Strengthening Rural Livelihoods

Enthusiasm among international development agencies about harnessing the potential of information and communications technologies (ICTs) for development has waned as observers have recently questioned the impact and sustainability of such interventions. By presenting the findings of research specifically designed to measure impact on livelihoods, Strengthening Rural Livelihoodsoffers new evidence for the development benefits of ICTs. The book presents an overview of six research projects within the Knowledge Networking for Rural Development in Asia Pacific research program. Using a control trial approach in four out of the six project case studies, and critically assessing the pros and cons of this methodology including the ethical implications, the authors have provided significant new insights into how to overcome the challenges of mainstreaming ICTs into rural livelihoods and more effectively measuring its effects. This book will appeal to academics, civil society organizations, practitioners and students who are interested in what does and doesn'¬"t work when applying ICTs to rural livelihoods.

David J. Grimshaw is Head of the New Technologies International Programmed Practical Action a Senior Research Fellow at the Department for International Development, and a Visiting Professor in Information and Communications Technology for Development at Royal Holloway, University of London. Shalini Kala is the ENRAP Coordinator with the international Development Research Centre Regional Office for South Asia.