buildings are incredibly important to local communities, particularly in rural areas where it may be the only meeting place for that village. "They bring the community together, often by providing services and activities for all age groups." Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council, said: "Community venues like village halls are so much more than just buildings. "They are places where people get to know each other, make new friends, host family celebrations, play sports, and access key services that enable people of all ages to lead happier, healthier lives. "In short, they are the places where community is built." David Burton, chair of Great Ouseburn Village Hall Management Committee, said: "I know how difficult it can be to help run a village hall, but I would encourage anyone in my position to keep an eye out for grants from the Combined Authority and apply where possible. "This grant process has been extremely straightforward, and the changes made possible with this money have already made a huge impact on our community." Funding applications will be open till August 4, and applications can be made at
Reuters
13-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
India's NABARD gets government approval to issue deep-discount debt
NEW DELHI, June 13 (Reuters) - India's National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has received approval from the federal government to raise up to 195 billion rupees ($2.3 billion) through deep-discount bonds. NABARD can raise funds via these deep-discount zero-coupon bonds maturing in 10 years, 11 months and 13 days until the end of March 2027, a government document showed on Friday. ($1 = 86.0400 Indian rupees)
RNZ News
09-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Aid organisations help farmers in PNG's Sepik get ahead
For many years the European Union, through its EU-STREIT, or Support to Rural Development, Entrepreneurslhip, Investment and Trade programme, has been helping farmers in isolated areas to improve production and sales. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
