ICTs in development and disaster response: Opportunities and challenges for Africa

The world is experiencing an increase in both natural and man-made disasters. Different parts of the world experience varied and varying effects of the disasters depending on their physical, social, political and economic environment. These disasters have negative effects which include: loss of human and animal life; loss of property; and destruction of the livelihood systems. Given this scenario there is need to find ways of minimizing the negative effects of disasters through timely response and proper management of disasters. Technologies both old and new can help in reducing the effects of disasters in various ways. It is premised that ICTs do/can play an important role as a medium of information and communication in development and disaster response. In Africa, ICTs hold a great promise, firstly in the generation of important information, secondly its subsequent transmission, and thirdly by linking people and organisations. This paper reviews literature on the contribution of ICTs in development and disaster response from across the world, with special attention to the opportunities and challenges for Africa.