BCO Impact Assessment Study: The Final Report
London: BCO Building Communication Opportunities (2008), 192 pp.
"This report investigates the impact media and ICTs can have on the lives of the poor, based on the experiences of nine donors and NGOs forming part of the "Building Communication Opportunities (BCO)" alliance. It suggests that radio will have the most influence on social and political change where it is widely accessible, trusted by listeners, and open to inclusive participation. ICTs can help make markets work for the poor, but the surrounding circumstances are highly influential in determining in how far they make a difference. Communication networks appear to be particularly effective in building communities of activists where they enable the pooling of resources and expertise and leverage wider influence on decision-makers. However, the report concludes that evidence of the impact of ICTs is still weak. More debate is needed about how ICTs are best deployed. This requires learning how people really use the tools, as well as a more effective assessment of past and current experiences." (CAMECO Update 1-2009)
INVESTIGATION 1: VOICE
Introduction / David Souter, 15
The Impact of Radio on Political Change: A Practitioner Perspective / Chris Greene, 17
Radio and Recent Political Changes in Nepal / Pratyoush Onta, 28
INVESTIGATION 2: POVERTY REDUCTION
Introduction / David Souter, 51
ICT, Markets and Development / Richard Duncombe, 53
ICT, Pro-Poor Markets and Livelihoods / Manuel Acevedo, 75
INVESTIGATION 3: NETWORKS
Introduction / David Souter, 101
Addressing the Value of Networks in Development Policy Influence / Enrique Mendizabal and Pam Muckosy, 103
Assessment of a Policy Advocacy Network in Ecuador / Manuel Acevedo, 116
Gender Networking and Advocacy in the Context of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS): A Summary / Debbie Budlender, 131
Gender Networking and Advocacy in the Context of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) / Heike Jensen, 134
INVESTIGATION 4: IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Introduction / David Souter, 153
ICD and Impact Assessment: Investigative Report / David Souter, 154
ICD and Impact Assessment: Report of a workshop held in London on 18-19 March 2008 / David Souter, 183
Introduction / David Souter, 15
The Impact of Radio on Political Change: A Practitioner Perspective / Chris Greene, 17
Radio and Recent Political Changes in Nepal / Pratyoush Onta, 28
INVESTIGATION 2: POVERTY REDUCTION
Introduction / David Souter, 51
ICT, Markets and Development / Richard Duncombe, 53
ICT, Pro-Poor Markets and Livelihoods / Manuel Acevedo, 75
INVESTIGATION 3: NETWORKS
Introduction / David Souter, 101
Addressing the Value of Networks in Development Policy Influence / Enrique Mendizabal and Pam Muckosy, 103
Assessment of a Policy Advocacy Network in Ecuador / Manuel Acevedo, 116
Gender Networking and Advocacy in the Context of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS): A Summary / Debbie Budlender, 131
Gender Networking and Advocacy in the Context of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) / Heike Jensen, 134
INVESTIGATION 4: IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Introduction / David Souter, 153
ICD and Impact Assessment: Investigative Report / David Souter, 154
ICD and Impact Assessment: Report of a workshop held in London on 18-19 March 2008 / David Souter, 183
