ICT4D: Information and Communication Technology for Development

ICT4D provides an authoritative and accessible account of the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in contemporary development practice. It combines theory with practical guidance - including both a conceptual framework for understanding the rapid development of ICT4D, and practitioners' overviews of the use of ICTs in enterprise, health, governance, education and rural development. Boxed case studies provide detailed examples of issues and initiatives from a wide variety of countries and organisations. ICTs are becoming increasingly significant in making a difference and improving the impacts of development practice. However, ICT4D projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America have not always been as effective as their proponents had hoped. This book explores both the successes and the challenges facing such initiatives, and provides clear recommendations for how they can be developed in more sustainable ways for the benefit of poor people and marginalised communities. ICT4D is essential reading for anyone involved in planning, designing or implementing ICT4D initiatives.

Tim Unwin is UNESCO Chair in ICT4D and Professor of Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is also Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom.