Mobile Phones and Development in Africa - Does the Evidence Meet the Hype?

This book focuses on the impact of information technology on the lives and livelihoods of rural households in sub-Saharan Africa, where simple mobile phones have leapfrogged traditional communication and financial technologies, and thus, arguably, offer some of the greatest potential for development. Drawing on primary and secondary research from a variety of disciplines, the authors examine the evolution of mobile phone coverage and adoption in sub-Saharan Africa over the past two decades, before exploring the main channels through which mobile phones can affect development. They then review initiatives on "digitizing development" and evaluate empirical evidence on their impact. The book argues that digital has yet to live up to the hype, ending with a set of questions that stakeholders should ask (and answer) when using digital technology for promoting development.

List of contents

1. Where there is no phone.- 2. The Economics of the Phone.- 3. Digitizing Development.- 4. Living up to the Hype?.- 5. Rethinking ICT4D?.- 6. Conclusion.

Product details

• Authors: Jenny C Aker, Jenny C. Aker, Joël Cariolle
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 29.10.2023
• EAN: 9783031418846
• ISBN: 978-3-0-3141884-6
• No. of pages: 174
• Dimensions: 148 mm x 14 mm x 210 mm
• Illustrations: XXI, 174 p. 23 illus., 22 illus. in color.
• Series: Palgrave Studies in Agricultural Economics and Food Policy
• Subject: Social sciences, law, business > Business > Economics