Digital Technologies and Community Engagement in Low-Resource Settings

Digital technologies have become powerful enablers of participatory development, particularly in low-resource contexts where traditional methods of community engagement face logistical and infrastructural barriers. This article examines how digital tools—such as mobile applications, social media platforms, open-source software, and SMS-based systems—can strengthen inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation and practical case studies, including the use of FrontlineSMS across African contexts, it highlights both the transformative potential and the ethical challenges of digital engagement. The discussion underscores the importance of digital literacy, equitable access, and sustained local ownership as foundations for effective, long-term participatory development.