The annual ICT4D Conferences have proven to be an invaluable opportunity for NGOs, private sector organizations, universities, governmental agencies and foundations to share their experience in using ICT to increase the impact of development programs and to learn from each other. In 2016, 715 individuals from 76 countries and 301 private sector and public sector and civil society explored the ways to harness the full power of digital solutions to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Our thanks to Accenture, Catholic Relief Services, Esri, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, iMerit Technology Services, Inmarsat, IS Solutions, Making All Voices Count, Mercy Corps, Microsoft, NetHope, Oxfam, Pandexio, Qualcom Wireless Reach, RTI International, SimbaNet and World Vision for making that possible.
Globally, the proliferation of mobile telephony and cellular networks has connected once remote, rural populations to levels nearing saturation. Initial concerns about illiteracy and poverty creating a "digital divide", the dropping price of phones and service contracts have spurred high rates of ownership, across socio-economic boundaries. Amidst this backdrop of a mobile 'revolution', mobile phone surveys, such as SMS, IVR, and CATI, are being deployed for a range of health-related topics.
The session will begin with a presentation on the landscape of mobile phone surveys being used in LMICs. The presenters will then discuss key points of consideration in the development of a mobile phone survey. Technical, statistical and political dimensions of this approach, combined with prior experiences in this area will be discussed. Active audience participation will be gained by asking specific feedback on the approach.
