This sixth APDIP e-Note summarizes an analysis of 21 papers and reports since 2002 that highlight the use of information and communications technology (ICT) for poverty reduction. The analysis looks at the conditions required for making ICTs effective anti-poverty tools, as discussed in the papers and reports. The analysis also notes the gaps in current research and reporting on the use of ICT for poverty reduction.

Analysis of the papers and reports shows that there is a lack of concrete evidence linking ICT to poverty reduction, thus, hindering the readiness to embed ICTs into poverty reduction programmes. A wide range of pre-conditions that make ICTs effective anti-poverty tools are given but there is little explanation or analysis of how to create these conditions, and why particular ICTs are or are not chosen in the different development circumstances. This APDIP e-Note concludes with some pointers on the way forward.

APDIP e-Notes are brief snapshots that present analyses of specific issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable human development in the Asia-Pacific region. This online series introduces readers to the who, what, where, why and how of a wide range of current issues related to ICTs such as Internet governance, ICTs and poverty alleviation, e-governance, free and open source software, and many others.

Related Links

APDIP e-Note 6

APDIP e-Note 2 - Do Governments Actually Believe that ICT Can Help Alleviate Poverty? A perspective from Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers

Detailed analysis of the 21 papers and reports

All APDIP e-Notes

UNDP-APDIP Publications