Introduction and overview [in Information and communication technologies for development and poverty reduction]

von Braun, Joachim; Torero, Maximo

Introduction and overview [in Information and communication technologies for development and poverty reduction]

Autores

von Braun, Joachim

Torero, Maximo

Editor

International Food Policy Research Institute

Descripción

We live in the age of information. The development and proliferation of electronically communicated information has accelerated economic and social change across all areas of human activity worldwide, and it continues to do so at a rapid pace. While the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) largely remains concentrated in the developed world, ICT diffusion is reaching developing countries, bringing with it high hopes of positive development outcomes. Yet why is ICT—among so many modern technologies— assigned such importance in the development context? Certainly, through its inherent public-good characteristics, ICT is unique in having an impact beyond the individual user's welfare as a consumption good. Moreover, ICT infrastructure offers specific economies of scale that stimulate network building and network externalities (meaning that an existing ICT user may well benefit from the addition of new network users). But economic performance is determined not only by financial and human capital but also by social capital (Coleman 1988; Putnam 1993; Fukuyama 1995; Knack and Keefer 1998). Relationships form a network, and the network's size and diversity determine access to information. ICT enables interactive communication unhindered by distance, volume, medium, or time. This feature promotes greater inclusion of individuals within networks and, even more importantly, increases diversity of participation by overcoming the barriers of physical distance and social standing. The immediacy and reach of ICT also promote faster, more efficient, and ultimately better decisionmaking across all fields of endeavor. ICT has the potential to accelerate growth, create jobs, reduce migration pressure from rural to urban areas, increase agricultural and industrial productivity, increase services and access to them, facilitate the diffusion of innovations, increase public administration efficiency and the effectiveness of economic reforms, strengthen competitiveness in developing countries, and encourage greater public participation and democracy (G8 2000; DOT Force 2001; UNDP 2001). In short, ICT has the potential to foster not only economic development and democracy but also sustainability in the process.