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Livelihoods approaches to information and communication in support of rural poverty elimination and food security

CHAPMAN, Robert
SLAYMAKER, Tom
YOUNG, John
2003

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FAO, DFID and ODI undertook a study in 2001/2 to analyse the role of information in livelihoods, and make recommendations on how agencies can capitalise on and integrate the best elements of traditional communication methods and new information and communication (ICT) technologies within the livelihoods approach. This publication provides the results of the initial literature review, comprised of a 30 page paper followed by 20 pages of heavily annotated references. The key conclusions were that information and communications systems are most likely to improve livelihoods in rural areas if they: share costs appropriately; ensure equitable access to all; contain a high proportion of local or appropriately localised content; build on existing systems; build capacity; use realistic technologies; and build knowledge partnerships

Fighting rural poverty : the role of information and communication technologies|[What can information and communication technologoes (ICTs) do for the world's 900 million extremely poor people who live in rural areas?]

GILLMAN, Helen
2003

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This paper brings together some presentations, key issues and recommendations emerged during the discussion in a side event organised by IFAD at the WSIS. The paper calls for greater emphasis on communication rather than on technology, and on the process and content rather than on access and machines. Effective ICT deployment must satisfy the need for ownership, local content, language, culture and appropriateness of technology used. Crucially, communication initiatives should aim at strengthening the capacities of rural people to participate in policy processes

Integrating intellectual property rights and development policy : report of the commission on intellectual property rights

COMMISSION ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (CIPR)
September 2002

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This detailed and thorough report considers whether and how intellectual property rights (IPRs) can play a role in achieving the Millenium Development Goals. It explores the potential benefits of IPRs in stimulating economic growth, and the associated benefits in terms of productivity and reduced poverty. It considers also the barriers that IPRs may present to developing economies, including discouraging invention, research, technology transfer, domestic production and driving up the costs of medicines and agricultural inputs. Key issues covered in successive chapters include: current evidence about the impact of IPRs in developing countries; development of and access to medicines; protection of plants and genetic resources; the Convention on Biological Diversity, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions and geographic indicators; copyright and patents; IPR legislation for developing countries; international and national institutional framework for IPRs

Unlocking economic opportunity in the South through local content : a proposal from the G8 Dotforce

ARMSTRONG, Peter
et al
March 2002

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A detailed proposal for contributing to the G8 Dotforce process to bridge the digital divide, through local content and applications creation. It explores the ideas of freely available information versus creating a local market for development information, retaining intellectual property rights and stimulating a new kind of trade. The proposed creation of an 'Open Knowledge Network' reflects the need to try and support different initiatives and approaches to local content creation and sharing, in different sectors and environments

Themes and issues in telecentre sustainability

ROMAN, Raul
COLLE, Royal D
January 2002

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The initiation, diffusion and adoption of the telecentre idea has been an enormously eclectic process, largely devoid of systematic research and planning. The approach has generally been one of pilot projects trying out models to see what works to achieve a diversity of objectives. In some cases the approach has been simply entrepreneurial, with enterprising business people exploring new opportunities for profit-making. A range of important issues is linked to the operation and success of telecentres. These include: sustainability, community relevance, government policy, information and communication technology (ICT), research, community partnerships and participation, telecentre objectives, and business planning. Often mentioned but largely undeveloped is the training associated with telecentre management, an issue that relates to all of the issues mentioned. While each of the issues deserves systematic analysis, this paper concentrates on sustainability and training. Based on data collected from various project documents this paper describes some of the strategies being used to sustain telecentres

The use of information and communication technologies in IDRC projects : lessons learned

GRAHAM, Michael
April 1997

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This study was designed to test some of Acacia's assumptions about the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development by extracting lessons from previous project experiences. The overall objective was to provide input that would help shape the design and implementation of the Acacia programme initiative by answering questions about policies, organisations and interactions, resources, barriers, innovative solutions, empowerment, community involvement, and jobs and economic activity

The world starts with me!

World Population Foundation (WPF)
Butterfly Works

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This is an online curriculum in sexual health and rights education, HIV and AIDS prevention, life and creative skills, for young East Africans. The programme is aimed at 12-19 year olds, both school going young people and early school leavers. It combines IT skills building and creative expression. It aims to contribute not only to the improvement of the sexual and reproductive health of young people, but also to their social and economic development

Creating an accessible website

WHOISHOSTINGTHIS.COM

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Tips for creating an accessible website are presented. It advises to begin the project with accessibility in mind, to structure HTML properly and to preserve functionality for visitors using just a keyboard. In the working with visual content section, tips provided include: not depending on colour alone, not using CSS to convey critical information, offering alternative to audio and video content, using descriptive link text and using ARIA roles. Links are provided and additional resources listed. 

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