Development information flows

In real development, information can sometimes be more important than funding, but has to be accessible and appropriate for it to work. Field-level development can be frustrating and difficult; the mass of information may be overwhelming as well as limited in practical detail or real application. There is often a limited institutional memory and therefore a lack of history. This article seeks ways of dealing with the problem and examines information flows to the south and suggests that they should be traded rather than given as overseas aid. Ways of passing information to development workers are suggested. It is the responsibility of those working in development to promote change in the south and to organize flows of information in such a way that meets needs. Examples given include: co-publishing, creating a market for books, improving communication between development workers and use of non-print media. Abstract supplied by kind permission of CABI.