Checkpoint 2: Is there a clearly specified target group for poverty alleviation?

• A clear understanding is needed of the target group or groups to whom the project is directed.
• The ICT-based project needs to show it is directed at meeting the needs of the poor. In most cases, this refers to those in rural areas. It can also refer to the poor among the urban population or specific groups such women among the rural or urban poor.
• More specific target groups of the poor within geographical areas may need to be identified in middle income countries.
• A good knowledge of the target group's information needs is also needed. This can best be obtained by encouraging a representative group from the target population to define their own information needs.
• Other sources of information may also be needed to ensure that narrow self interest has not dominated the results of the participatory data collection.

Examples of selecting a target group for an ICT project aimed at poverty alleviation:

• AKASHGANGA: Use of simple ICT in Indian Dairy Cooperatives
  Simple PC based technologies targeted at rural areas to enable dairy farmers to improve the reliability of their livelihood by use of basic control measures. These include use of a low cost PC to weigh their milk, test the fat content, and calculate the payment owed. For more details, visit http://www.barefootcollege.org/html/energy.htm.
• 'Auntie Stella' website for young people aged 13-17 years
  'Auntie Stella' is an interactive website directed at young people aged 13-17 years which aims to engage them in discussion and problem solving on issues related to their reproductive health. For more details, visit http://www.barefootcollege.org/html/energy.htm.
• The Digital Garage
  The Digital Garage is a pilot project designed to bring underprivileged youths into the digital economy. It combines technology and music to help the youths develop job skills and better life perspectives. For more details, visit http://www.barefootcollege.org/html/energy.htm.

• Published: Jan 2004
• Source: Curtain Consulting (http:// www.curtain-consulting.net.au)
• The above links take you to an external site - see our disclaimer.