Connecting the disconnected: The role of ICT in livelihood restoration for women in the resettlement site Kannagi Nagar in Chennai, India

The growing scale and impact of development-induced displacement and resettlement (DIDR) have shown the threat to livelihoods of the resettled people. Chennai, the capital city of the state Tamil Nadu in India, has a growing number of DIDR with the development of resettlement sites in the outskirts of the city. One of those sites is Kannagi Nagar, a home for 15,656 tenements which is located 15 km from the city center. The women in Kannagi Nagar suffer from more significant livelihood deprivation; thus, a gender-sensitive approach is required in their livelihood restoration. As there is evidence of ICT being useful in development, supported by the growing availability and affordability in developing countries, there is an opportunity of applying ICT in livelihood restoration of resettlers in Kannagi Nagar. This research aims to explain the role of ICT in the livelihood restoration of the social and financial capital for women in the resettlement site Kannagi Nagar. This research adopts the case study as a research strategy with a blend of quantitative and qualitative techniques. A closed-ended questionnaire survey included a total number of 100 respondents. An additional of 12 interviews with the women in Kannagi Nagar and seven key informants were conducted to enrich the discussion. The quantitative data were analyzed through regression analysis to explain the relationship between perceived attributes of ICT with ICT use, and enabling factors with ICT use. A t-Test is also conducted to differentiate the livelihood restoration between the group ‘with ICT use’ and ‘without ICT use’. Among the women in Kannagi Nagar, ICT use is prevalent; however, they have not fully optimized the potentials of ICT, especially for their livelihood restoration. The use is still limited to the purpose of maintaining the contact they already have. However, some women have been able to use ICT, especially their phone, for the restoration and enhancement of their social and financial capital, such as for better skills, a better job, increased income and savings. The study also reveals that ICT use correlates positively with better skills, participation in an organization, and increased support from the community. The last two variables also lead to better job and increased income. Thus, ICT-based solutions should be acknowledged by the stakeholders. The delivery should consider the provision of ICT infrastructure, ICT education, and the perceived attributes of ICT: triability, complexity, and compatibility with the needs of women in Kannagi Nagar. Keywords: ICT, DIDR, resettlement, livelihood restoration, Chennai