New information and communication technologies and poverty : some evidence from developing Asia

The paper addresses the question of how the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) can potentially help reduce poverty in developing countries. Starting with the definition and types of ICTs, the paper discusses a number of instances where various ICTs have been fruitfully applied to improve the welfare of rural people in a number of developing economies. The paper also reviews how ICTs can be an indirect instrument of poverty reduction through their impact on growth. Finally the paper discusses the various factors that influence the adoption of new ICTs and the policies developing countries can adopt to take advantage of the new ICT revolution. (J Asia Pac Econ/DÜI)