A Framework to Guide Development Through ICTs in Rural Areas in South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to produce a framework to help guide the contribution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to the development of rural areas. Researchers argue that Information and Communication for Development (ICT4D) projects have a high failure rate and seldom meet their expectations. However, research also shows that billions worth of funds have been spent on ICT4D projects in developing countries. Studies suggest that the reason for failure is largely because of the lack of frameworks to guide development through ICT in developing countries. This study presents the findings of a case study research project evaluating two rural ICT cases to determine how the success rate of ICT4D projects can be improved. The researcher interviewed individuals who have participated in ICT4D projects in Alice and Dwesa; both projects were based in rural areas in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The output of this study is a framework that can help guide the contribution of ICTs to development.

Keywords:

• Information and Communication for Development
• Alice Regeneration Project
• Siyakhula Living Labs Project
• developing countries
• framework

Notes on contributors

Malungelo S.N. Mamba is an Information Systems PhD student at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. His research interests are within the Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) area of Information Systems. He received his Masters Degree by dissertation within this area of study whereby he investigated ICT4D frameworks that are used in developing countries in attempts to apply ICTs as tools for development.

Naomi Isabiye is a lecturer and researcher at the university of Fort Hare in South Africa. She specializes in teaching software and web development related courses. Her research interests are Information and Communication Technology for Development, electronic commerce and information technology trust. Ms. Isabirye holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology and a Masters degree in Information Systems. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Information Technology.