Information Society Watch

2004, Shoba Arun, Richard Heeks and Sharon Morgan

The paper examines the key components of the Sustainable Livelihoods framework drawing mainly from the DFID (UK Department for International Development) and UNDP approaches. A livelihoods approach to ICT-based enterprise provides insights of particular relevance to issues such as vulnerability, sustainability and impact; especially in relation to those ICT-based enterprises that touch upon the lives of the poor. Although the livelihoods approach is, in its simplest form, gender-neutral, the authors go further and apply the framework in relation to ICT-based enterprises for women. They also draw a draft framework for research integrating gender, technology and enterprises within the 'Livelihoods Analysis' approach. Finally, the paper raises some particular issues in relation to researching enterprise and ICTs in the context of sustainable livelihoods (Adapted from authors).

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