ICT4D and the Human Development and Capabilities Approach: The Potentials of Information and Communication Technology

Included in the Human Development Research Paper (HDRP) Series, a medium for sharing recent research commissioned to inform the global Human Development Report, this paper looks at the linkages between information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) and human development across multiple dimensions, making policy recommendations designed to address accessibility and use of ICTs in developing countries and for development. This study frames a review of ICT4D within the human development and capabilities approach. This approach is based on the concept of human development as a process that is participative and empowering. It looks at the basic dimensions of human development: health, education, and an income. It offers a survey of research and evidence that has sought to evaluate whether or not ICTs have demonstrated positive outcomes for these dimensions of human development and, more broadly, to the practice of its approach.

Following an introductory section and a description of ICT4D as related to the human development and capability approach, the author examines "ICT Indicators: Progress since 1990". Jean-Yves Hamel here cites many figures from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), such as: "There are now more than 4 billion mobile phone subscriptions around the world with 75 per cent of them in developing countries. Access to the Internet has also grown with more than 1.5 billion Internet users around the world as of 2008 and nearly 60 per cent of them live in developing countries..." [See pages 12-19 for more data.]. Reflecting on these data, Hamel argues that "Ultimately, before ICT4D can take off at the individual or even at the household level in the developing world, especially in countries with a low HDI [human development index] value, policy makers will need to address the gaps on access to electricity and the lack of regulation on costs of ICT services and not only increasing incomes of the poor."

Next, Hamel explores the idea that access to ICTs can have tremendous impacts on people's sense of empowerment and ability to be active participants in their societies - at both social and political levels. For example, he states that: "By creating linkages to governmental processes, ICTs can contribute to increasing the transparency of governmental processes and contributes to the empowerment of citizens and civil society by promoting their participation in policy debates. By investing in the creation of a proper environment with incentives and means for use, governments can positively impact the likelihood of the use of ICTs." Hamel provides several other specific examples in this section of the paper. One key lesson to emerge is that successful use of ICTs to enhance human development, empower, and involve the participation of stakeholders is in most cases characterised by the ability to have a direct and positive impact on the problems and obstacles that exist in people's lives.

Subsequent sections of the paper delve into intersections between ICT and health, ICT and education, and ICT and income. In both sections, a strong point that emerges is that "the issue of appropriateness of ICTs in a given context coupled to the conditions of their access must always figure in the analysis of their value and potential contribution to development."

In the paper's section "Enhancing Capabilities for Human Development", Hamel stresses the importance of regulating telecommunications in order to lower barriers to access. He notes that "it is hoped that readers understand that the use and importance of technology is not determined by capabilities that are limited to the developed world. Most can learn to use ICTs when barriers have been lowered and divides have been bridged; technology is not synonymous with any particular part of the world or culture." Along these lines, Hamel emphasises strategies needed for making ICTs accessible, stressing that "the ideal solution in the use of ICTs to enhance capabilities for human development are often not the most advanced and latest technologies but rather the most adaptable and supported tools that are valued by the users....Of particular importance for development is the potential of localised software that is adapted to the particular human development needs and capabilities of the poor."

Policy recommendations outlined here include:

• Policymakers can ensure that their national telecommunications market is open to competition and is aligned with regional and global standards. They can also ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to allow ICTs to be deployed, and can back investments in education and literacy campaigns.
• Policymakers can promote the use of ICTs by being users themselves and making ICTs an integral part of the governance structure of the country so that general use of the technologies is promoted. This includes creating opportunities for citizen participation through ICTs and promoting transparency of government activities through ICTs.
• Policymakers can ensure that participation in the networked society is safe by defending freedom of expression and by empowering users to make use of ICTs in such a way that does not result in backlash and censorship.

In conclusion: "Although no technology can be a panacea for development the reviews contained in the paper show that these tools and techniques can be an integral part of human development but that their success is always tied to the particularities of each context and the design and implementation of their use within development. The paper concludes with the assertion that ICTs can enhance capabilities for human development when applied with foresight, clear objectives, a firm understanding of the obstacles that exist in each context and proper policies that establish an institutional framework that promote the use and benefits of ICTs for the poor."