Publication: Using Information and Communications Technology to Reduce Poverty in Rural India
Date
2002-06
ISSN
Published
2002-06
Author(s)
Cecchini, Simone
Prennushi, Giovanna
Abstract
The note focuses on experiences in rural
India, showing that information and communications
technology (ICT) can enhance poor people's
opportunities, by improving access to markets, as well as
health care. Furthermore, it can empower them by expanding
their use of government services, including increased
security, and widened access to micro-finance. A revision
follows on the computerized milk collection centers in
Gujarat which ensures fair prices for small farmers, and, on
enabling auxiliary nurse midwifes' services in Andhra
Pradesh, by freeing time to deliver health care to poor
people. Also reviewed is the case of Gyandoot - a
government-owned computer network - making government
accessible to villagers in the poor, drought-prone Dhar
district in Madhya Pradesh, where immediate, and transparent
access to local government data, and documentation is
provided. A micro-finance institution in the Medak district
of Andhra Pradesh, facilitates Smart Cards, that hold
information on clients credit histories, lowering
transaction costs, reducing errors, as well as fraud.
However, designing interventions that reach the poor is
successful, provided grassroots intermediation is taken into
account, as well as local ownership, local languages,
training, and awareness.
Citation
“Cecchini, Simone; Prennushi, Giovanna. 2002. Using Information and Communications Technology to Reduce Poverty in Rural India. PREM Notes; No. 70. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/915ceff2-5d12-5e32-acc6-b05a1ede0594 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”