Abstract

Whilst the concept of sustainable livelihoods is increasingly central to the debate about rural development, poverty reduction and environmental management, developing economies may not be able to fully utilise the potential of ICTs for entrepreneurial development in its agricultural economies and resource-based industries. The paper reviews the ICT literature through the livelihood lens and seeks to understand how the framework is useful for informal micro-enterprises in contributing to entrepreneurial development as a route to poverty alleviation. Analysing the literature through the framework, the paper highlights that ICTs offer a strategy to achieve sustainable livelihoods by increasing access to a range of livelihood resources, structures and provide institutional linkages, while reducing vulnerabilities and dependence on physical/ natural resources. However, certain organisational, physical and human constraints may restrict the achievement of livelihoods outcomes within a specific context. To conclude, central to the framework, the author proposes how the framework may be extended through the capabilities vision to maximise the benefits that accrue from using ICTs in the informal economic sector.

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