Using ICT to Strengthen the Voices of the ‘Poor’ Without Asking Who Will Listen

Abstract

This paper uses a case study of the ‘Open Knowledge Network’ to explore the political value of ‘information and communication technology for development’ (ICT4D) projects that promote the creation and exchange of ‘local content’ in poor communities. These initiatives are distinguishable from the vast majority of digital content initiatives that aggregate and adapt ‘global content,’ which project implementers consider relevant to the needs of target beneficiaries. They are guided by the assumption that active participation in the Information Society is a crucial component of human development, which is closely tied to citizenship and political agency. From this starting point, ICTs are seen as political vehicles for strengthening the voices of the poor, rather than positioning them as passive recipients of mediated messages from above. This paper argues that the political value of these projects will be limited if they focus too strongly on generating local content without addressing the question of demand.