Digital divides impede 'edtech' in developing world

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Digital Divides

Significance While access to schools has expanded in low- and middle-income countries in recent decades, learning outcomes have not seen a corresponding improvement. The onset of school closures during the pandemic created an unprecedented opportunity to deploy edtech solutions for distance learning. Impacts Infrastructure limitations are matched by lack of familiarity of both learners and teachers on how to make the best use of edtech content. A major push for online teaching amid the pandemic risks widening educational gaps between those with and without access. Further investment in expanding digital access is critical for taking edtech tools to remote and rural areas in developing countries.

scholarly journals Pakistan Topic Brief: Providing Distance Learning to Hard-to-reach Children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imdad Baloch ◽  
Tom Kaye ◽  
Saalim Koomar ◽  
Chris McBurnie
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Alternative Education ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Development Outcomes

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in mass school closures across the world. It is expected that the closures in low- and -middle-income countries (LMICs) will have long-term negative consequences on education and also on broader development outcomes. Countries face a number of obstacles to effectively delivering alternative forms of education. Obstacles include limited experience in facing such challenges, limited teacher digital and pedagogical capacity, and infrastructure constraints related to power and connectivity. Furthermore, inequalities in learning outcomes are expected to widen within LMICs due to the challenges of implementing alternative modes of education in remote, rural or marginalised communities. It is expected that the most marginalised children will feel the most substantial negative impacts on their learning outcomes. Educational technology (EdTech) has been identified as a possible solution to address the acute impact of school closures through its potential to provide distance education. In this light, the DFID Pakistan team requested the EdTech Hub develop a topic brief exploring the use of EdTech to support distance learning in Pakistan. Specifically, the team requested the brief explore ways to provide distance education to children in remote rural areas and urban slums. The DFID team also requested that the EdTech Hub explore the different needs of those who have previously been to school in comparison to those who have never enrolled, with reference to EdTech solutions. In order to address these questions, this brief begins with an overview of the Pakistan education landscape. The second section of the brief explores how four modes of alternative education — TV, interactive radio instruction, mobile phones and online learning — can be used to provide alternative education to marginalised groups in Pakistan. Multimodal distance-learning approaches offer the best means of providing education to heterogeneous, hard-to-reach groups. Identifying various tools that can be deployed to meet the needs of specific population segments is an important part of developing a robust distance-learning approach. With this in mind, this section highlights examples of tools that could be used in Pakistan to support a multimodal approach that reaches the most hard-to-reach learners. The third and final section synthesises the article’s findings, presenting recommendations to inform Pakistan’s COVID-19 education response.<br> <br> This topic brief is available on Google Docs.

Achieving SDG target 8.1 (sustain economic growth) in developing countries: how aid for trade policy and regulations can assist?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandan Kumar Roy ◽  
Huang Xiaoling ◽  
Banna Banik
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Trade Policy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Aid For Trade ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Sustainable Economic Growth

Purpose This study aims to examine how aid for trade policy and regulations (AfTPR) contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 8.1 (sustain per capita economic growth) and whether the effectiveness of AfTPR is conditional to the stable political environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a widely accepted endogenous growth framework and applies panel data fixed effects and two-step difference and system generalized method of moments estimation strategies on panel data of 50 developing countries over 2005–2017. Findings The findings of the study confirm that aid to trade policy promotes sustainable economic growth in developing countries, but this category of development assistance is only effective and significant for low and lower middle-income (LLMI) economies. The positive and significant effect of AfTPR in upper middle-income countries is conditional to their level of political stability. Under a stable political situation, the positive effect of AfTPR on sustainable growth remains almost same for the LLMI countries, whereas for the upper middle-income countries this growth effect reached almost double. Research limitations/implications International trade is considered as a driver for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, whereas aid for trade is acknowledged for its prospective contribution toward achieving these goals. The findings have dominant policy implications for the international development organizations and donors, which recommend that it is more desirable to transmit aid toward developing and implementing trade policy and regulations as per capita economic growth improves in the aid recipient countries. Originality/value According to the authors’ knowledge, no prior study empirically analyzes the effect of AfTPRs on SDG target 8.1.

scholarly journals Comparative human development thresholds for absolute and relative pro-poor mobile banking in developing countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simplice A. Asongu ◽  
Jacinta C. Nwachukwu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the correlations between mobile banking and inclusive development (poverty and inequality) in 93 developing countries for the year 2011. Design/methodology/approach Mobile banking entails the following: “mobile phones used to pay bills” and “mobile phones used to receive/send money”, while the modifying policy indicator includes the human development index (HDI). The data are decomposed into seven sub-panels based on two fundamental characteristics: regions (Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, and Middle East and North Africa) and income levels (upper middle income, lower middle income and low income). Findings The results show that at certain thresholds of the HDI, mobile banking is positively linked to inclusive development. The following specific findings are established. First, the increased use of mobile phones to pay bills is negatively correlated with: poverty in lower-middle-income countries (LMIC), upper-middle-income countries (UMIC) and Latin American (LA) countries, respectively, at HDI thresholds of 0.725, 0.727 and 0.778 and inequality in UMIC and LA with HDI thresholds of, respectively, 0.646 and 0.761. Second, the increased use of mobile phones to send/receive money is negatively correlated with: poverty in LMIC, UMIC and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries with corresponding HDI thresholds of 0.631, 0.750 and 0.750 and inequality in UMIC, CEE and LA at HDI thresholds of 0.665, 0.736 and 0.726, respectively. Practical implications The findings are discussed in the light of current policy challenges in the transition from the UN’s Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value The authors have exploited the only macroeconomic data on mobile banking currently available.

Remittances and food security

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogeeswari Subramaniam ◽  
Tajul Ariffin Masron ◽  
Nik Hadiyan Nik Azman
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Dynamic Panel ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Dynamic Panel Estimator

PurposeThe continuous and rapid growth of remittances has become one of the sources of income for millions of poor families in developing countries. As such, an increase of remittance flow can have a significant impact on the ability of the household not only to get enough food but also to get nutritious foods. Therefore, this study investigates the implication of remittances on food security (FS) in 51 developing countries from 2011–2016.Design/methodology/approachA dynamic panel estimator is applied to examine remittances and FS nexus.FindingsBy using the dynamic panel estimator, the results indicate that the level of food supply tends to be higher in countries with a higher flow of remittances. This study justifies the need for high income as well as high middle-income countries to be more open and receptive to migration as this could indirectly the mean through which host countries can assist economic development in low-income developing countries.Originality/valueGiven the diverse measure of FS, past studies demonstrated a positive association between remittance and FS, but it may focus on only one dimension of FS. To the authors’ limited knowledge, this is not enough to know the importance of remittance in determining the overall FS status. Hence, this study wishes to extend the literature by using a more comprehensive measure of FS and more countries in the sample.

scholarly journals Global neurosurgery, Bangladesh and COVID-19 era

2020 ◽  
pp. 574-576
Author(s):  
Robert Ahmed Khan ◽  
Moshiur Rahman ◽  
Amit Agrawal ◽  
Ezequiel Garcia-Ballestas ◽  
Luis Rafael Moscote-Salazar
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Medical Procedure ◽  
Surgical Service ◽  
Training Process ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Significant Obstacle ◽  
To Come

Background. COVID-19 has become an alarming pandemic for our earth. It has created panic not only in China but also in developing countries like Bangladesh. Bangladesh has adequate confinements to constrain the spread of the infection and in this circumstance, overall healthcare workers including neurosurgeons are confronting a ton of difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to depict the proficiency of Global neurosurgery in this COVID-19 time. Method. Global neurosurgery offers the chance of fusing the best proof-based guidelines of care. This paper demonstrated that, in low to middle-income countries, Global medical procedure has been received to address the issues of residents who lack critical surgical care. Results. Inappropriate and insufficient asset allotment has been a significant obstacle for the health system for decently giving security to the patients. The fundamental training process has been genuinely hampered in the current circumstance. Worldwide health activities have set to an alternate centre and Global neurosurgery as an assurance is slowed down. Conclusion. This paper recommended that Global neurosurgical activities need to come forward and increase the workforce to emphasize surgical service.

scholarly journals Research and Publication from Developing Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan R Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Burden Of Disease ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Publishing Research ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
High Burden ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Developed Countries

In 2002, Richard Smith wrote an editorial, “publishing research from developing countries” in the Journal “Statistics in Medicine” highlighting the importance of research and publication from the developing countries (DCs).1 In that article, he mentioned the disparity in research and publication between the developed and developing countries. Almost two decades on, the problem still largely remains the same. It is estimated that more than 80% of the world’s population lives in more than 100 developing countries.2 In terms of disease burden, the prevalence and mortality from diseases in the low and middle-income countries are disproportionately high compared to developed countries.3 Although there is a high burden of disease, we base our treatment inferring results from research and publication from the developed countries which may not be fully generalizable due to geographical cultural, racial, and economic factors. This is where the problem lies.

scholarly journals The shortcomings of emergency remote teaching in rural settings of Zimbabwe during COVID-19 school closures: Lessons from China’s experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphael Nhongo ◽  
Baba P. Tshotsho
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Teaching Approaches ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
The Government ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological

Background: In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, schools were forced to close indefinitely with no clue as to when they would reopen. Upon school closures, remote teaching was adopted, with online teaching becoming the most preferred mode of instruction, yet the Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure was not adequate enough across the country.Aim: This article scrutinises the remote teaching approaches that were put in place in Zimbabwe in response to the closure of schools during the COVID-19 lockdown. The article investigates how the adopted approaches were suitable for conditions in rural settings.Setting: The study looks at the challenges faced in the implementation of remote teaching during COVID-19 school closures in rural areas of Matabeleland provinces in Zimbabwe.Methods: The study adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach to analyse the teaching approaches that were put in place by the government and other stakeholders. Twenty teachers from 20 rural schools drawn equitably from two provinces, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North, were interviewed on the shortcomings of these remote teaching approaches.Results: The results revealed that the remote teaching approaches that were put in place excluded learners in rural settings. This is because of the challenges in infrastructure, economic condition and restrictions on remote teaching approaches imposed by the government.Conclusion: As Zimbabwe is facing economic hardships and infrastructure development challenges, it was supposed to adopt emergency remote teaching instead of long-term approaches. A variety of approaches that suit specific physical environments should have been adopted instead of sticking to only one throughout the country.

scholarly journals Co-morbid anaemia and stunting among children of pre-school age in low- and middle-income countries: a syndemic

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thach Duc Tran ◽  
Beverley-Ann Biggs ◽  
Sara Holton ◽  
Hau Thi Minh Nguyen ◽  
Sarah Hanieh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Disadvantaged Children ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of co-morbidity of two important global health challenges, anaemia and stunting, among children aged 6–59 months in low- and middle-income countries.DesignSecondary analysis of data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted 2005–2015. Child stunting and anaemia were defined using current WHO classifications. Sociodemographic characteristics of children with anaemia, stunting and co-morbidity of these conditions were compared with those of ‘healthy’ children in the sample (children who were not stunted and not anaemic) using multiple logistic models.SettingLow- and middle-income countries.SubjectsChildren aged 6–59 months.ResultsData from 193 065 children from forty-three countries were included. The pooled proportion of co-morbid anaemia and stunting was 21·5 (95 % CI 21·2, 21·9) %, ranging from the lowest in Albania (2·6 %; 95 % CI 1·8, 3·7 %) to the highest in Yemen (43·3; 95 % CI 40·6, 46·1 %). Compared with the healthy group, children with co-morbidity were more likely to be living in rural areas, have mothers or main carers with lower educational levels and to live in poorer households. Inequality in children who had both anaemia and stunting was apparent in all countries.ConclusionsCo-morbid anaemia and stunting among young children is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, especially among more disadvantaged children. It is suggested that they be considered under a syndemic framework, the Childhood Anaemia and Stunting (CHAS) Syndemic, which acknowledges the interacting nature of these diseases and the social and environmental factors that promote their negative interaction.

Knowledge Sharing for Healthcare and Medicine in Developing Countries

2017 ◽  
pp. 1276-1293
Author(s):  
Kgomotso H. Moahi ◽  
Kelvin J. Bwalya
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Sharing Behavior

Knowledge sharing has always been used as a platform for cross-pollination of ideas and innovations in a bid to improve and enhance performance thereby increasing competitiveness and responsiveness both in organizations and individual levels. Healthcare systems are not an exception. However, for knowledge sharing to take place there is need for certain factors to be noted and addressed such as the individual, organizational and technological. Further, knowledge sharing goes hand in hand with knowledge management and must become part of the strategic fabric of organizations. This chapter focuses on knowledge sharing by health professionals in healthcare and medicine in developing countries. The chapter covers knowledge management and its link with knowledge sharing; the various methods of knowledge sharing in healthcare; factors that make knowledge sharing an important strategic move for healthcare organizations; and factors and issues that affect or determine knowledge sharing behavior. Finally, a literature search for examples of knowledge sharing in developing or low and middle-income countries was conducted and the results are presented. The chapter shows that developing countries have recognized the value of knowledge sharing in healthcare systems and there are tangible signs that this is going to shape cross-pollination of ideas and innovations in the health systems in the foreseeable future.

Community Networks for Addressing Affordability of ICT Access in African Rural Areas

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Takavarasha Jr. ◽  
Carl Adams ◽  
Liezel Cilliers
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Networks ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Digital Divides ◽  
Global North ◽  
Vexed Question

Mobile ICTs have addressed the digital divides between the global south and the global north. While a phenomenal mobile penetration in developing countries has enabled ICT4D innovations by connecting previously unconnected people, several communities suffer adverse inclusion or lack access altogether. Such digital divides within countries have been attributed to technical, social, and economic issues. As a result, many approaches to bridging the digital divides have been used by both academics and practitioners. This chapter, therefore, discusses the potential use of community networks for providing sustainable and affordable access to rural communities in developing countries. In addition to the advantages of community networks, the chapter presents the challenges thereof, and it contributes to the vexed question about how to harness ICTs to empower the disadvantaged communities in developing countries. A case study of Zenzeleni Makhosi community network in South Africa's Eastern Cape province is presented and analysed using Sen's capability approach.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document