Capability of Information Accesses and Poverty Reduction in Developing Countries: Cross country Empirical Study.

Abstract

Main objective of study is to show the relationship and effects of information accesses on poverty in developing countries. This study shows that differences of capability of information accesses across the developing countries lead to disparity of poverty among them. Disparities of information accesses among 70 developing countries during 2000-2005 from all regions in the world have significant influences on their national poverty level. This study employs econometric models with OLS estimations and both qualitative and quantitative methodology. This study perceived that the capability of information accesses among selected countries have robust negative influences on level of national poverty (Around 50 %). Government and private investment on information infrastructures in low-income areas have a significant effect on reduction of poverty than traditional consumption expenditures for poverty alleviation. This study also focuses on that the relationship between information accesses and other causes of poverty.  Further, this study compares the relative importance of information accesses on reduction of poverty.  Women’s capability for information accesses has a robust negative effect on poverty in developing countries (65 %). In a comprehensive view, capability of information accesses of developing countries have negative effect on poverty and playing key role in reduction of  poverty level.

Key words: Capability, Empowerment, Opportunities, Information Accesses, Information Infrastructures, Information Communication Technology