Up-scaling pro-poor ICT-policies and practices
January 2005
Richard Gerster, Sonja Zimmermannm
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Gerster Consulting
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can make a difference in reducing poverty and in contributing to reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The pioneer of appropriate technology, E.F. Schumacher, said many years ago: “The gift of material goods makes people dependent. The gift of knowledge makes them free”. Practical experience, as well as the lessons learned around the globe, demonstrates the great potential of ICTs for enhancing
empowerment, opportunity and security. This potential, however, contrasts with the relatively modest impact attributed to ICT as a general enabler
in reaching the MDGs.
Untapped opportunities exist to multiply and scale up successful pilot projects and approaches, by harnessing ICT’s potential for dynamic knowledge
sharing and networking, building on economies of scale, and drawing on a broad range of approaches that can be used as a catalyst for local adaptation. Up-scaling poverty reduction with ICT means increasing outreach and deepening impact.
Keywords: ICT-policies, ICT-practices
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