Integrating Mobiles into Development Projects

The “Integrating Mobiles into Development Projects” handbook is a comprehensive resource for getting started with implementing digital technology into development activities. Digital technology – like mobile phones and smartphones – have changed the way that people communicate and share information and also how development practitioners can do their work more efficiently. Mobile technology has enabled the development community to more quickly collect richer data than traditional paper-based methods. The “Integrating Mobiles into Development Projects” handbook serves as an introduction to this evolving landscape and was written for both skeptics and visionaries. This handbook targets new users and experienced professionals – both of whom can benefit from the interactive takeaways outlined on how to more effectively use mobiles. The handbook is not a report summary, nor does it need to be read linearly. Instead, it is divided into two main sections: Understand and Implement. Each section is comprised of interactive tools (adaptable worksheets) that are easy to navigate and intended for practical application: UNDERSTAND ◾Component 1 highlights the functional uses of mobiles, how they are being used for development and examples of how these technologies are being applied. ◾Component 2 explains the mobile ecosystem and everything you might need to know about it from a development perspective. IMPLEMENT ◾Component 3 includes a six-step approach to project design on mobile for development (M4D) integration. ◾Component 4 explores the various elements to consider when issuing a solicitation for a procurement for a project that will include M4D. ◾Component 5 focuses on how to effectively monitor and evaluate an M4D activity or activity component, including the identification of key performance metrics and methods for data capture. The handbook also features an extensive Resource section, which includes an inventory of mobile services in Southeast Asia, a directory of USAID projects using mobiles in the region, and an excellent glossary of terms used in the mobiles for development space.