Practical Insights on ICT Innovation

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What is ICT Innovation in International Development Programs?

ICT innovation in international development programs is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for better healthcare, education, and agriculture programs in low- and middle-income countries.

Technology innovations in international development and humanitarian aid projects can also lead to better governance, stronger economic growth, and more inclusive employment. These activities can promote community resilience and accelerate social advancement.

An Example of ICT Innovation in Development

There are as many technology solutions as there are development problems. For example, a farming community could be threatened by climate change challenges, like variable weather patterns and changing temperatures.

Farmers could need tailored weather information, new agricultural methodologies, access to different inputs, and greater linkages to value chains and markets. They could seek out technology enabled solutions like:

  • Geographic information systems that relay precise micro-weather predictions for their specific location.
  • Agricultural extension agents with farm-specific soil analysis for detailed seed and fertilizer usage.
  • Digital financial services to borrow, sell, profit, and save their farm income with formal banks and informal crop buyers.

More Examples of ICT Innovation in Development

Here are more examples of innovative uses of information and communication technology in humanitarian relief programs and international development projects:

Apply Now: £250,000 for Innovation Solutions to Humanitarian Challenges

Apply Now: £250,000 for Innovation Solutions to Humanitarian Challenges

Published on: Jan 08 2024 by Wayan Vota - 10 Comments
With over 350 million people worldwide requiring humanitarian assistance – a number that is set to continue growing – now, more than ever, we are seeing the...
Apply Now: USAID Grant Funding for Development Innovation Ventures

Apply Now: USAID Grant Funding for Development Innovation Ventures

Published on: Sep 18 2023 by Wayan Vota - 107 Comments
USAID Development Innovation Ventures program (DIV) provides grant funding based on a tiered-evidence approach that maximizes impact per dollar spent. DIV recently...
Digital Innovation is Not Free. We Need Low-Tech Options Now

Digital Innovation is Not Free. We Need Low-Tech Options Now

Published on: Mar 30 2023 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Digital Innovation is Not Free. We Need Low-Tech Options Now
The past few months saw a lot of buzz around emerging digital technologies. There wasn’t a week going by without news of AI-enabled tools that create sophisticated...
The Rise and Fall of Innovation Labs in International Development

The Rise and Fall of Innovation Labs in International Development

Published on: Mar 16 2023 by Guest Writer - 12 Comments
“Innovation” has become a hugely popular word in the humanitarian and development sectors over the last 10 or 15 years. And amongst NGOs, UN agencies, and bilateral...
Apply Now! $100,000 UNDP Grant Funding to Scale Your Digital Solution

Apply Now! $100,000 UNDP Grant Funding to Scale Your Digital Solution

Published on: May 09 2022 by Wayan Vota - 28 Comments
UNDP created the Chief Digital Office in 2019 and observed hundreds of digital projects and challenges faced by UNDP, governments, and partners. From this experience,...
5 Things Humanitarian Innovators Can Learn From the Private Sector

5 Things Humanitarian Innovators Can Learn From the Private Sector

Published on: Feb 17 2022 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on 5 Things Humanitarian Innovators Can Learn From the Private Sector
While simplified stories of success from the private sector are often unhelpful for humanitarian innovators, there are things that we can learn from entrepreneurial...
Harnessing the Power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Harnessing the Power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Published on: Jul 16 2021 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Harnessing the Power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The impact of new tech shouldn’t be disappointing, but it often is.  Dr. Hans Rosling complained during the Ebola response that there were “hundreds of health-care...
Apply Now: $1 Million African Digital Startup Funding and Support

Apply Now: $1 Million African Digital Startup Funding and Support

Published on: Mar 01 2021 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
A majority of failed startup companies associate poor execution, limited funding, and market access as the primary drivers of most innovative ideas. The founders...
The ICT4D Guilty Pleasure: Reinventing Digital Wheels for Donors

The ICT4D Guilty Pleasure: Reinventing Digital Wheels for Donors

Published on: Feb 18 2021 by Nadia Andrada - 28 Comments
We are all familiar with the concept of reinventing the flat tire in digital development. That’s when we repackage a known failure as new innovation, usually...
Apply Now: $250,000 for African Disinformation Technology Solutions

Apply Now: $250,000 for African Disinformation Technology Solutions

Published on: Feb 08 2021 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
Disinformation and propaganda pose a threat to trust, cohesion, and security. The menace of fake news can no longer be ignored. Misinformation can divide society,...