Annotated Bibliography The use of ICTs in supporting the work of civil society organisations in Africa.

By David Hollow
Abbreviations used: CBO - Community Based Organisation CSO - Civil Society Organisation INGO - International Non Governmental Organisation ITDG - Intermediate Technology Development Group MNC - Multi-National Corporation NGO - Non Governmental Organisation UNDP - United Nations Development Programme WTO - World Trade Organisation WSIS - World Summit on the Information Society Websites of networking and alliance building civil society organisations 1.) ArabDev http://www.arabdev.org/ (Accessed 19/03/05)

The objectives of this Cairo based NGO are to spread ICT knowledge and skills that promote sustainable community development amongst the poor in Egypt through various projects and campaigns that are culturally sensitive. They operate on the premise that working with local NGOs and CBOs and working to build their capacities is the most effective way for sustainable employment of ICT. Thus ICT is seen as a resource which can help to improve existing development initiatives across the region. 2.) Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) http://www.alin.or.ke/ (Accessed 20/03/05)

The website for ALIN, formed in 2000 for the purpose of creating a network for development workers in the dry lands of Africa. It aims to facilitate links between NGOs and CBOs, encouraging them to exchange experience and information and thus improve their practice in grassroots development. ALIN use digital satellite broadcasting so that their services are available for users in remote areas. ALIN in Kenya is working with other civil society organisations to form a group lobbying for an all-inclusive sustainable ICT policy in Kenya. 3.) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) http://www.apc.org/ (Accessed 19/03/05)

The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is a network organisation consisting of civil society groups from across the world and has been operating since 1990. It aims to use the strategic implementation of ICTs in varied development fields, including human rights and peace work. It aims to empower and support NGO groups and build strategic

communities with development practitioners working on the ground. APC members are responsible for much pioneering of ICTs for civil society across Africa. 4.) Association for Progessive Communications Africa Women (APC Africa Women) http://www.apcafricawomen.org/ (Accessed 19/03/05)

APC-Africa-Women is a network of organisations that works with women all across Africa. Its aim is to empower African based women's organisations to access and make better use of ICTs for development, focussing on gender equality. It delivers ICT training, conducts research and facilitates and participates in networking events. APC-Africa-Women is the African branch of the global network, the Women's Networking Support Programme (WNSP) 5.) Collaboration for international ICT policy/ East and Southern Africa. (Cipesa) http://www.cipesa.org/ (Accessed 20/03/05)

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (Cipesa) focuses on the use of ICT in poverty reduction strategies. It was established in order to develop the capacity of African civil society organisations to the point where they can provide a meaningful contribution to international decision making on ICT and related issues. It is an empowerment programme for civil society operating as part of a virtural network, with its physical base in Kampala, Uganda. The initiative is funded by the UKs Department for International Development. 6.) ICT Services for Civil Society. www.ngo.za (Accessed 19/03/05)

The home page of the recently launched NGO.ZA. This is a joint venture between SANGONET and ICOZA with the aim of meeting the need for connectivity, hardware and infrastructure within the NGO sector in South Africa. There is a wide range of proposed services which NGO.ZA will offer. These include, connectivity, hardware, outlook SMS, web hosting and vax/fax solutions. The intention is for this range of services to be expanded in line with new developments in the ICT field. 7.) The Impact Alliance http://www.impactalliance.org (Accessed 20/03/05)

The impact Alliance is a network which aims to enhance capacity building for members across the globe. It helps provide access to the most appropriate capacity-building services, and for interaction with peers around the world in order to make mutual use of skills and innovations. It is specifically geared towards supporting local NGOs and civil society organisations, enhancing their ability to network together via the internet and thus be more effective in their work. It provides members with an online searchable database, a resource library and discussion forums. 8.) The Intermediate Technology Development Group http://www.itdg.org

(Accessed 19/03/05) The ITDG is an INGO which helps people to use technology in the fight against poverty. In addition to working with communications technologies it is also involved with work in energy, transport, water and food production. The website provides a section with a series of fact sheets containing technical information briefs, concerning the appropriate use of technology in developing countries for the use of civil society organisations. 9.) International Institute of Communications (IIC) http://www.iicom.org/index.htm (Accessed 19/03/05)

The IIC is an independent non profit organisation operating across the globe. It exists to help members, including NGOs and private sector groups, explore the implications of ICT upon their various areas of work, focusing on analysising and debating trends in communication. To do this the IIC hold meetings, conduct research and publish reports. The IIC is valuable to civil society for its potential in creating linkages and partnerships across different sectors, aiming to promote global access to communication and provide a framework for effective dialogue. 10.) Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) http://www.ispa.org.za/ (Accessed 19/03/05)

The Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) is a South African based non profit internet industry organisation. It has been operating for ten years and represents approximately 50 Internet Service Providers including non-profit providers, commercial sector provider and educational networks. Members of the ISPA provide reduced price or free services to NGOs and CBOs, thus improving their ability to utilise the benefits of ICT. In addition to its networking, the ISPA also runs its own social development programme, providing internet training to school teachers in South Africa. 11.) Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (N-Ten) http://www.nten.org (Accessed 19/03/05)

N-Ten is a growing international network which exists to support people and organisations which provide ICT related services to NGOs and others in the civil society sector. The network consists of many consultants who all aspire to help non-profit organisations use and understand the benefits of technology more effectively in their work. They help to network NGOs forge technologically beneficial partnerships and aims to increase efficiency by helping technology service providers work more effectively.

12.)

SANGONET Southern Africa NGO Network http://sangonet.org.za/snsite/ (Accessed 20/03/05)

The Southern African NGO Network is a CSO. It was launched in 1987 and exists to resource and serve other CSOs and NGOs through the provision of ICT based products and services,

currently it is one of few African based organisations who operate in this way. Due to the low ICT awareness and infrastructure levels of NGOs and CSOs across the Southern Africa region a major role of SANGONET is to create awareness of the potential practical benefits of ICTs. The organisation is based on the premise that this task presents a huge opportunity and challenge and has the ability to have a significant impact upon the South African civil society sector. 13.) Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA) http://www.vita.org/ (Accessed 19/03/05)

VITA has worked for over forty years in a wide variety of empowerment schemes across the developing world. They aim to strengthen local institutions such as NGOs and other civil society actors by introducing them to improved technologies. They have focussed on facilitating connectivity and the exchange of technical information between different organisations to create effective networks. VITA are internationally recognised for their training ability and have established many centres for training NGOs in new and beneficial technology. Within Africa VITA specifically focuses on the countries of Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia. 14.) WANGONET West African NGO Network http://www.wangonet.org/ (Accessed 20/03/05)

This network is a virtual community consisting of many CSOs from across the West Africa region. It consists of over 150 NGOs and exists to help them build their capacity for effective development work through the appropriate use of ICTs. It is based on the idea of creating a financially viable organisation which can provide high bandwidth internet connections, managing and facilitating content on and access to the world-wide-web for its member NGOs. It aims to democratise access to information for organisations in West Africa through a bottom-up and innovative approach.

Journal Articles 15.) Cline-Cole, R. (2004) ICTs. Virtual Colonisation' & Political Economy. Review of African Political Economy, March 2004, Vol. 31 Issue 99, p5

This paper identifies the lack of research which has been conducted concerning the potential consequences of the increased use of ICT upon the nature and dynamics of the political economy of Africa. It highlights the recent over emphasis on the supposed urgent need to ensure that internet access is provided across the continent in the current information age. It

also addresses the formulation of national e-strategies incorporating civil society to facilitate countries inclusion within the perceived global information society. 16.) De Vreede, G (2003) Field experiences with collaboration technology: A comparative study in Tanzania and South Africa. Information Technology for Development, 2003, Vol. 10 Issue 3, p201

This paper reports on findings from a study conducted into the use of one specific type of collaboration technology, Group Support Systems (GSS) and its potential for application in Tanzania and South Africa. The study found that GSS has potential in both countries, but the groups in Tanzania were more receptive to the technology. The study concluded that GSS could be of use for civil society groups in aiding their networking through electronic meetings. However the need is stressed for the technology to be used as a support, rather than replacement, for the current meeting customs used. 17.) Mercer, C. (2004) Engineering Civil Society: ICT in Tanzania. Review of African Political Economy, March 2004, Vol. 31 Issue 99, p49

There has been much recent attention within the international development community regarding the potential of ICTs in promoting democratic development. This paper examines the 'Zapatista effect' which supposes that access to ICTs will strengthen NGOs and civil society through establishing networks, building alliances and widening participation. These ideas are critically assessed through the example of two cities in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam and Arusha. It claims that only very few NGOs actually currently have access to ICT facilities to aid them in their work and these constitute an elite minority who have been able to network through the use of ICTs. It also demonstrates a lack of social and cultural awareness from the donors, resulting in a reality gap, where NGOs do not use ICTs in the way that donors imagine. The paper concludes that there is much misplaced optimism regarding the current trend of ICT dominated agendas from donors. 18.) Meso, P. (2005) Towards a model of consumer use of mobile information and communication technology in LDCs: the case of sub-Saharan Africa. Information Systems, April 2005, Vol. 15 Issue 2, p119

This article identifies the main factors which affect the use of mobile ICT in sub-Saharan Africa. This was achieved by surveying mobile ICT users in Nigeria and Kenya. Findings suggest that both access and cultural factors have strong influence on peoples perceptions of the use of mobile ICT. There is thus a need for civil society to pay attention to the factors governing individual perception in order to employ the available technology to the greatest effect. 19.) Molla, A. (2000) Downloading or uploading? The information economy and Africas current status. Information Technology for Development, 2000, Vol. 9 Issue 3/4, p205

This paper provides an overview of the current state of affairs of the information economy across Africa. It examines the problem of NGOs and civil society having to focus on basic life issues such as peace and food security while the rest of the world progresses rapidly towards a globally networked information economy. The paper addresses the question of this resulting digital divide and asks what opportunities and challenges the information economy provides

for Africa and its civil society by looking through a framework of ICT hardware, software, ecommerce and services. 20.) Parkes, S (2004) Africa strives to get online. Telecommunications - International Edition, April 2004, Vol. 38 Issue 4, p21

This article presents the factors that are limiting the development of the internet in Africa. It highlights the lack of well coordinated ICT policies, the lack of infrastructure and shortage of bandwidth as the key limitations, all highly relevant for the civil society sector. The article states that these limitations are keeping the internet out of reach for 99 per cent of Africas population. It concludes with a need for more local entrepreneurship and political will across the continent in order to end the continents internet blackout. 21.) Polikanov, D. (2003) Africa and ICT: A Chance for Breakthrough? Information Communication & Society, Mar2003, Vol. 6 Issue 1, p42

This paper provides a review of the current situation of ICTs in Africa and examines the rate at which new technologies are spreading across the continent and the factors which are impeding this spread, specifically focussing on the problem of the digital divide. It points to the limited but realistically attainable ways in which African countries can benefit from ICT including education and medicine and offers recommendations on how to go about bridging the knowledge and infrastructure gap which constitutes the digital divide. It also examines what form of international ICT assistance is most effective and appropriate for Africa, addressing the issue of cultural imperialism and the need for local ownership and implementation through civil society. 22.) Ya'u, Y. Z. (2004) The New Imperialism & Africa in the Global Electronic Village. Review of African Political Economy, Mar2004, Vol. 31 Issue 99, p11

This article examines the role of the WTO in the global ICT situation and their attempts to aid globalisation through structuring the ICT sector in developing countries. It shows how the WTO strategy for ICT works in favour of MNCs as opposed to CSOs, and indeed on occasions serves to exacerbate the digital divide. The article explains this as the resurgence of Imperialism, in the form of knowledge dependence. It discusses this challenge, stating the need to develop an independent framework of ICT operations which is not governed by WTO models and assumptions. Reports and Papers 23.) Cooperation South Sharing Ideas Jacobs, J (2001) Access to ICT, Access to Education http://tcdc.undp.org/coopsouth/2001_2/156.pdf (Accessed 20/03/05)

Cooperation South is part of the TCDC department of the UNDP. It is a dialogue designed to facilitate critical analysis and discussion regarding south focussed development concerns. This report addresses the issues of incorporating ICT into the ideals of equitable and democratic societies in the south. It also examines the links between ICT programmes and the wider adoption of educational programmes. It relates to NGO use of ICTs in its exploration of how policies can be prevented from becoming opposed from top down, highlighting the need for commitment towards changing the culture towards ICTs as a whole.

24.)

NGO-Net Africa. http://www.hrea.org/lists/huridocs-tech/markup/msg00493.html (Accessed 20/03/05)

This paper explains the work of NGO-Net Africa. It is an African-led initiative designed to facilitate the sharing of information between African CSOs. NGO-Net Africa is a virtual network seeking to engage all sorts of CSOs in advocacy and awareness promotion regarding the potential of ICT for African development. The initiative aims to build ICT related capacity for African NGOs and promote integration among them across the country. In addition it has specific goals, including providing subsidised internet access and establishing a web based regional directory of CSOs to facilitate effective networking. 25.) NGO.ZA ICT Services for Civil Society Joseph George (Oct 22 2004) http://www.hrea.org/lists/huridocs-tech/markup/msg01197.html (Accessed 18/03/05)

This report concerns the SANGONET and ICOZA launch of NGO.ZA. NGO.ZA was launched in an attempt to respond to the needs of South Africas ICT infrastructure requirements with the aim of transforming ICT usage across the country. The aim is to provide the NGO sector with a broad range of ICT solutions which are appropriate and affordable. It will draw on the experience of SANGONET in its efforts to achieve this goal. 26.) Southern African NGO Network (SANGONET) First Annual Conference ICTs and Civil Society http://fossforum.tacticaltech.org/node/34 (Accessed 18/03/05)

This article provides information concerning the recent SANGONET conference which was held in Johannesburg from 1-3 March 2005. The conference was focussed on the relevance of ICTs to the civil society organisation (CSO) sector. The conference was varied in format and focussed on the current challenges faced by CSOs in relation to ICTs. It acted as a forum whereby a wide range of organisations could discuss their experiences and concerns in the field. This link is valuable primarily for the report from the conference which will soon be posted. 27.) Southern Africa NGO Network (SANGONET) South African NGOs find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. http://www.sangoco.org.za/index2.php?option=content&do_pdf=1&id=135 (Accessed 19/03/05)

This article explains the rationale behind the SANGONET conference, ICTs for Civl Society which was held from 1-3 March 2005 and brought together senior figures from the NGO sector, donors, private sector and government. In the article David Barnard, executive director of SANGONET explains the current risk of marginalisation for South African NGOs due to the problems they have faced in attempting to become e-enabled. The conference was intended to act as a catalyst for more pro-active ICT interventions across the South African NGO sector. 28.) UNDP Africa support to ICT for Development http://www.undp.org/rba/ict4dev.html

(Accessed 19/03/05) A news article explaining the work of the UNDP in Africa regarding ICTs. It highlights the need for innovative ICT policies, without which it claims the digital divide will continue to grow. The article explains how UNDP is working to build partnerships with NGOs and other key players to implement strategies which can shift the digital divide into a digital opportunity. One of these is the Internet Initiative for Africa (IIA) which provides internet connectivity infrastructure, capacity building and policy advices to many countries in subSaharan Africa. This has helped to establish national gateways and increased national bandwidth. 29.) UNDP Thematic Trust Fund Information Communication Technology for Development http://www.undp.org/trustfunds/TTF-ICTe.PDF UNDP Bureau for Development Policy. October 2001 (Accessed 19/03/05)

A paper from the UNDP providing a general overview of the need for ICT to be incorporated into development strategies. It highlights the limitations of market forces in closing the digital divide and demonstrates the need for an intentional approach in spreading the use of ICTs for development. The paper covers the history of UNDP involvement in ICT since 1983, including the Sustainable Development Network Programme (SDNP) and the Internet Initiative for Africa (IIA). It explains the role of the UNDP in helping NGOs and civil society groups develop ICT based partnerships. In addition it explains both the country and regional/global level services that the UNDP are involved with for ICT. 30.) Voices from Africa African Development Forum Statement: Recommendations for Effective Participation of Civil Society in the Information Age (October 1999) http://www.unngls.org/documents/publications.en/voices.africa/number9/number9/a13addis.htm (Accessed 18/03/05)

The first African Development Forum (ADF) was held in October 1999 in Addis Ababa, with 600 participants from non governmental and community based organisations. They produced a paper entitled NGOs in the Information Age which provides recommendations for how civil society can effectively participate in the Information Age. The report has three main recommendations, firstly for NGOs and CBOs that they need to stop operating in isolation and proactively pursue partnerships within the sector. Secondly for the government that they need to re-focus on the ICT needs of civil society and enter discussions with NGOs and CBOs as to how it can best support them. Thirdly, for supportive agencies in helping especially indigenous NGOs and CBOs in overcoming the problems of access to ICTs. Additional Sources 31.) Africa Discussion List Subscription Service http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/africa (Accessed 19/03/05)

This is the access page for a subscription service regarding the WSIS. The discussion was designed to facilitate the sharing of information, ideas and resources by African Civil Society

Organisations in light of the discussions which took place at the WSIS. It is a members only list but registration is free and provides access to archives of valuable discussion on the topic. 32.) AFRO-NETS African Networks for Health Research and Development. Electronic Conference http://www.afronets.org/archive/200001/msg00068.php (Accessed 19/03/05)

This is the site for AFRO-NETS, an electronic conference established in 1997 to facilitate the exchange of information between a wide variety of actors working in health research for development in Anglophone Africa. There is a wide subscription with many CBOs and NGOs members of the network. A specific topic of discussion for the ongoing conference include the use of IT within the health sector in Africa. 33.) Presidential National Commission on the Information Society for Development (PNCISD) Presidential Commission http://www.pnc.gov.za (Accessed 20/03/05)

This is the website for the Presidential National Commission on the Information Society for Development, launched at President Thabo Mbekis State of the Nation Address of February 2001. The commission is run by a board from a variety of backgrounds, including a strong presence from civil society representatives. The purpose of the PNC-ISD is to ensure that South Africa develops a strong national ICT infrastructure and attempt to bridge the digital divide. There is a highly significant role for civil society in ensuring that the commission is shaped in a way which will benefit the development of the poor in the country. 34.) The Group of 77 High-Level Conference on South-South Cooperation Verbal Address from Mark Malloch Brown - UNDP Administrator Marrakech, Morocco. December 16, 2003. http://www.undp.org/dpa/statements/administ/2003/december/16dec03_prfr.html (Accessed 19/03/05)

A speech by Mark Malloch Brown, UNDP Administrator concerning the potential of southsouth cooperation to make use of ICTs and the vital role this has in global development. He highlights the importance of improved popular participation, transparency and accountability, amongst both the public and private sectors, including NGOs. He provides various examples of how different NGOs and CSOs have pioneered projects utilising the benefits of ICT in this way. 35.) The role of ICT in the response to HIV/AIDS Power Point Presentation ICT Against HIV/AIDS Coalition Working Group UN ICT Task Force Launch, November 20, 2001. www.sdnp.undp.org/ictaids/UNDP_nov20_ict_hiv.ppt (Accessed 19/03/05)

A power point presentation from Denis Gilhooly, the Director of ICT for Development in UNDP. The presentation outlines the need for co-operation between NGOs through innovative partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and the vital role of ICT in achieving this. He points to the need for a more holistic approach to ICT policy, explaining

the potential development dynamic of digital opportunity initiatives when governments, business and Civil society/NGOs come together. 36.) Ungana Afrika - Newsletter Were Connecting Africa http://www.ungana-afrika.org/news/newsletters_files/newsletter1.htm (Accessed 19/03/05)

This newsletter outlines the work of Ungana Afrika (Swahili for connecting Africa), an ICT project based in Southern Africa. The project was launched due to the recognised lack of ICT infrastructure, connectivity and skills within the civil society sector of the region. Ungana Afrika is currently developing the eRiding concept, shown in other regions to be a highly successful method of ICT consultancy, tailored for the specific needs of non-profit organisations. Thus the ultimate goal for the project is to help bridge the digital divide by facilitating the effective use of ICTs for these non-profit organisations.