September 2009 saw the completion of the undersea, high-speed broadband cable connection to East Africa and the prospect of the world’s next communications revolution. 

At Digital Public we have all been involved in countless projects that use digital media for effective public service delivery in the UK.  Given the latest telecommunication investment in Africa, the question of how practical, digital solutions can be built into development programmes – not only in Africa, but in developing economies the world over – seems ever more pertinent.

Much development planning is focused on reducing poverty.  For any improvement in the lives of the poor to be lasting and sustainable, it must include strengthening the powers of marginalised people to participate in the processes of development.  Communication is at the very core of this process - from community participation and empowerment, to raising broad awareness of public health issues, to providing humanitarian information during times of conflict or natural disaster, to promoting good governance and accountability.

With the growth of the internet, development agencies, governments and NGOs are increasingly using digital communications in their programmes. Innovative strategies are being used to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities, around the world.  Take for instance, the partnership between a private telecommunications company and three local fishing unions in Senegal, set up in 2003. Fisherman and farmers can check the market prices for their produce twice a week using their mobile phones. By 2006, there were over 3,500 Senegalese producers consulting the agricultural market prices by SMS and their incomes increased by an average of 15 per cent. 

Or the example of the Amazonian, Surui tribe in Brazil who are working with Google Earth and a conservation NGO to help protect their 600,000-acre reserve from illegal miners and loggers. Since 2007 they have used video cameras, GPS, Google Earth and set up a website to campaign and raise global awareness about their culture, history and traditions and the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

At the individual level, the internet is also transforming lives.  Zack Matere, a Kenyan farmer used Google search to identify why his potato crops were dying. He discovered ants to be the cause of the problem and even identified a traditional solution - sprinkling wood ash at the base of the stems. His search also offered an unexpected bonus - he connected online with a local restaurant owner, who became a regular customer of his produce.

The examples are plentiful but the lack of access for many communities is a major obstacle.  Development support should be inclusive and ensure new technologies are really accessible, in terms of location, cost or social customs. 

Universal access unfortunately seems a long way off, when you consider cases such as Kenya’s where the average income is $1.32 per day, and the main internet provider is currently charging £30 per month for a 512 kbps connection.

Until accessibility improves for communities, development initiatives must build on existing communication capacities and make use of well-established media such as radio, mobile, television and even community theatre.  

Mobile phones are still the predominant mode of communication in the developing world and play an important role in closing the digital divide.  Affordable, pre-paid payment methods have meant mobiles are used by a broader segment of the population than computers. For instance, in Africa almost one in five people owns a mobile phone, whereas only one in twenty are online.

The key is to use a ‘tool-kit’ approach to communication.  Digital methods will play an increasingly vital role in development if used in conjunction with media that have already proven effective in generating dialogue in communities, and resulted in bringing about positive social and economic change.

Photo courtesy of Dan Chung / The Guardian