RNSF - Management Information Tool

Indicators: a) GP and LL on using IT to enhance the livelihoods of those dependent on the informal economy, with special attention to social inclusion in IE identified.

b) Challenges (if any) on using IT to enhance the livelihoods of those dependent on the informal economy, with special attention to social inclusion in IE identified and possible means to overcome challenges identified and analysed.

Data Analysis Methods: Identification of GP and LL on how IT was used to enhance of livelihoods. Analysis of GP and LL to determine adaptability and scalability. Identification of challenges identified during promotion and implementation of IT to enhance livelihoods and determine if/how these were overcome.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Assess the availability of the needed technical infrastructure when designing projects that will use IT to enhance/affect livelihoods of people dependent on the IE. (While this appears a straight forward consideration, this is not always sufficiently considered.

Reference: Digital Early Warning Systems to Save the Lives and Livelihoods of Communities of Bangladesh (DEWS), Final evaluation, 2015, Dhaka.  

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2. Introduce mobile technology when designing IE development projects. They can be very useful to shorten the distance between service providers and local populations.

References: 

• From Paper to Practice: Learning from the journeys of inclusive business start-ups, Final project report, SIDA 2013, Stockholm.
• Turrall, Susanne, 2013, A Study of Evidence in Mainstreaming Social Inclusion into Programmes Promoting Agricultural Productivity and Access to Markets among the Rural Poor, Meta-analysis of evaluations, DFID Rapid Desk-Based Review, DFID, London, Collection of projects and insights about: gender and agricultural productivity \ Gender and Access to Markets \ Vulnerable Social Groups Inclusion in several countries.

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3. Be aware in designing IE related projects that using mobile technology can be a good and realistic option for providing technical support to youth and others dependent on the IE. Note that the use of technology and mobile phones has the potential to reduce project costs, for example with regard to micro-finance management. It may also reduce training and mentoring costs since no continuous direct personal physical interaction is required.

References:

• Lessons learned Youth access to rural finance: Inclusive rural financial services, General background document on issues in our research matrix, IFAD 2015, Rome.

• Zimmerman, J., J. Nowak, E. Carls, J. Arnold, and V. Rao. 2013. Beyond the Buzz: The Allure and Challenge of Using Mobile Phones to Increase Youth Financial Inclusion. Washington, D.C.: New America Foundation.
• Branchless Banking 2010: Who’s Served? At What Price? What’s Next?, General background document on issues in our research matrix, CGAP, The World Bank 2010, Washington DC.

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4. Use information technologies (IT) to promote knowledge sharing (see also subject 3.2.2) in projects and to strengthen IE operators’ activities.

Reference: Women’s Entrepreneurship Development and Gender Equality -Southern Africa- Final Evaluation, ILO 2012, Geneva.

SOURCE: RNSF research - Volume 4.2