§ John RobertsonTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the use of the internet for communities in the developing world as a tool for self-reliance. [128141]
§ Hilary BennDFID promotes the internet's use by communities in the developing world as a tool for self-reliance in several of its programmes in the field of Information communication technologies for development. For each of these programmes careful and thorough consideration has been given to ensure their effectiveness and extent to which they could be used as a tool for self-reliance. We also provide support for research into wider potential impact of the internet in local communities in developing countries.
§ John RobertsonTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what action the Department is taking to expand the use of(a) internet access and (b) electronic information to communities in developing countries. [128143]
§ Hilary Benn(a) DFID is carrying out a number of initiatives designed to expand internet access in developing countries. These include:
Catalysing Access to Information Communications Technologies in Africa (CATIA) 2003–06 which promotes reform and affordable access to new and traditional Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) across Africa and forms part of our response to the G8 Africa Action Plan.Building Digital Opportunities consists of a package of cross-sectoral initiatives that address some of the key barriers and opportunities for ICTs in achieving development targets.(b) DFID is also funding the Open Knowledge Network, an innovative project using ICTs to enable poor people to create and exchange local information and knowledge electronically, eventually on a global basis.