Some perspectives on understanding the adoption and implementation of ICT interventions in developing countries

Abstract

Research in the multi-disciplinary domain of ICT and Development indicates there is potential for information and communication technologies (ICT) to contribute to a nation’s socio-economic, socio-technical and socio-cultural development. With this in mind, developing countries have been rushing to implement ambitious ICT projects in rural areas through the direct/indirect supervision of institutions such as the World Bank, the United Nations (UN) and other donor/local agencies. These interventions aim to provide positive developmental impacts on people’s lives at an individual, group or community level. Interestingly, the main focus of the interventions has been on the implementation of ICT projects themselves, rather than on understanding their impacts at the recipient or community level; and such lack of understanding has led to many failures of ICT projects as reported. This paper highlights some important perspectives on research into ICT and Development while understanding the intentions behind the adoption and implementation of ICT interventions in developing countries. We propose a framework to encourage further investigation into ICT-led development projects which explicitly acknowledges the perspectives of: (i) the funding bodies, (ii) the organisations responsible for undertaking the intervention, and (iii) the to-be-affected community/ies, both dynamically and in context.