Connecting the first mile: a framework for best practice in ICT projects for knowledge sharing in development Executive Summary

This study aims to develop a framework for best practice in ICT projects for knowledge sharing in development. It begins with a discussion of the role of ICTs in development and a review of literature about connecting the ‘first mile’. It suggests that authors are polarised around key debates: • Top down versus participatory solutions to development problems • Global versus local solutions • Technological versus social solutions • Optimism versus pessimism about the role of ICTs in development The study situates ITDG’s perspective in the context of those debates and identifies the success factors highlighted in the literature. These can be divided into three dimensions: the environment, the project level and the first mile. For each of the success factors, the framework outlines activities that constitute best practice. Significant factors to address at the environmental level are the policy environment, infrastructure limitations, building a good relationship with donors and communicating project progress. At the project level, success factors are identified as: starting from communities’ development priorities; planning projects effectively; learning from monitoring and evaluation; forging strong partnerships; developing a sustainable business model and building capacity among all partners to deliver. At the ‘first mile’ success factors are: building on existing knowledge systems; creating appropriate materials; using appropriate technologies to reach communities; working with infomediaries; building capacity of infomediaries and target groups; facilitating local content creation; making local knowledge visible; minimising social exclusion and strengthening social capital. The study concludes suggestions for further research which include testing the framework against a sample of case studies and offers reflections on the application of the framework in the context of research into ICTs for development.