Information Society Watch

September 2007, id21 insights

This issue of id21 insights presents snapshots of research on the role and the impact of mobile phones across the developing world. Studies show the 'incremental benefits', such as offering cheaper means of communication, as well as the 'transformational benefits', such as creating new means of livelihood, that mobile phones bring.

2007, Thomas Molony, Information Technologies and International Development, MIT Press Journal

This article examines three case studies of sub-sectors in the Tanzanian economy to examine the complexities surrounding interfaces between traditional, established communication, and the increasing use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). The case studies reveal the overlap between social interaction and business in an African economy. Trust emerges as a common theme, and the author discusses its importance in relation to the new form of communication that ICT provides for entrepreneurs in Africa.

2006, Richard Duncombe, Institute for Development Policy and Management

This paper seeks to provide a contribution to theorising ICT and development by applying a ‘livelihoods approach’ as a suitable framework of analysis, taking rural micro enterprise as an important potential area of ICT application in a developing country context.

Robert Chapman, Tom Slaymaker and John Young, Overseas Development Institute

This report is the result of a desk review by DFID and FAO to research the theoretical background literature on sustainable livelihoods and the current context of information and communication, to assist with the preparation of a strategic programme on information in support of sustainable livelihoods.

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.

April 2002, Simone Cecchini and Monica Raina, Information Technology in Developing Countries

This paper provides an example of the adoption of ICT by a rural community by detailing the Warana “Wired Village” project, in the state of Maharashtra, India. There, a local cooperative is using ICT to streamline the operations connected with sugar cane growing and harvesting. This is benefiting small farmers, both in terms of transparency and time saved on administrative transactions, as well as the cooperative, in terms of monetary gains.

May 2006, Digital Opportunity Channel

A strong political mandate and international funding has converted drought-prone Baramati in central Maharashtra into an apparent showpiece for sustainable knowledge development in India. Annual conventions held at Baramati, which attract a wide range of international stakeholders, focus on using IT for social causes. A local IT college set up here actively works towards creating affordable IT enabled services, including market information for farmers, a computer on wheels for rural education, and increasing connectivity for providing governmental services.

February 2006, Madaswamy Moni, I4D

Agriculture is the mainstay of the majority of India’s populace, yet faces severe constraints for sustainable growth and development. This article outlines some key initiatives currently underway in India for agricultural livelihood development through the incorporation of ICTs.