The debate on the role of ICTs in development suffers from a lack of convincing evidence and information. Recognizing this need, ZEF has launched a research program that aims to gather empirical evidence on the effects of these technologies, on rural incomes, productivity and welfare. Currently, studies are underway in Bangladesh, China, Ghana, India, Laos, Peru, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. First results indicate that people in rural areas can benefit considerably from the provision of telephone services. The presence of phones reduces the need for travelling and therefore the costs and risks associated with this method to gather information.
Villagers can receive better information about market prices for their products.
Furthermore, the exchange of information between relatives and friends abroad or in the national centers can be reinforced, leading to a stronger social cohesion and an increased flow of remittances. The example of the Grameen Telephone Project, in which poor women act as telephone agencies in their villages, shows that telephones also can be a business activity and a source of income in rural areas. However, advanced ICTs, like E-mail and the Internet still play a minor role in rural areas. This is due the fact that, even the most basic telecommunication infrastructure are absent and that, adequate information is not available at all or only at prohibitive cost. Nevertheless, enterprises in developing countries start to engage increasingly in the use of advanced ICTs.