Information services on appropriate technology (AT) provided to the poor do not benefit them as much as they could. Although a wide range of organisations provide such resources to the poor, inappropriate services and lack of co-ordination constrain their effectiveness. Development organisations and information resources need a better understanding of and respect for existing knowledge that local people have and how to build on it.

‘Making Knowledge Networks Work for the Poor’ is an initiative that seeks to improve the integration and co-ordination of information and knowledge resources on appropriate technology. A collaboration between the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) and partners in Peru, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe investigated ways of improving access to information on technology for poverty reduction. The project’s final report argues that successful deployment of information communication technologies (ICTs) to empower poor people depends on ensuring that services provided are determined by user demand.

As information provision becomes a commodity which brings status and the power to attract resources, the potential for collaboration is threatened. Organisations compete for resources and attention, investing in their own communications infrastructure rather promoting information sharing across organisations and sectors. Co-ordination among information providers is largely absent and much duplication and confusing differences in terminology and concepts occur.

The researchers further observe that:

• Resource-poor women and men in developing countries have difficulties accessing the right kind of AT information. They do not know what exists and/or how to get it.
• Information is often delivered in inappropriate and inaccessible formats.
• Networks are not adequately intra-linked. This prevents information users from getting an adequate overview of what information is available.
• Many information systems overlook local knowledge and misunderstand or ignore the role of information intermediaries.
• There is a risk that the ICT revolution will undermine and displace local communications systems and technologies.

Checking where information goes, how and whether it is taken up and translated into real benefits for communities is inadequate. The key problem is not a lack of information about technology options but failure to deliver it to the right people in the right form. To remedy this, the authors propose:

• strengthening information networks to improve the co-ordination among information and knowledge providers
• better understanding of the contribution of local information intermediaries in developing poverty-focused and demand-oriented knowledge networks
• the development of communications systems that can be maintained beyond individual project and funding cycles
• external information and knowledge systems should serve to supplement already-existing local knowledge and institutions
• the transfer of local knowledge within and between similar communities should be facilitated
• awareness that ICTs are more than just the Internet: radio, video and film may be more appropriate and accessible for target audiences.

As ICTs become more available and affordable they offer the poor increasing opportunities to access communication and information services. In order to ensure that people in developing countries are able to take advantage of this, more effective information networks are required, in which the voices and knowledge of the poor have been incorporated.

Source(s):
‘Making knowledge networks work for the poor: final report’ by Megan Lloyd-Laney, Andrew Scott, Heather Mackay and Rona Wilkinson, Intermediate Technology Consultants (ITC), March 2003 Full document.

Funded by: Department for International Development, UK

id21 Research Highlight: 8 October 2004

Further Information:
Megan Lloyd-Laney
Communications and Information Management Resource Centre (CIMRC)
CAB International
Nosworthy Way
Wallingford
Oxfordshire OX10 8DE
UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1491 829486
Fax: +44 (0) 1491 829465
Contact the contributor: cimrc@cabi.org

Communications and Information Management Resource Centre (CIMRC)

Contact the contributor: commsconsult@gn.apc.org

Andrew Scott
Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG)
The Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development
Bourton Hall
Bourton-on-Dunsmore
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV23 9QZ
UK

Fax: +44(0)1926 634 401
Contact the contributor: itdg@itdg.org.uk

Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG), UK

Other related links:
'Women’s voices get a boost: accessing technologies for empowerment'

'Mobiles and markets – providers of telephony for Africa’s rural poor?'

'Harnessing new communication technologies for development in Africa'

'The power of radio'

International Institute for Communication and Development