How iREACH has contributed to local communities

Abstract

The research on iREACH presented in this paper is the first wave of a longitudinal study, aimed at testing a framework for evaluating how information and communication technologies can contribute to capabilities, empowerment and sustainability. The framework is informed by Amartya Sen’s capability approach (CA), uses a participatory methodology, considers the micro-, meso-, and macro- levels in understanding the role of ICT in development, and adopts a forward-looking longitudinal perspective. Key findings of this research are that iREACH has contributed to livelihoods and other aspects of well-being in diverse ways, primarily in education, health, and farming. Participants also valued iREACH because of its contribution to empowerment, particularly gender empowerment. This intrinsic value of iREACH also manifested itself in a general appreciation of just being part of the world and knowing what goes on in other parts of Cambodia and beyond. These findings are consistent with the CA’s emphasis on development as being about more than economic growth. They also support the importance of considering external factors, conceptualised here as the meso- and macro-levels.