Abstract

Previous studies in the area of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) have identified various factors in trying to explain why most ICT4D are failed endeavors. These factors range from technical, social/cultural to include international politics around aid to developing countries. This paper presents findings relevant to the presence of international agencies in ICT4D projects. It was found that, when an ICT4D technology was introduced with the purpose of serving donors’ interests, they will provide all the necessary supports only to the extent where their interests are being served. Here, the presence of the international agencies have had detrimental impacts/outcomes to ICT4D project, resulting in the technology to be severely underused, lack of ownership by the local-actors, data discrepancies, and poor system maintenance. Eventually, these factors prevented the technology from being used to its fullest potentials as a tool to support efficient and effective operations within the host institution.

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ICT for Development and Self-serving International Agencies: No Free-lunch Even in a Shattered Tropical Paradise

Previous studies in the area of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) have identified various factors in trying to explain why most ICT4D are failed endeavors. These factors range from technical, social/cultural to include international politics around aid to developing countries. This paper presents findings relevant to the presence of international agencies in ICT4D projects. It was found that, when an ICT4D technology was introduced with the purpose of serving donors’ interests, they will provide all the necessary supports only to the extent where their interests are being served. Here, the presence of the international agencies have had detrimental impacts/outcomes to ICT4D project, resulting in the technology to be severely underused, lack of ownership by the local-actors, data discrepancies, and poor system maintenance. Eventually, these factors prevented the technology from being used to its fullest potentials as a tool to support efficient and effective operations within the host institution.