To facilitate DFID policy on the use of ICTs for sustainable livelihoods.

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Sustainable Livelihoods Project is a desk based review of literature and case studies on ICT interventions (preparation studies). The study focuses on new communication technologies and existing information systems of small-scale farmers, small-scale enterprises (SMEs) and disadvantaged rural communities. The purpose of the project is to identify priorities for further research and practical work which will lead towards determining good practice (best practices) and provide policy guidance for the application of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) in poverty reduction. ICTs are defined here as the technologies used for the collection, processing and transmission of information in digital (electronic) format, including telephones, radios, computers, cell phones, satellites, television, etc.

Two livelihood questions underpin the research:

1. Whether and how the spread of new ICTs could result in the further marginalisation of disadvantaged groups and what can be done to mitigate adverse effects (livelihood outcomes).

2. Whether and how new ICTs can be effectively used by low-income, small-scale farmers to improve their productivity and competitiveness in market economies (livelihood assets).

Use of Sustainable Livelihoods Approaches

ICTs were considered in terms of human, physical and financial capital (livelihood assets). The main policy recommendations address the two livelihood questions:

• Lack of appropriate policies and physical infrastructure are the greatest hindrance to the spread of information and communication technologies in developing countries.
• Evidence to date shows the importance of the telephone and the radio in changing the lives of the poor.
• The telephone is by far the most common communication technology to effect tangible positive change in rural livelihoods (market and trading information, emergency and disaster communications, strengthening kinship relations, health services) and is the backbone of ICTs.
• Most people have access to a radio, however the potential for radio to overcome the 'last mile of connectivity' is grossly under-exploited.
• Trusted intermediaries will play an increasingly important role as transformers of information received from one source and disseminated in another more locally appropriate format (local institutional partnerships).
• The introduction of new information systems, particularly those that are text based and delivered via new communication technologies may conflict with existing information sources and communication channels.
• Although examples of good practice approaches to ICT projects (e.g. telecentres) are beginning to come thorough, failure is still being downplayed and accurate costings are rarely available.
• Increased access to information for SMEs can give them greater control over supply and delivery chains and wider access to markets thus overcoming barriers to economic development.

Print version of the Project Summary: Word.