FIGURE 2: Mobile Subscriptions by UNDP Country Categories 2010 in billions
in percent 120%
1.6 1.2
80%
0.8 40%
0.4 0
LDCs
SDS
LICs
Mobile subscriptions
LMICs
UMICs
0%
NCCs
Mobile subscriptions penetration
Source: ITU 2011 and UNDP calculations
In principle, mobile devices can significantly impact development goals in terms of poverty reduction, democratic governance and crisis response (ITU 2010; Castells et al. 2007). Strategically deployed, mobile technologies can open new, interactive communication channels that help governments engage people in policy and decision-making processes, expand stakeholder participation, offer greater access to public information, and foster targeted service delivery to the poor and marginalized. Nevertheless, the question is how to make this happen in real, material terms in ways that will really enhance human development. The main objective of this primer is to provide UNDP programme staff and development partners and practitioners with a practical understanding of how mobile technologies can amplify development programming. By looking at basic concepts, current trends and real life examples, the primer intends to shed light on how development practitioners can harness the potential of mobile technologies to improve development outputs and outcomes at the country level. The primer first outlines development in terms of the growth of mobile technologies. It then examines some of the currently available evidence on the macro impact of the technology, and presents concrete examples that have had a direct impact on democratic governance. Further examples of the impact of mobiles on other UNDP practices such as poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, and energy and environment are then illustrated. Based on these examples, key challenges and success factors are outlined as well as some of the lessons learned so far. Finally, it offers suggestions on how UNDP can capitalize on mobile technologies to enhance its development programming and development impact.
Mobile Technologies and Empowerment
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