Appropriate Technology for ICT in Developing Countries

Treading between Dream and Reality

Victor van ReijswoudProfessor of Information Systems

Divine Word University Papua New Guinea

Outline1.Our Challenge 2.Appropriate Technology for ICT3.Some Examples4.Conclusions and Way Forward

Our Challenge“ Information and Communication Technologies are a key input for economic development and

growth. They offer opportunities for global integration while retaining the identity of the

traditional societies. ICT can increase the economic and social well-being of poor people, and can empower individuals and communities.

Finally ICT can enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of the public sector,

including the delivery of social services.” (World Bank, 2002)

Our moral responsibility● Connect to the rest of the world● Provide affordable access to ICT for all● Build an ICT infrastructure with limited funds● Keep recurrent costs as low as possible● Have local ICT capacity available● Support local culture

Digital Divide

Some Figures

Computer Use (per 100 people)

Internet Use (per 100 people)

Developing Countries 2.5 2.6Least Developed Countries 0.3 0.2Arab S tates 2.1 1.6East As ia and the Pacif ic 3.3 4.1Latin America and the Caribbean 5.9 4.9S outh As ia 0.8 0.6S ub-S aharan Africa 1.2 0.8Central & Eastern Europe & C IS 5.5 4.3OECD 36.3 33.2High-income OECD 43.7 40

Computer and internet use in different regions (UNDP, 2006)

More Figures

Rank Country Access index Connectivityindex

ICT diffus ionindex

175 S olomon Islands 0.341 0.016 0.115151 Papua New Guinea 0.393 0.021 0.207135 Vanuatu 0.444 0.023 0.233103 Fiji 0.521 0.078 0.29915 New Zealand 0.832 0.478 0.6559 Australia 0.807 0.589 0.698

Index for ICT Diffusion in the Asia-Pacif ic region United Nations 2007

Dream vs.

Reality

'

Appropriate ICT

Definition Appropriate ICT

“The integrated and participatory approach that results in tools and processes for establishing

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that is suitable for the cultural, environmental,

organisational, economic and political conditions in which it is intended to be used.”

In other words:Adapt to the context!

Appropriate Technology - 11.It should be possible to implement/ realize technological

solutions with limited financial resources.2.The use of available resources must be emphasized to

reduce the costs and to guarantee the supply of resources e.g., for maintenance

3.Technologies may be relatively labor-intensive, but must have a higher output than the traditional technologies.

4.The technology must be understandable for people without specific or academic training

5.Small rural communities should be able to produce and maintain the technology

Appropriate Technology - 26.The technology must result into economic and/or social

progress.7.The technology must be fully understandable for the

local population, the end-users resulting into possibilities for them to become involved in the possible innovation and extension of the use of the technology

8.The technological solutions must be flexible and easily to be adapted to changing circumstances.

9.The technology must contribute to the increase of productivity

10.The technology should not have a negative impact on the environment.

3 focus areas● Hardware● Software ● Methodologies In the context of the system development life cycle

● Definition ● Design ● Construction ● Installation ● Operation / Maintenance

The A-ICT Framework

The A-ICT Check listThe Appropriate ICT Framework results in a checklist with questions that guides to:

1.Selection of appropriate ICT hardware2.Selection of appropriate ICT software3.Approproate methodologies for introduction

and deployment of ICT

Appropriate ICT

Appropriate Hardware for PNG● Durable● Strong and dust/damp resistant ● Easy to maintain – no special tools ● Easy to upgrade ● Parts available

One-Laptop-per-Child project - 1To create educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future.

One-Laptop-per-Child project - 2The XO is a potent learning tool designed and built especially for children in developing countries, living in some of the most remote environments. It’s about the size of a small textbook. It has built-in wireless and a unique screen that is readable under direct sunlight for children who go to school outdoors. It’s extremely durable, brilliantly functional, energy-efficient, and fun.

Making two (ten) of onehttp://www2.userful.com/ A simple and free way to transformyour dual-monitor linux PC into a dual-station PC.Using just one PC you'll be able to support two independent users. All you need is a computer with two monitors connected and an extra USB keyboard and mouse.Can be extended to 10 users with paid version

Linux Terminal Server Project● The Linux Terminal Server Project adds thin-

client support to Linux servers. LTSP is a flexible, cost effective solution that is empowering schools, businesses, and organizations all over the world to easily install and deploy desktop workstations.

● A growing number of Linux distributions include LTSP out-of-the-box.

This is also nice(but still too expensive for most of us)

Appropriate Software for PNG● Affordable / free● Easy to use● Usable on older/second hand hardware ● Adaptable and scalable ● No internet activation / no massive updates● Limited file sizes ● Allowing localization

Free and Open Source Software

● Free redistribution of software● Source code availability and distribution. To allow easy

evolution and adaptation of programs● Explicit permission to modify the software and further

redistribute derived works under the same license terms.

FOSS provides low cost alternatives but yet industry strength solutions

● Desktop● Server

Ubuntu Light● Recommended

configuration:● Pentium 2 or

better● 96MB of RAM or

better● 4GB Hard Drive

or better● www.u-lite.org

No cost solution● Small and medium size organisations can

automate at zero software cost:● IP cop gateway● SME server as file server● Ubuntu / Open Office on the desktop● ClamAV virus protect (for the win machines)● Email / website through google apps ● Databases with Base. MySQL ● Etc

When we only had the right advisors!

Appropriate Methodologies for PNG

● Addressing limited understanding of the users● User requirements driven (not vendor-driven)● Need to address:

● Environment● Organisation● Economical / financial ● Political● CULTURE

● Participative (as in PNG tradition)

Conclusions● ICT is PNG is not heading in an appropiate

direction● Dreamers and clever business men lead the

way● This leads to:

● Exclusion of large groups● Slow ICT adoption● High levels of software piracy● 'White elephants'

● Accept that we have limited resources!!!

Way Forward● Government should promote appropriate ICT

solutions● All large ICT projects need to be assessed by

independent and well qualified ICT experts● Donors need to implement appropriate ICT

solutions (no financial legacy after project)● Build up in-country best practices ● Support program for young entrepreneurs nur-

turing innovation ● Awareness program for users

10Q10QMore information:

Prof. Victor van Reijswoudvvvanreijswoud@dwu.ac.pg

+675 7650 7946