The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Poverty Reduction in Zimbabwe: An Analysis of the Urban Poor in Harare
John Bowora, Bernard Chazovachii · 2010
The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on the livelihoods of the urban poor in Harare. The article examines the accessibility and usage of ICTs, as well as analyzing which people participate in ICT activities to enhance their livelihoods. In the light of the analysis, it is argued that ICTs can play an effective role in poverty alleviation. ICTs can enhance poor people’s opportunities by improving their access to markets, health care, micro-credit and government services, create direct employment opportunities, and provide training and education to people, and storage and marketing of their informal sector activities. While the poor are often isolated and lack the means to take collective action, ICT can empower poor communities and enable them to voice their concerns publicly to the responsible groups. The article concludes that the real benefits of ICT are related to its ability to make critical information easily available and break down barriers to participation. Progressive technologies not only contribute towards a pro-poor growth by increasing production in ICT sector but also through their strategic use in other areas as an enabler for enhancing of human productivity and the choice of opportunities.