ICT4D: Information and communication technology for development
Tim Unwin (Ed.)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2009, 404 pp., ZAR390/GB£29.95, ISBN 9780521712361
There has been a spate of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) literature describing practical information and communication technology (ICT) applications that can contribute to development. This handbook, edited by Tim Unwin, should appeal to those involved in planning and implementing ICT initiatives and to policy-makers and public and private sector practitioners keen to harness ICTs for development. Its title, information and communication technology for development (ICT4D), implies that ICT plays an active influential role in development. This is a change from the rather non-committal theme of ICT and development, which suggests only a loose relationship between the two.
Unwin explains that ‘ICT4D is about what should be done and how we should do it’ and that the book ‘is not primarily about the technologies themselves, but is instead concerned with how they can be used to enable the empowerment of poor and marginalised communities’ (p. 33). The book describes a range of case studies, from Africa and other developing countries, of ICTs being incorporated into development initiatives in health, education, governance, business and rural development. Importantly, it takes a reflective and critical look at these initiatives. The ICT4D literature is replete with examples of ICT applications being touted as magical technical marvels that will usher in a romanticised notion of development. At times it seems ICTs equal development, if they are not the actual embodiment of development itself.
The first section of the book provides a contextual framework, explaining development theory and its relationship to practice in ICT4D activities. The various contrasting definitions of ‘development’ are reviewed. Unwin views development as economic growth accompanied by notions of market expansion or as the empowerment of poor and marginalised communities, the latter falling under participatory approaches to development.
The second section describes practical applications of ICTs in spheres such as business, e-health and e-governance. It asks why ICT4D has not yet proven to be sustainable in Africa, and suggests that the answer is that far too little attention has been paid to making ICT4D initiatives self-supporting. It offers as an example the way computers are introduced into schools without consideration of where the money will come from to cover costs such as electricity, Internet connectivity and paper for printing. Though it would seem logical for schools to generate income by providing training after school hours, few such initiatives are proving successful. It is argued that ICT4D programmes should include detailed and realistic total-cost-of-implementation models (p. 365).
Another reason why ICT4D programmes fail to have sustainable outcomes is that basic infrastructure such as an electricity supply is not provided. Yet another is that programmes tend to take a top-down and supply-led approach instead of paying attention to real development needs. In such instances, ICT4D programmes are rolled out by private sector or civil society organisations who are enthusiastic about their potential yet do not consider the local contexts in which they are implemented or the actual information and communication needs of beneficiary communities.
In his concluding remarks, Unwin emphasises the need for ICT4D initiatives to have in place effective monitoring and evaluation strategies. Without this, success or failure goes unnoticed. This means there is no certainty as to how best to implement initiatives that will benefit poor and marginalised communities. Unwin further advocates that ICT4D programmes be driven by visionary champions who have the commitment to see them through to success. Leaders of such initiatives must be persuasive in order to mobilise the various inputs needed by different organisations. Other key factors that will ensure success are transparent partnerships and attention to the needs of recipient communities. The final principle for implementing effective ICT4D initiatives is ensuring accessibility in all stages of an ICT project, from inception to completion.
Unwin offers pragmatic suggestions on how to take ICT4D initiatives forward successfully. Considering how expensive these initiatives can be, it is imperative that they succeed, as a stillborn ICT project represents huge sunk costs. The book is therefore a welcome contribution to the field of ICT4D, from theoretical vantage points through to how programmes are implemented and the lessons we can learn from any failures.
It must be appreciated that ICTs are rapidly evolving phenomena, so we are handling a subject that is a moving target. At the time of writing, this book may not have followed closely the advent of social media. It might be worthwhile for the next edition to look at how, and whether, social media networks affect development. Mobile phone-based applications are also gaining momentum. The mobile phone is no longer just about calls and text messages, it is also a transaction tool for mobile commerce or an access tool for services, some of which may be developmental. So it would be worth considering the extent to which mobile telephony is featured or is useful in ICT4D initiatives.
Another suggestion, prompted mostly by this reviewer's curiosity, would be to look at the financial arrangements at play behind ICT4D programmes. We could ask, for instance, who the major funders of ICT4D initiatives have been, and what the trends are in this funding, especially in emerging markets such as Africa. In the aftermath of the global financial recession, we could ask to what extent sources of finance for such programmes are still available. These are topics that Unwin could address, given that some of the readers of the book will be financiers keen to extract lessons and learn about the track record of ICT4D initiatives when considering investing.