ABSTRACT
This chapter brings together some perceptions about the roles of technical assistance agencies, since they represent, along with local governments and the private sector, an important source of funding for and associated policy leverage over activities for developing countries. Applications of the technology in US Agency for International Development-funded activities are most commonly for improving data or fiscal management in government agencies; in health, agriculture and energy planning; and in research and training applications. The European Development Fund, set up under the Lome Convention, provides funds from the European community for support of development in African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries that have traditional ties to Europe. Unesco is one of the few agencies within the UN system with a sectoral unit responsible for informatics. The Informatics Section sponsors small project activities in education and professional activities. WHO has an active program promoting computer use and development of information systems both for internal use and for developing countries.
