Research and statistics state that women constitute around 40% of the agricultural labour force in the ACP region and while they make essential contributions to rural economies and the growing advancements in digitalisation - the gender gap in access to information communication technologies (ICTs) continue to widen. This means women farmers, particularly in rural areas, experience difficulties accessing information, financial products and services and markets. They also often do not participate in relevant policy-making.

ICT Update is a bimonthly printed and on-line magazine (http://ictupdate.cta.int) and an accompanying e-mail newsletter published by CTA. This issue focuses on the future of telecentres.

ICT Update is a bimonthly printed and on line magazine (http://ictupdate.cta.int) and an accompanying email newsletter published by CTA. This issue focuses on small islands and e-resilience.

ICT Update is a bimonthly printed and on-line magazine (http://ictupdate.cta.int) and an accompanying e-mail newsletter published by CTA. This issue focuses on crowd sourcing.

ICT Update is a bimonthly printed and on-line magazine (http://ictupdate.cta.int) and an accompanying e-mail newsletter published by CTA. This issue focuses on ICT innovation and the people behind it.

In the past 6 months, developing East Asia and Pacific has faced a challenging external environment, but growth has generally remained resilient. Over the next 3 years, growth is expected to ease modestly. China will continue its gradual shift to a more sustainable growth path. Some economies will be affected by low commodity prices and weaker external demand. This outlook is subject to elevated risks. Countries should prioritize monetary and fiscal policies that reduce their exposure to risks and strengthen market confidence. In China, there is a need to reduce leverage. In several countries, action is required to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, and redefine the role of the state. Efforts to reduce barriers to trade should be redoubled, with a particular focus on non-tariff measures and regulatory barriers, including to trade in services. The region must increase its readiness to benefit from the digital revolution, and in particular develop the essential “analog complements†? to digital technologies.