Building theory in ICT4D evaluation: a comprehensive approach to assessing outcome and impact^*

* Mathias Hatakka is the accepting Associate Editor for this article.

ABSTRACT

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) act as tools for social change and development; however, there is still limited empirical evidence that demonstrates this. An outcome and impact assessment based on a comprehensive (holistic) evaluation is deemed appropriate at a time when many ICT4D programs fail to effectively demonstrate their impact toward rural development and how that impact came about. The purpose of this research is to identify the components for an outcome and impact assessment framework that is based on a comprehensive approach to evaluation. The authors applied a theoretical approach using Weicks theorizing process to develop the framework. The theoretical approach analyzed existing outcome and impact assessment frameworks from different fields beyond ICT4D. The output of this research proposed five key outcome and impact themes, which are informed by preceding domains of evaluation, essential for the assessment of ICT4D programs. These themes include Strategic Value, Most Significant Change, Empowerment, Livelihoods and Sustainability.

KEYWORDS:

• ICT4D
• ICTD
• comprehensive evaluation
• outcome
• impact
• theorizing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Hafeni Mthoko is a PhD candidate at Rhodes University, South Africa in the department of Information Systems. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Information Systems from Rhodes University. Hafeni is currently conducting research within the outcome and impact assessment space of rural ICT projects in developing countries. This research forms part of on-going ICT4D evaluation research. Her primary research interests include the role of ICTs in socio-economic development, impact assessment of ICT4D, and ethical practice in sustainable development projects.

Caroline Pade Khene is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information Systems at Rhodes University, South Africa. Her primary research interests are in information and communication technology in developing countries, focusing on evaluation and project management; e-government strategy development; and higher education in developing countries. Caroline holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, and a Masters and PhD in Information Systems.

Notes

* Mathias Hatakka is the accepting Associate Editor for this article.