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{{Main|Information and communication technologies for development#Problems}}
{{Main|Information and communication technologies for development#Problems}}


A 2010 research report from the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre<ref>[http://www.gsdrc.org Governance and Social Development Resource Centre website]</ref> found "Very few ICT4D activities have proved sustainable... Recent research has stressed the need to shift from a technology-led approach, where the emphasis is on technical innovation towards an approach that emphasises innovative use of already established technology (mobiles, radio, television)."<ref>[http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD691.pdf Helpdesk Research Report: New ICTs for Development (6/14/2010)]</ref> However, of 27 applications of ICTs for development, E-government, E-learnings and E-health were found to be possible of great success, as well as the strengthening of social networks and boosting of security (particularly of women).
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One problem is the ability of the recipients to maintain the donated technology and teach others its use.<ref>[http://greencitizenship.blogspot.com/2010/05/computers-for-africa.html COMPUTERS FOR AFRICA? Uganda Flooded With E-Waste ‘Clones’ (5/1/2010)]</ref>

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One key problem is the ability of the recipients to maintain the donated technology and teach others its use.<ref>[http://greencitizenship.blogspot.com/2010/05/computers-for-africa.html COMPUTERS FOR AFRICA? Uganda Flooded With E-Waste ‘Clones’ (5/1/2010)]</ref>


Another significant problem can be the selection of software installed on technology<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2989567.stm Computers to Africa scheme criticised (5/1/2003)]</ref> - instructors trained in one set of software (for example [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]<ref>[http://www.aabgu.org/media-center/headlines/computers-wiki-africa.html Students Bring Computers and Wikipedia to Africa (9/17/2010)]</ref>) can be expected to have difficulty in navigating computers donated with different software (for example [[Windows XP]]).
Another significant problem can be the selection of software installed on technology<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2989567.stm Computers to Africa scheme criticised (5/1/2003)]</ref> - instructors trained in one set of software (for example [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]<ref>[http://www.aabgu.org/media-center/headlines/computers-wiki-africa.html Students Bring Computers and Wikipedia to Africa (9/17/2010)]</ref>) can be expected to have difficulty in navigating computers donated with different software (for example [[Windows XP]]).

Revision as of 04:00, 5 January 2011

Main article: Information and communication technologies for development

Computer technology for developing areas is the donation of technology to developing areas by individuals and organizations (often charitable). However, donating technology without first coordinating its use, maintenance and final disposal can lead to misuse and potential problems.[1]

Opportunity

See also: Global digital divide, Digital divide, and Global Internet usage

Developing countries far lag developed nations in internet access and usage. For example, on average only 1 in 130 people in Africa has a computer[2] while in North America and Europe 1 in every 2 people have access to the Internet.[3] 90% of students in Africa have never touched a computer.[4]

Local networks can provide significant access to software and information even without utilizing an internet connection, for example through use of the Wikipedia CD Selection or the eGranary Digital Library.

Sources of hardware

Inexpensive new computers initiatives

Initiatives such as the $100 computer and the Sakshat Tablet are intended to provide rugged technology at a price affordable for mass deployments. The World Bank surveyed the available ICT (Information and communication technologies for development) devices in 2010.[5]

Refurbished used computers

Main article: Computer recycling § Donation

List of known major providers and charities

Main article: List of ICT4D organizations

Microsoft Corporation has a global list of approximately 1,800 Registered Refurbishers - however, the size of these refurbishers varies very greatly.

Problems encountered

Main article: Information and communication technologies for development § Problems

A 2010 research report from the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre[12] found "Very few ICT4D activities have proved sustainable... Recent research has stressed the need to shift from a technology-led approach, where the emphasis is on technical innovation towards an approach that emphasises innovative use of already established technology (mobiles, radio, television)."[13] However, of 27 applications of ICTs for development, E-government, E-learnings and E-health were found to be possible of great success, as well as the strengthening of social networks and boosting of security (particularly of women).

One key problem is the ability of the recipients to maintain the donated technology and teach others its use.[14]

Another significant problem can be the selection of software installed on technology[15] - instructors trained in one set of software (for example Ubuntu[16]) can be expected to have difficulty in navigating computers donated with different software (for example Windows XP).

A pressing problem is also the misuse of Electronic waste in dangerous ways. Burning technology to obtain the metals inside will release toxic fumes into the air.[17] (Certification of recyclers to e-Stewards or R2 Solutions standards is intended to preclude environmental pollution.)

Finally, while the training, support, hardware and software may all be donated, it is rare for another vital component of technology, Internet access, to be made available at a discounted rate. "In about half the countries in Africa, one year of [dial-up] Internet supply will cost more than the average annual income."[18][19]

See also

References

  1. ^ Refurbished Computers in SchoolNet South Africa — a Comparative Study
  2. ^ Computers for Africa Launches New Initiative to Help Schools (4/13/2010)
  3. ^ Africa takes on the digital divide
  4. ^ Computers recycled to help Africa (12/31/2010)
  5. ^ Updated Guide to Low-Cost Educational ICT Devices (12/22/2010)
  6. ^ Digital Partnership home page
  7. ^ website
  8. ^ website
  9. ^ Idealist listing
  10. ^ World Computer Exchange home page
  11. ^ DediPower Donates Computers To African Charity (10/20/2010)
  12. ^ Governance and Social Development Resource Centre website
  13. ^ Helpdesk Research Report: New ICTs for Development (6/14/2010)
  14. ^ COMPUTERS FOR AFRICA? Uganda Flooded With E-Waste ‘Clones’ (5/1/2010)
  15. ^ Computers to Africa scheme criticised (5/1/2003)
  16. ^ Students Bring Computers and Wikipedia to Africa (9/17/2010)
  17. ^ How Discarded Computers Are Poisoning Africa's Kids (12/7/2009)
  18. ^ Internet prices in Africa. A comparative study. (probably 2003)
  19. ^ Is Africa in a Digital Quagmire? (11/6/2004)
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