Checkpoint 1: Is the ICT project aimed clearly at achieving a specific poverty reduction goal?

Seeking to reduce the digital divide by providing access to computers or the Internet is too diffuse a goal. The real issue for ICT in a development context is how well the use of information and communication technologies supports poverty reduction.

• A series of questions can help identify for ICT-driven projects an explicit link to poverty reduction (see the Millenium Development Goals below).
• A survey of 100 ICT-driven projects revealed that only 30 had an explicit poverty focus. Examples of ICT-driven projects with an explicit poverty reduction focus are given here.

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Questions for ICT-driven projects on reducing poverty as identified through the Millennium Development Goals and indicators (further information on MDGs can be accessed at the United Nations or World Bank sites).

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

• Does the ICT project reduce poverty and hunger through providing access to better or more reliable income earning opportunities for those on the lowest incomes?
• Does the ICT project reduce poverty and hunger for those on the lowest incomes by promoting rural development/agriculture?
• Does the ICT project improve government service delivery in health, education to those on the lowest incomes?

See examples:

• Smart card and the poor
• Access to real time information for rural farmers in India

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

• Does the ICT project lift the number of young people who complete primary education?
• Does the ICT project reduce illiteracy among 15 to 24 year olds?
• Does the ICT project improve gender equity at all levels of education?

See examples:

• Katha's poverty alleviation through IT initiative
• Uganda's VSAT school-based Telecentre project

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality & Goal 5: Improve maternal health

• Does the ICT project reduce child mortality & improve maternal health?

See examples:

• Computerised health records
• Creating local digital health content in Ghana

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

• Does the ICT project reduce incidence of HIV/AIDS, malaria & other major diseases such as tuberculosis or help those affected?

See examples:

• HIV/AIDS eForums
• Radio was used to promote Aids awareness

Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

• Does the ICT project improve the prospects of decent & productive employment for young people 15 to 24 years?

See examples:

• Jhai Foundation's Internet Learning Centers in Laos
• The Urban Poor Consortium in Indonesia

• Published: Jan 2004
• Source: Curtain Consulting (http:// www.curtain-consulting.net.au)
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