ICTs and POVERTY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

ii Foreword These last few years have seen a surge of new initiatives devoted to reducing the digital divide. The G-8 DOT Force, the UN ICT Task Force and the World Economic Forum's work on digital inclusion are significant examples of the efforts going into promoting digital technologies for the development of poor countries. However, what is actually known about the impact of information and communications technologies (ICTs) on poverty, especially in developing countries? Are they economic and social " dividers " or " equalizers " ? In what context can ICTs have a role in reducing poverty? It is with these questions in mind that the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) developed the Acacia program. One of the key objectives of Acacia is to enhance the understanding and knowledge of the effects of ICTs on poverty reduction and human development in Africa. In the context of this research agenda, a literature review was commissioned in order to better understand what has already been learnt, outline key areas of contention and highlight those fields where more research is needed. The following review by C. Nyaki Adeya is the resulting product. It was originally intended as an internal document, for the purpose of enlightening Acacia's work, however, we felt the general public should be able to benefit from it also. The review is essentially meant as a tool to help researchers, ICT practitioners, students and policymakers get an introduction to the issues involved in the field of ICTs for development. Through it, readers should get a better understanding of the relationship between ICTs and poverty. Those interested in exploring this important topic further will also appreciate the full bibliography with selected annotations. iii Acknowledgements This review is timely and I am indebted to IDRC for enabling this work to be undertaken. A special thank-you to L. Elder and R. Thioune of IDRC for providing some bibliographic references that contributed to this study. However, the selection of items for review and comments expressed about them remain largely mine. Dr. Charles B. Oduol of the University of Nairobi provided valuable editorial assistance, thanks for your good eye.