"The role of information and knowledge in development is contentious - whilst information is central to development, practitioners struggle to define a causal link between it and development outcomes. The authors conclude that information-sharing of itself does not necessarily lead to such outcomes, unless the processes are in place to support its transformation into knowledge. Based on the principle of technology challenging poverty, this paper summarises the findings from a two-year research project conducted by the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) and Cranfield University into the use of information communication technologies (ICTs) for development. In developing countries most people have little experience of ICTs, little time or money, low levels of literacy, and highly contextualised knowledge and language requirements (representing a challenge known as 'the first mile'). The paper springs from an analysis of the literature, and a case study based on practical experience of a project in Peru. It offers recommendations for practitioners, and suggestions for further research. Changes in the ICT industry such as "convergence" and the reduction of costs lead to hopes that "technology-leapfrogging" will help to bridge the "digital divide". The Peruvian case (a Rural-Urban Information System) project links local information centres (infocentres) in the region to information providers such as government bodies and NGOs working in the region. Project success depends on attention to process, and the authors recommend two key principles: communities need to first specify the development outcomes they want; and projects need to adopt an iterative project cycle. This comprises researching and planning, implementation, evaluation, and learning and sharing, to ensure practitioners repeatedly re-evaluate assumptions, learn from experiences, and involve the community at each stage." (Oxfam Review 10/06)