Information is critical to development, thus ICTs as a means of sharing information are a link in the chain of the development process itself. Detailed analysis of experience around the world reveals ample evidence that, used in the right way and in the right purposes, ICT can have a dramatic impact on achieving specific social and economic development goals, as well as play a key role in broader national development strategies.
This position paper assesses donors commitment to ICTs, particularly whether they view ICTs as a priority area or as a set of tools. It also considers ICTs contribution to meeting the international development goals. It discusses what conditions need to exist at a national level if ICTs are to be an effective tool and whether ICTs are supply driven by the donors. It cites examples of the international womens movement and the emerging knowledge sharing philosophy to emphasise the qualitative impact of ICTs on development. In conclusions assesses the evidence gathered to conclude whether the ICTs for development campaign is indeed a fad, supported by missionaries and those wanting to sell computers to developing countries.
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