You may have seen the acronym ICT4D (information and communication technologies for development) floating around. But what does ICT4D mean, exactly?
Here is one of the nicest definitions I’ve found, from an all-around good article published in The Inspired Economist:
Many of the initiatives addressing the issues of social ecology rely on bringing modern technologies — like cell phones, computers, and Internet access — to populations in need. These initiatives are helping to “bridge the digital divide” and are often referred to as ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development). ICTs are used either directly by the disadvantaged population in some manner, or can be used to assist aid organizations and NGOs to improve socio-economic conditions. We can’t remember what our lives were like before the use computers and mobile phones; we often take these tools for granted, but for many people in developing regions these communication tools can have a profound impact on improving their lives and communities.
To accept the important role of ICT4d, you must operate from the principle that “addressing issues of social sustainability is equally important as the economy and the environment for ensuring the survival of our species.” Social sustainability encompasses “the fabric of societal structures, including peace and human rights, dignity and democracy, employment and social integration, security and safety.”
The ICT4D blog has a lot of interesting reading on the subject; I highly recommend subscribing if you’re interested. Also take a look at the Web4Dev blog, which explores using web technologies for development. Another valuable resource, the ICT4D Wiki is collecting knowledge and research on ICT4D.
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