: In an era of rapid technological advancements, the concept of smart cities has gained considerable attention. However, it is equally important to explore the potential and benefits of technology in rural areas. Smart villages, the counterparts of smart cities, focus on empowering rural communities through the application of innovative technologies.
The United Nations predicts that by 2050, 68% of the world’s population will live in cities, which currently house more than half of the world’s population. This urbanization pattern has prompted populace decrease in rustic regions, especially in nations with low rates of birth in Asia and Europe.
Establishing smart rural environments and overcoming the obstacles posed by these regions’ lack of infrastructure and services are essential if this population influx is to be viable. Responsible urbanization, policies that improve education, health, industry, technology, logistics, and foster a green economy, as well as strategic environmental management, are required to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 11. The idea of smart villages comes into play in this situation.
Smart city vs Smart Villages
Smart village technologies encompass a wide range of solutions that leverage digital infrastructure, connectivity, and data-driven systems to improve the quality of life in rural areas. These technologies include renewable energy solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, e-governance platforms, telemedicine, precision agriculture, and more. By integrating these technologies, villages can become smarter, more sustainable, and interconnected, creating a conducive environment for economic growth and development.
Smart village framework
Challenges:
As of 2018, Africa and Asia housed nearly 90 percent of the world’s rural population. India has the largest rural population with 893 million people, followed by China with 578 million individuals. Over the past 25 years, there has been remarkable progress in reducing poverty globally. However, as of 2015, around one-tenth of the world’s population still lived in extreme poverty, defined as surviving on less than USD 1.90 per day. This poverty rate represents the lowest recorded in history. According to the World Bank, 78 percent of the world’s poor reside in rural areas and face challenges such as inadequate education and employment in the agricultural sector.
The majority of these impoverished individuals are under 18 years old. “No poverty” is the first of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established in 2015 by 193 countries, aiming for a future of peace and prosperity by 2030. Despite this, there is much work remaining to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030, as highlighted in the World Bank’s Poverty Overview in 2018. Income inequality has been on the rise across most countries and regions in recent decades.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: One of the primary challenges in implementing smart village technologies is establishing the necessary infrastructure and ensuring reliable connectivity. Many rural areas lack basic amenities like electricity and internet access, making it difficult to deploy and sustain technology-driven solutions.
At the core of any smart village lies the establishment of robust digital infrastructure and connectivity. Access to the internet enables villagers to connect with the outside world, access vital services, and acquire information necessary for personal and professional growth. Governments and organizations play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of affordable and reliable internet connectivity, which acts as a gateway for numerous transformative technologies.
Affordability and Accessibility: Rural communities often face financial constraints, making it crucial for smart village technologies to be affordable and accessible. Cost-effective solutions and affordable devices need to be developed to ensure that technology reaches every corner of the village and benefits all community members.
Education and Awareness: Enhancing digital literacy and creating awareness about the potential benefits of smart technologies are vital challenges. Educating villagers about the use and advantages of technology can help bridge the digital divide and encourage its widespread adoption.
Sustainability and Adaptability: Smart village technologies should be designed to align with the specific needs and characteristics of rural communities. Solutions should be sustainable, energy-efficient, and adaptable to the local environment, resources, and cultural context.
One of the key pillars of a smart village is the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. These solutions can range from solar power systems, wind turbines, or mini-hydro plants, depending on the available resources in the region. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, villages can reduce their carbon footprint, minimize reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance energy access for all. The surplus energy can be stored and utilized for various purposes, such as powering community centers, schools, healthcare facilities, and small-scale industries.
Opportunities:
Agriculture and Farming: Smart village technologies offer significant opportunities for improving agricultural practices. Tools like IoT-based sensors, data analytics, and weather forecasting can assist farmers in making informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation, increasing crop yield, and reducing wastage.
Agriculture forms the backbone of many rural communities. The smart village framework promotes the application of innovative technologies and precision agriculture techniques to increase productivity, optimize resource utilization, and improve the overall efficiency of farming practices. Smart farming techniques involve the use of sensors, drones, and data analytics to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and crop health, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. Access to real-time market information and e-commerce platforms also empowers farmers to sell their produce at fair prices, eliminating intermediaries and maximizing profits.
Healthcare and Telemedicine: Access to quality healthcare is a challenge in rural areas. Smart village technologies can enable telemedicine services, connecting villagers with doctors remotely. Wearable devices and mobile health applications can also help monitor health conditions and provide preventive care.
Renewable Energy: Rural areas often lack reliable electricity supply. Smart village technologies can leverage renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to provide clean and affordable energy. This can improve living conditions, promote economic growth, and reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources.
E-Governance and Citizen Services: Digitizing governance processes can enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Smart village technologies enable e-governance platforms, enabling citizens to access services such as online registrations, payments, and grievance redressal, thereby reducing bureaucracy and enhancing citizen participation.
Identifying Opportunities for New Age Companies:
Access to Untapped Markets: One of the significant advantages for new age companies lies in accessing untapped rural markets. With the integration of smart village technologies, rural consumers gain access to products and services that were previously inaccessible. By understanding the unique needs and aspirations of these consumers, new age companies can tailor their offerings to cater to these markets, creating a win-win situation for both the company and the rural community.
Innovative Last-Mile Distribution: Smart village technologies can revolutionize last-mile distribution in rural areas. By leveraging digital platforms and connectivity, new age companies can optimize their supply chain and distribution networks. This enables cost-effective and efficient delivery of products and services, overcoming traditional barriers such as distance, poor infrastructure, and logistics challenges. Companies that invest in innovative last-mile distribution systems can establish a competitive edge and gain the loyalty of rural consumers.
Harnessing Local Talent: Rural areas often possess immense untapped talent and potential. New age companies can leverage smart village technologies to create employment opportunities and harness the skills of the local population. By establishing training programs and skill development initiatives, these companies can empower rural communities, creating a skilled workforce that can contribute to their growth. This symbiotic relationship fosters socio-economic development while enabling companies to tap into a dedicated and motivated talent pool.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Smart village technologies generate a wealth of data related to various aspects of rural life, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and more. New age companies can leverage this data to gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and demand patterns. By harnessing data analytics and artificial intelligence, companies can make informed business decisions, develop targeted marketing strategies, and improve operational efficiency. This data-driven approach gives companies a competitive advantage and helps them stay ahead in the rapidly evolving market landscape.
Collaborative Partnerships: The successful implementation of smart village technologies requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, non-profit organizations, and technology providers.
New age companies can seize the opportunity to form partnerships and collaborations with these stakeholders. By joining forces, companies can pool resources, expertise, and networks, fostering innovation and sustainable development in rural areas. Collaborative partnerships not only strengthen the impact of individual companies but also create a supportive ecosystem that enables long-term growth.
The smart village framework offers a promising pathway to address the developmental challenges faced by rural communities. By leveraging technology and innovation, villages can achieve sustainable economic growth, enhance quality of life, and preserve their cultural heritage. However, the successful implementation of the smart village concept requires collaboration between governments, local communities, private sector entities, and civil society organizations. Together, we can create a future where no village is left behind, and all communities have the opportunity to thrive in the digital era.
