Case study

To equip participants with the conceptual and diagnostic tools needed to cut through the hype of digital development, access the latest evidence, and help communities and agencies identify pro-equity innovations that enhance inclusion, voice and participation.

We live in an increasingly digital world with rapidly changing technologies. Digital now cuts across all aspects of development policy and practice, especially post-Covid. Today’s international  development professionals need a clear understanding of the role of  digital tools and platforms to help them make informed choices to improve economic, environmental and social outcomes.

The course provided the latest evidence and vital insights about what works, and why in digital development.

Participants join an international cohort of development professionals from NGOs, governments, donor organisations, and independent consultancies, to share learning and gain new insights into improving policy processes through better use of evidence.

The IDS Digital and Technology Cluster leads the course and brings a wealth of experience in the theory and practice of digital development processes.

The course comprised of five core sessions that drew on insights and research from a range of IDS work conducted in collaboration with our extensive network of partners around the world:

• Mapping the landscape of digital development
• Gender and technology
• Citizenship technologies
• Digital financial services
• Pro-equity innovations

The IDS teaching team included:

• Becky Faith, Research Fellow
• Tony Roberts, Research Fellow
• Kevin Hernandez, Research Officer
• Karishma Banga, Research Fellow
• Inka Barnett, Research Fellow
• Pedro Prieto Martin, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Guest speakers contributing specialist expertise and perspectives included:

• Clara Barnett, Digital Inclusion Adviser, UK Department for International Development
• Marie Enlund , Food Security Analyst, World Food Programme
• Matt Haikin, Senior Manger Impact and Insights, Digital Impact Alliance
• Amy O’Donnell, Digital in Programme Lead, Oxfam GB

The course enriched participants knowledge of:

• The applications of ICT4D.
• Key stakeholders in the digital development landscape.
• Global and regional data on access to and use of technologies.
• The latest technological developments including big data and frontier technologies.

IDS awarded one scholarship on the course to Eugenie Kiendrebeogo of the Ministry of Finance, Cote d’Ivoire. Not only did Eugenie benefit from getting simple but relevant tools to critically analyse her projects, but she shared these with colleagues and beneficiaries through a series of presentations and workshops. This led to the restructuring of several projects to enable more effective citizen engagement.

The course resulted in follow-up requests for bespoke training on digital development with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and collaboration with UKRI on organisational learning to support humanitarian aid.