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Digital opportunities for all : meeting the challenge

DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY TASK FORCE
May 2001

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This report examines in depth how ICT can be utilized to bridge the digital gap. It analyzes the causes of the gap, potential for bridging the divide, and a mix of strategies, policies and actions to take advantage of the digital opportunities, charting the roles of various players. The report is based on a mix of plenary meetings, informal consultations, meetings with stakeholders, and electronic outreach. It concludes that, when wisely applied, ICT oportunities can narrow the social and economic inequities and impact on development

Information and communication technologies in Africa

ADEYA, Catherine Nyaki
2001

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[From foreward:] This literature review and annotated bibliography explore the evidence for the potential of ICTs (information and communication technologies) to assist in Africa's development, and the extent to which ICTs are changing the 'shape' of Africa. The review begins by introducing ICTs and the information economy in the African context. The literature selected for the bibliography is then reviewed thematically under a number of headings: Overview of ICTs in Africa; Information infrastructure; Information economy; Information management; Socio-cultural and political issues; Education and training; and Gender. The review reveals that, despite many constraints, the use of ICTs is growing in Africa and there have been successful developments in infrastructure, information management, networking and gender-related issues. However, the literature has also revealed considerable variation between different African countries in their adoption and use of these technologies. The literature reviewed relates primarily to anglophone Africa and generally excludes telecommunications issues, as these are already well documented in other publications. In essence it is hoped that this publication will act as a window of opportunity for more nationally and locally focused empirical research and will make a contribution to understanding the research opportunities and challenges that still face most African countries

Participation and sustainability in social projects : the experience of the local development programme (PRODEL) in Nicaragua

STEIN, Alfredo
2001

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This paper describes the work of the Local Development Programme (PRODEL) in the eight cities in Nicaragua where it provided low-income groups with small grants for infrastructure and community works projects, and loans for housing improvement and micro-enterprises. Donor funds were matched by municipal, community, and household contributions. Between 1994 and 1998 more than 38,000 households benefited and both loan programmes achieved good levels of cost recovery. The paper describes the micro-planning workshops and other methodologies, and explains how local governments and the bank responsible for managing the loans learned to work in a more participatory way, and it outlines the measures taken to ensure that the needs and priorities of women and children were addressed. The paper considers lessons learned in sustaining the initiatives and institutionalising citizen participation in social programmes, and describes how PRODEL's methods have come to be used by central and local governments in other programmes. [Publisher's abstract]

Accessibility guidelines

McCAUSLAND, Katie
CLARK, Hannah
May 2000

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This straightforward document presents guidelines for making buildings accessible in Cambodia. It highlights various building designs and materials with diagrams for outdoors, indoors, bathrooms and toilets. This document is useful for professionals and technicians who are interested in accessibility guidelines in Cambodia

Promotion of non-handicapping environments for disabled persons : guidelines

UNITED NATIONS
1995

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Barrier-free structures in the built environment enable people with disabilities to participate in mainstream society. These guidelines contain recommendations on planning and building design, public awareness initiatives, access policy provisions and legislation to promote barrier-free environments. The guidelines are intended to serve as a reference for decision-makers and programme personnel working on human settlement issues, especially those in architecture, research and training, urban planning and management, and the elimination of physical barriers to disabled persons' freedom of movement

Measuring the impact of information on development

MENOU, Michel J
1993

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This report documents an initiative that, through its methods and focus, aimed to provide a realistic starting point to understanding the impact of information on development. It consisted of a electronic conference, followed by a workshop through which ideas about information and evaluation were shared and built upon. The report weaves together the input of dozens of information users and providers, policymakers, information scientists, and others from the South and the North, and presents a preliminary assessment framework as a starting point to future work in this area

Information technology [chapter 16] | Reaching out

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)

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This chapter outlines WHO's internal strategy for improved knowledge management in the Asian region in response to the SARS and Avian Influenza emergencies; with ICT aiding staff to work together to share knowledge, experience, systems and infrastructure. In the countries where WHO has offices, the information and communications technology (ICT) environments vary considerably, which can make it difficult to ensure all WHO staff have the same level of access to the information and services they need. Focuses on health mapping using GIS technology, and health information systems in China

The International Forum for Rural Transport and Development (IFRTD)

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This website is a network of organisations and individuals committed to improving access, mobility and economic opportunity for poor and disabled people in developing countries. A key element of the website, is the Opinion's Fair, which is designed to promote dialogue in developing countries by providing an online forum. The website also features resources, postings and "networked research" on: advocacy, governance, interactive dissemination and strategy. This website would be useful for anyone with an interest in rural transport, accessibility, poverty alleviation and disability and development

Child friendly cities initiative

UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF)

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This website is a knowledge base for the global Child Friendly Cities (CFC) Initiative. It contains the CFC Database, which collects information on the role played by local governance systems in the areas of child rights, child participation and services for children; a CFC toolkit, which offers a definition of a CFC, examples of good practice and successful methods from around the world, a framework for action and key references

Inclusion and diversity

COMISSION FOR ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (CABE)

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This area of the CABE website provides information about creating accessible and inclusive built environments. There are links to documents, as well as specific information tabs about inclusive design and inclusive design in practice. This information would be useful for people interested in inclusive built environments and design

Design for all institute of India

DESIGN FOR ALL INSTITUTE OF INDIA

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Design for All, India seeks to promote the principles of Universal Design in India. It aims to educate individuals and influence public policy so that environments, products, services and interfaces are designed to meet the needs of people belonging to all ages and abilities. The website presents general information and links to the monthly newsletters

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