• https://publications.iadb.org/es/publicacion/conexiones-del-desarrollo-impacto-de-las-nuevas-tecnologias-de-la-informacion

Shapiro, Jeremy P., et al. (2015). Data associated with: Development Connections: Impact of New Information Technologies. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/9qvdssg7

1. Spanish

What indicators are included in this dataset?

The dataset encompasses a diverse range of ICT indicators, including household access to computers, fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants, and other measures of technology adoption.

Which countries are covered in the dataset?

It contains data from multiple countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, enabling cross-country comparisons of ICT access and infrastructure.

What years does the dataset cover?

The data spans from the mid-1990s through the 2000s, enabling analysis of technology adoption trends over time.

Can I use the dataset to analyze the digital divide in Latin America?

Yes. The dataset provides insights into differences in household and country-level access to technology, enabling the study of the digital divide in Latin America.

What is the connection between this dataset and the DIA 2011 report?

The dataset was developed to support the 2011 Development in the Americas (DIA) report, “Development Connections: Unveiling the Impact of New Information Technologies.” It contains the evidence base for that study.

How can this dataset inform ICT for development research?

Researchers can use the data to explore ICT for development, including how access to computers and telecommunications infrastructure affects productivity, education, and inclusion.

What sources were used to compile the data?

Data sources include international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Bank’s World Development Indicators, ensuring reliability and comparability across different datasets.

Are the indicators available in multiple languages?

Yes. The dataset includes indicator names in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it accessible to a broad research community.

What is ICT4D and why is it important?

ICT4D (Information and Communication Technology for Development) refers to the use of digital tools—such as mobile phones, broadband, and e-learning platforms—to improve social and economic outcomes. The dataset shows ICT adoption in education, health, and productivity programs across Latin America, highlighting its role in reducing poverty and fostering inclusion.

What are examples of Information and Communication Technology for development?

This IDB dataset documents ICT applications in education (digital literacy programs, teacher training), health (telemedicine pilots, electronic health records), and productivity (ICT adoption by small firms). These examples illustrate how technology can expand access to services and improve efficiency.

How does the digital divide affect ICT4D initiatives?

This IDB dataset highlights disparities in access: rural and low-income households often lack broadband or devices, limiting the impact of ICT programs. For example, broadband penetration in rural areas lags far behind that in urban centers, constraining the scalability of ICT4D.

How does ICT contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas?

Evidence from ICT-enabled agricultural and education programs shows improved market access and learning outcomes. Mobile-based information services help smallholder farmers with pricing and weather alerts, while e-learning expands opportunities for rural students.

Why are ICT4D projects prone to failure in low-resource settings?

This IDB dataset highlights challenges such as limited infrastructure, high device costs, and low digital literacy. Projects often fail when they do not account for these barriers or when funding ends after pilot phases.

What is the difference between ICT4D vs. traditional development aid approaches?

ICT4D emphasizes scalable, technology-driven solutions, while traditional aid often focuses on physical infrastructure or direct subsidies. The dataset shows that ICT4D can complement traditional approaches by improving efficiency and transparency.

What is the role of ICT in agriculture for smallholder farmers?

This IDB dataset includes case studies where ICT tools provided farmers with market information and weather forecasts, improving yields and income security.

What are the e-learning and digital literacy programs in developing nations?

ICT4D initiatives in Latin America include digital literacy campaigns and teacher training programs. Uruguay’s Plan Ceibal is a notable example, providing laptops and connectivity to students nationwide.

How can small NGOs implement ICT4D on a low budget?

This IDB dataset suggests prioritizing mobile-based solutions and open-source platforms, which reduce costs and improve adaptability in resource-constrained environments.

What are the core pillars and definitions of ICT4D in contemporary international development?

This IDB dataset identifies ICT4D pillars as: access (infrastructure and affordability), skills (digital literacy and training), applications (education, health, governance), and inclusion (gender and rural equity).

How does the digital divide contribute to increasing socioeconomic inequality within developing nations?

This IDB dataset shows that households without internet access face higher barriers to education, healthcare, and employment. This widens inequality, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.

Which ICT4D case studies demonstrate measurable impact in education and health?

Examples include telemedicine pilots in rural clinics and digital literacy programs in schools. These interventions improved health monitoring and student learning outcomes.

How do technological inequality and internet access gaps affect countries in Latin America?

This IDB dataset highlights stark differences: urban households are far more likely to have broadband access than rural ones. Device affordability also remains a barrier, especially in Central America.

What is the impact of the digital divide on primary education in Latin America?

This IDB dataset shows that students in rural areas with limited connectivity had lower participation in distance-learning programs, exacerbating educational inequality.

Why is broadband infrastructure development slow in rural Latin America?

High costs, geographic challenges, and limited incentives for private investment are key barriers noted in the dataset.

How does the gender gap in digital skills and internet usage affect people in Latin America?

This IDB dataset includes indicators showing that women, especially in rural areas, have lower rates of ICT employment and lower levels of digital skills, reinforcing economic inequality.