The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UK Department for International Development (DFID), and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) have jointly commissioned this review to assist their understanding of the role that information and communication can play in supporting sustainable livelihoods. They identified that despite the importance of information and communication, they have as of recent been poorly integrated in emerging livelihood approaches. This review provides the background to the theoretical development of sustainable livelihoods approaches and introduces the new thinking on the role that ICT plays. The review deals with the stakeholders involved and with other issues such as the ‘digital divide’. It highlights the importance of understanding the different ‘user’ requirements and the relevance of Sri Lankan principals when forming these approaches. The review has conclusions and recommendations, stating how information and communication systems will improve livelihoods in rural areas if they meet certain requirements.