[2003] Poverty is seen as the opposite of well-being. Beyond a lack of income, the multidimensional concept of poverty also refers to disadvantages in access to land, credit and services (e.g. health and education), vulnerability (towards violence, external economic shocks, natural disasters), powerlessness and social exclusion.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) facilitate the creation, storage, management and dissemination of information by electronic means. This definition includes radio, television, elephone, fax, computer and the Internet. ICT applications in developing countries are often part of an overall strategy for economic growth, relying on the trickle down effect to those in poverty. The limitations of this approach are well known. Effective poverty reduction requires a more targeted approach.