Measuring the success of ICT for Development

Media, communications and information technology has emerged as a new focus in development aid budgets in the past decade. Whereas in previous decades specific projects have been funded that sought to promote information provision and media freedom, a new area has emerged, known as ICT4D - Information and Communications Technology for Development. In agencies like the UK Department for International Development and the World Bank, projects in this field have recently been the subject of intense controversy: is it justified to spend on communications projects when food aid might be a priority? Or is the provision of basic information and communications freedom a prerequisite for all economic and political development? Amid accusations that technology providers, rather than genuine need was driving the agenda the INFODEV agency of the World Bank recently suspended grants awarded in this field. The PCMLP has been commissioned by DFID to provide a high level report on the economics of ICT4D, and assessment of impact of these projects.