Information management in developing countries
Updated - Tuesday 06 February 2007
The following publications and networks will help you to get some insight in this very broad field of information management, especially aimed at organisations in developing countries.
Publications
- King, K. ; McGrath, S. (2003). Knowledge for development? Comparing British, Japanese, Swedish and World Bank Aid. London, UK : ZED Books.
Abstract: Through an examination of four agencies - the World Bank, the British Department for International Development, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency - it explores what knowledge based aid means in both theory and practice. It argues that too much of the emphasis of knowledge-based aid has been on developing capacity within agencies rather than addressing the expressed needs of Southern partners. Moreover, it questions whether knowledge-based aid increases agency certainty about what constitutes good development.
Short description and order information
- Mundy, P. ; Sultan, J. ; CTA -Wageningen, NL, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (2001). Information revolutions : how information and communication management is changing the lives of rural people. Wageningen, The Netherlands : Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA). http://www.agricta.org/pubs/inforev/english/InfoRev_English_all.pdf; http://www.agricta.org/pubs/inforev/
Abstract: Documentation of best practices on how certain individuals or organizations are changing the way communication works, how they are making a difference to the lives and livelihoods of rural people. About 40 organizations - government, non-government or academic - in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific are described. The examples described are focussing on local or national initiatives that are doing good communication work despite all the constraints they face. A second criterion for inclusion was a track record, to focus on approaches that have been found to work. A third criterion was sustainability.
The book has nine sections, each with up to six stories about particular institutions or sets of institutions. There are sections on radio and television, newspapers and newsletters, literacy and local languages, computers and telecommunications, farmers' groups and markets, farmers' knowledge, research and extension links, research networks, and libraries.
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Powell, M. ; Oxfam -Oxford, GB (2003). Information management for development organisations . 2nd ed.. (Oxfam development guidelines). Oxford, UK : Oxfam.
Contact :oxfam@oxfam.org.uk
Abstract: This book will help managers of non-government and community organisations think critically about what kinds of information they, their organisations, their staff, and their project partners need. It discusses how they can access such information, manage it, and communicate it in the most effective and equitable way. The approach it describes is illustrated with case studies from Oxfam's experience and other sources. Some simple, practical tools are offered to help managers to relate the ideas to their own situations.
- Shadrach, B. (2001). Strengthening poor people's knowledge and information systems in developing countries. Summary support of the e-conference on the knowledge and information systems of the urban poor: a summary report. Leicestershire, UK, Loughborough University of Technology.
Abstract: Key issues discussed: Where and how do poor people get information?; The role of information in the development of settlements and livelihoods; Modelling and analysing information flows; Strengthening systems and processes; The role of information and communications technologies in urban poverty alleviation; The new opportunities as well as threats faced by urban poor women in accessing crucial information.
It also provides some case studies and examples of initiatives cited by members; and key recommendations of the entire conference.
- Visscher, J.T. (2005). Knowledge and information management in the water and sanitation sector : a hard nut to crack . (Thematic overview paper / IRC). Delft, The Netherlands, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre.
Abstract: This thematic overview paper explores current thinking about knowledge management, information sharing and learning in relation to the sector. It discusses important factors in knowledge management, such as people, processes, technology and strategy, and identifies possible enablers and barriers to success. It also provides guidelines to improve knowledge management at the personal and the organisational level. The TOP also includes comprehensive sections with examples, further reading, TOP models and tools, web sites, contacts and references.
Chapters can be downloaded separately: 1. KM: Strategy, people, processes, technology; 2. Background and basic concepts; 3. Strategy; 4. People; 5. Processes; 6. Technology; 7. Enablers and barriers; 8. Improving Knowledge Management
Organisations / networks
An international initiative working with the development community to increase collaboration. It supports partnerships by providing advice and assistance on more effective use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Bellanet manages ITrain, http://www.bellanet.org/itrain/ , an IDRC-sponsored initiative that provides free Internet training materials.
A worldwide network committed to harnessing the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable and equitable development.
The Information for Development Program (infoDev) began in September 1995 with the objective of addressing the obstacles facing developing countries in an increasingly
information-driven world economy. It is a global grant program managed by the World Bank to promote innovative projects on the use of information and communication technologies
(ICTs) for economic and social development, with a special emphasis on the needs of the poor in developing countries.
The IICD assists developing countries to realise locally owned sustainable development by harnessing the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Community of practice aiming to improve the institutional performance of monitoring and evaluation practice related to information services, information products and information projects. The website provides a forum as well as access to full text documents and tools.
Sustainable Development - Issues/Information: Information for Decision-Making. Contains links to UN documents on information and sustainable development.
The Sixth Water Information Summit (WIS 6) brought together more than 150 people in Delft from 9-12 September 2003, who discussed "Breaking the barriers: Let water information flow!" Various renowned international experts on water and knowledge management stressed the global importance of this topic and the summit that, for the first time, was held in Europe. WIS 6 was a joint effort of the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre, and the Water Web Consortium (USA).
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