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Information management strategy formation in northern development NGOs

SCHUEBER, Michael
2003

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This research explores how information management (IM) strategies are formed in northern NGOs (NNGOs). It considers three relevant bodies of theory (information management, NGO management, strategy formation), and for a practical perspective, IM strategy formation in the Swiss NGO Helvetas. The analysis explores the cause-effect relationship of IM strategy formation and organisational culture and eventually draws attention to seven conceptual tensions that seem to influence IM strategy formation as well as to reflect the status of the organisation. Finally, it introduces a model that could be developed into a framework for guiding NNGOs in their processes of transformation

Providing low-cost ICT access to low-income communities in developing countries : what works? what pays?

CASPREY, G
O'CONNOR, D
2003

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This Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development report discusses the potential of and need for telecommunications development in rural areas of low-income countries. It outlines the main challenges, and describes sustainable options. The report also reviews low-cost options and summarizes policies that would support the more rapid diffusion especially telecommunications reform

Revisiting the "magic box" : case studies in local appropriation of information and communication technologies (ICTs)

BATCHELOR, Simon
O’FARRELL, Clare
2003

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This book looks at the way communities and groups in developing countries are appropriating information and communication technologies (ICTs) to address their needs. It finds that ICTs are being integrated into wider community-based activities and adapted to fit different contexts. It follows on from the paper "Discovering the Magic Box". It finds that there are still few examples of community-driven and locally appropriated ICT initiatives and an absence of standards or guidelines to evaluate ICT-based projects. The book includes some analytical frameworks and indicators to identify good practice and evidence of impact A significant development has been in the growth of telecommunications, in particular mobile phones, that are relatively cheap and powerful tools for poor communities, even in remote areas. The book concludes that the power of oral communication through telephones and radio cannot be underestimated. The book proposes that the main challenge is to adapt the new, usually computer-based ICTs to the needs of poor, predominantly oral-based communities so that they can be appropriated effectively and quickly

VIH/sida en la sociedad de la información

CABRERA, Marcelino
2003

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The communities of people living with HIV/AIDS are particularly active in the Network. The activity of these communities has not only served to support themselves, but has also made a contribution to immunologists. After exposing some elements of the relation of these communities and Internet throughout the last years, this case study observes how the use of the Internet contributes to improve the quality of life of patients. There is an emphasis on the influence of the use of the Internet in the management of side effects caused by treatments, subsequent use in doctor-patient relations and, concretely, in the process of therapeutic co-decision

Information for research in developing countries : information technology Friend or Foe?

ARUNACHALAM, S
2003

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The author details the need for and complexity of doing research in the developing country environment. He summarizes the technology divide, lack of visibility of research from these countries and how this gap is widening and notes various programmes to overcome the lack of access to information primarily journal articles. The author concludes with a number of suggestions for facilitating research in developing countries including the increase of standards and norms

HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support across faith-based communities : an annotated bibliography of resources

FAMILY HEALTH INTERNATIONAL (FHI)
2003

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This annotated bibliography lists, describes and reviews resources that have proven useful to faith-based organisations (FBOs) addressing the HIV crisis in Africa. The information should help each reader identify the right materials to meet his or her community's needs and then to obtain those materials from the appropriate organisation.

Developing materials on HIV/AIDS/STIs for low-literate audiences

FAMILY HEALTH INTERNATIONAL (FHI)
PROGRAM FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH (PATH)
December 2002

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This manual provides a comprehensive methodology for developing materials for a low-literate audience in the context of a behaviour change communication program. It demonstrates the process of learning about target populations using qualitative research methodologies, developing effective messages with thir input, and crafting visual messages to support the overall HIV and AIDS program. Involving the target population and stakeholders in the development process is key to ensuring high-quality effective print materials. Finally, the guide outlines the process for rigorous pretesting to ensure that the information and issues are understood by the population groups that programs are trying to reach and influence. It can be adapted and used to develop audio-visual materials or materials for other target groups

Towards equity in global health knowledge

PAKENHAM-WALSH, Neil
PRIESTLY, Carol
July 2002

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Emphasizes the interdependence of global health knowledge and draw attention to inequities in the global flow of information that profoundly affect the evolution of the global knowledge base and its relevance to health priorities. Information and communication technologies have great potential to reduce these inequities, not only by disseminating information, but also by supporting such important activities as international co-operation and Southern-led development. Describes briefly some of the challenges, recent achievements, and priorities for the future

Local capacities to create and adapt information for healthcare workers in developing countries

PAKENHAM-WALSH, Neil
July 2002

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This study is a brief but sobering analysis of the impact of ICTs and health information in the developing country environment. The author notes that despite its massive potential, the current global information explosion has had little impact on access to practical information for frontline healthcare workers in developing countries, especially those working in primary care and district hospital settings. The author notes that healthcare workers in developing countries continue to lack access to the basic information they need to learn, to diagnose, and to save lives. However, it is shown that this can be improved through access to and use of ICTs

Collecting and propagating local development content : synthesis and conclusions

BALLANTYNE, Peter
May 2002

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Drawing from a consultation process to examine how local content in developing countries is created, adapted, and exchanged, this report provides some answers to these questions. It is a synthesis of lessons; the case stories which are reproduced in an accompanying report provide details on actual experienses and lessons from the ground

Strengthening the knowledge and information systems of the urban poor : policy paper

SCHILDERMAN, Theo
April 2002

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This brief policy paper summarises the findings of a research project that focused on the information needs of the urban poor, and the information sources they access. The study found that the main sources of information were social networks, key informants, and infomediaries. It ends with six suggestions for development agencies seeking to share their knowledge and information with the urban poor

Strengthening the knowledge and information systems of the urban poor

SCHILDERMAN, Theo
March 2002

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Presents the findings of a research project that focused on the information needs of the urban poor, and the information sources they access. The study found that the main sources of information were social networks, key informants, and infomediaries. It considers the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and impact assessment methods. It ends with suggestions for development agencies seeking to share their knowledge and information with the urban poor

Unlocking economic opportunity in the South through local content : a proposal from the G8 Dotforce

ARMSTRONG, Peter
et al
March 2002

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A detailed proposal for contributing to the G8 Dotforce process to bridge the digital divide, through local content and applications creation. It explores the ideas of freely available information versus creating a local market for development information, retaining intellectual property rights and stimulating a new kind of trade. The proposed creation of an 'Open Knowledge Network' reflects the need to try and support different initiatives and approaches to local content creation and sharing, in different sectors and environments

HIV/AIDS : a resource for journalists

SOUL CITY INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
et al
2002

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A consice handbook to help journalists cover HIV/AIDS in an effective and responsible manner. Provides South African-based contacts, websites and basic information on a wide range of HIV-related issues

Children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida in East Africa : can family and community resources improve the odds?

MILES, M
2002

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Hydrocephalus and spina bifida are life threatening conditions that often result in severe dsabilities. Risks are much reduced by immediate surgery and careful managment, but neither has been available for most of the sub-Saharan African population. This paper traces the growth of solutions and some socio-cultural resources that historically have supported family and community care for children with severe disabilities, mainly in Tanzania, and nearby countries. Some community-based rehabilitation (CBR) work with children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus is described, and challenges to the CBR approach are noted from the increased survival of people with disabilities requiring complex care. More appropriate information, recognition of indigenous knowledge, enlistment of community resources and financial assistance are needed to enhance the lives of East Africans with hydrocephalus, spina bifida and other severely disabling conditions

Making health communication programs work

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
2002

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This handbook presents key principles and steps in developing and evaluating health communication program for the public, patients, and health professionals. It expands upon and replaces two earlier publications titled Pretesting in Health Communications and Making PSA's Work. Referring primarily to the context of the United States, the guide discusses specific steps in program development and includes examples of their use. Sources of additional information on each subject are included at the end of the chapters

National AIDS Councils : monitoring and evaluation operations manual

WILSON, David
2002

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Designed as a practical toolkit and road map for practitioners to use in designing and implementing programme monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The manual introduces key concepts; presents simple, clear procedures, with a checklist of the process, timing and costs of building participatory programme M&E for National AIDS Councils (NACs); and offers key tools that implementing partners need for M&E. The manual emphasizes the development of the overall M&E system, in relation to the National Strategic Plan, and the monitoring of services provided through NACs and their implementing partners. Offers a page of 'further resources' available through UNAIDS, FHI and CDC

The impact of HIV/AIDS on agricultural production and mainstreaming HIV/AIDS messages into agricultural extension in Uganda

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES [UGANDA]
2002

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This report analyses the impact of HIV and AIDS on agricultural production in Uganda. Extension workers interact regularly with the crop farmers, livestock farmers and the fishing folk. Despite this regular interaction, the study has revealed that extension workers are not involved in HIV and AIDS work, as it does not fall within their mandate. Also the extension workers at present lack the knowledge and skills of addressing HIV and AIDS issues since it had long been perceived as a health matter. To mainstream HIV and AIDS messages into agricultural extension, the agricultural sector must recognise that the epidemic is not only a health issue, but a development issue as well. The report concludes with recommendations for sensitising key ministry staff, designing appropriate HIV and AIDS messages to increase agricultural production, building the capacity of extension workers, and networking and collaboration

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