Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and ... - ITU

In response to this increasing need, and considering the emerging resources and outcomes of ITU’s
symposia and events in this field 53 , it is suggested that three main components should be in place for the
formulation and implementation of effective policies and strategies at the intersection of the ICTs and
climate fields.
These components are: (a) content, (b) structures, and (c) processes, and are reflected in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Key components of ICT, climate change and development policies
Source: Ospina and Heeks (2012) 54
Thus, the development of ICT and climate change policy content, the provision of adequate structures, and
the implementation of processes constitute key areas of action for developing countries aiming at
integrating the role of these tools in adaptation strategies from a systematic, holistic, long-term perspective.
The following sub-sections will explore each of those components, illustrating their implications for
developing countries through the case of Ghana.
3.1 Policy content
This area of action refers to the development of policy content aimed at integrating the use of ICTs in
climate change adaptation strategies at the international, national, sectoral and community levels.
According to Ospina and Heeks 55 , in addition to the development of content that fosters the role of ICT tools
in international climate change strategies, “ICT and climate change policy content should be developed in
support of national adaptation plans (across the different stages of adaptation processes), as well as in
support of specific sectoral strategies (focusing on key areas affected by climate change such as water, food
security, health, disasters, etc)” p.17.
Potential approaches for the development of ICT and climate change policy content at the international,
national, sectoral and community levels, are reflected in Table 9.
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