ICTs for Development (ICT4D)ICTs for Development (ICT4D)
Multimedia Training Kit <www.itrainonline.org>
ICT Policy for Civil Society
Aims for this session
Participants will be able to: Explain the general issues and engage
in debate about the role of ICTs in development
Describe challenges of implementing ICTs in developing countries
Be able to access, assess and use basic ICT indicators
ICT Policy for Civil Society
Defining the digital divide
The term digital divide refers to the increasing access gap between those who have and those who do not have:
access to information and communication technologies;
access to content that benefits them socially and economically;
skills to take advantage of ICT services; the ability to afford to pay for digital
services.
ICT Policy for Civil Society
What is ICT4D?
ICT4D is concerned with using new and existing technologies to extend the reach of communication and information resources.
Facilitating access to ICT resources, and promoting their effective use makes these information and communication initiatives much more complex and dynamic.
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Drivers of ICT4D
The Missing Link (extending basic telecom infrastructure to all)
Rise of Civil Society Communication Rights Globalization and Information Networks
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APC internet rights charter
The Right to Communicate Freedom of expression and information
exchange Diversity, ownership and control of content Free/open source software, technology
development and intellectual property rights Privacy Global, regional and national governance of
the Internet Awareness, protection and realisation of rights
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Four pillars of the CRIS campaign
Communication Rights in the Information Society:
Creating spaces for democratic environments; Reclaiming the use of knowledge and the public
domain; Reclaiming civil and political rights in the
information society; and Securing equitable and affordable access.
<www.crisinfo.org>
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Different ICT4D components
access to ICTs
ability to use ICTs
actual use of ICTs
impact of using ICTs.
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Bridges.org – Real Access
Affordability Capacity Relevant content Integration Socio-cultural factors Trust Political will Legal and regulatory framework Local economic environment Macro economic environment
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Real Access Criteria (1)
AffordabilityIs technology access affordable for people to use?
CapacityDo people understand how to use technology and its potential uses?
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Real Access Criteria (2)
Relevant content Is there locally relevant content, especially in terms of language?
IntegrationDoes the technology further burden people's lives or does it integrate into daily routines?
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Real Access Criteria (3)
Socio-cultural factorsAre people limited in their use of technology based on gender, race, or other socio-cultural factors?
TrustDo people have confidence in and understand the implications of the technology they use, for instance in terms of privacy, security, or cybercrime?
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Real Access Criteria (4)
Political willIs there political will in government to do what is needed to enable the integration of technology throughout society?
Legal and regulatory frameworkHow do laws and regulations affect technology use and what changes are needed to create an environment that fosters its use?
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Real Access Criteria (5)
Local economic environmentIs there a local economy that can and will sustain technology use?
Macro economic environmentIs national economic policy conducive to widespread technology use, for example, in terms of transparency, deregulation, investment, and labour issues?
ICT Policy for Civil Society
Debate on the priority of ICTs for development – against
Critics argue: ICTs are a waste of money Funding should be directed to more
important areas of impact and real need There is the risk of disillusionment ICTs will not necessarily provide benefits
and may infact open people up to new forms of harm
ICT Policy for Civil Society
Debate on the priority of ICTs for development – pro
Supporters argue: The digital divide will become perilously
wider if ICTs are not promoted ICTs can support other social and
economic goals to improve peoples lives Access to ICTs and participation in the
Information Society will have far reaching benefits
ICT Policy for Civil Society
United Nations Millennium Development Goals
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
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United Nations Millennium Development Goals
Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development.
Target 18: In cooperation with the private sector make available the benefits of new technologies, specifically information and communications.
Indicator 47: Telephone lines and cellular subscribers per 100 population.
Indicator 48: Personal computers in use per 100 population and Internet users per 100 population.
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ICTs and development goals (education)
ICTs as a subject: information literacy, programming and other related skills.
Computer-based training and distance education
Access to learning communities Access to increased and up-to-date
information
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ICTs and development goals (health)
Telemedicine: broadband applications – from health clinic to hospital
Telehealth: phone and computer support for clinic management and information flows
Information sharing: information and exchange on health priorities, e.g. HIV / AIDS, TB, cholera
Epidemiology: statistics and information to support knowledge and disease management
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ICTs and development goals (SMMEs)
ICTs can support routine business operations: accounts, letters, plans
ICTs can be an opportunity themselves: training, support, sale, program, web
Linking suppliers directly to markets: reducing role of intermediaries
Info for tenders, linking SMMEs, support & funding, supply and sales chain
E-Commerce opportunities
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ICTs and development goals (governance)
Access to government information, services and processes
Transparency of governance Mitigation of corruption Access to representatives: constituents
direct link to members of Parliament
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Review of the debate on ICT for development (1)
Although the costs of new information infrastructure are high, the future costs of not doing so are much higher
ICT is a priority for development but requires national level strategies and support
ICTs should be development focused A best practice formula is not possible
because of developing countries diversity
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Review of the debate on ICT for development (2)
There is general agreement that ICTs are a powerful tool for development and there is commitment from international institutions.
What are some best practices for ICT implementation with a development focus?
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Models for ICT4D implementation
Community driven initiatives Private Public Partnerships Pro poor, pro market strategies Public service models
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Regulatory issues
Universal service Consumer advocacy Pricing policies Interconnection agreements Efficient use of resources Licencing for internet service providers Spectrum licencing
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Indicators
What are indicators?
What kind of information do indicators provide?
Where can indicators be obtained?
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What do indicators measure?
Infrastructure roll-out teledensity, computers per household,
waiting lists, etc. ICT use
number of internet hosts, international telephone traffic, etc.
Other factors literacy, school completion rates,
demographics, etc.
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What kind of information do indicators provide?
Quantitative indicators Qualitative information
Relative terms Absolute terms
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Where can indicators be obtained?
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/statistics/
Measuring the Information Society website (UNCTAD)http://measuring-ict.unctad.org/
World Bank Data and Statisticshttp://www.worldbank.org/data/countrydata/countrydata.html
National Regulatory Authorities
Regional Regulatory Organisations
Research Organisation
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Summary
Access to and opportunities for productive use of ICTs, engenders economic and social empowerment and facilitates participation and democracy.
ICTs are fundamental for achieving development goals.
It is important to set goals and to chart progress – at local to international levels.