Abstract:
This systematic review of reviews aimed to explore the contribution of information
and communication technologies (ICTs) for development in developing countries. This
systematic review of reviews determines and summarizes ICTD research trends, and
methodologies and conceptual frameworks used in ICTD research discuss the findings
and evidence and then suggest approaches for further research. We reviewed existing
systematic reviews published on ICT and development between January 1990 and
July 2017. The review of reviews shows that a growing number of ICTD research
works have used qualitative research approaches for data collection and analysis.
We note several attempts to develop and apply models/frameworks over explanatory
and predictive theories, most notably in the area of social, sociotechnical, and technical.
Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the long‐term contribution of ICT use
on livelihoods, patterns of economic inequality, human freedom, and well‐being in
developing countries. This review of reviews synthesizes existing systematic reviews
on the contribution of ICT for development than was previously available for developing
countries. This review has the potential for several stakeholders, including the
public and private sector, intermediaries, and nonprofit organizations, to utilize the
accumulated evidence from selected systematic reviews to enable/improve the
appropriate and sustainable use of ICTs for development
