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ICT in Cameroon Dream or reality? Dr. Victor van Reijswoud Professor of ICT and eLearning Virtual University of Uganda ICT and Knowledge Expert Cordaid - Netherlands
| Date post: | 18-Dec-2014 |
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Government & Nonprofit |
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ICT in Cameroon
Dream or reality?
Dr. Victor van Reijswoud
Professor of ICT and eLearning Virtual University of Uganda
ICT and Knowledge ExpertCordaid - Netherlands
Outline
1. Our Challenges2. Consequences for Information Technology
Appropriate Technology for ICTSome Examples
3. Consequences for governments 4. Our Lessons
Our Professional 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
Dream vs.
Reality
Consequences
Consider 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!
The A-ICT Framework
3 focus areas
● Hardware● Software ● Methodologies In the context of the system development life cycle
● Definition ● Design ● Construction ● Installation ● Operation / Maintenance
The A-ICT Check list
The Appropriate ICT Framework results in a check-list with questions that guides to:
1. Selection of appropriate ICT hardware2. Selection of appropriate ICT software3. Appropriate methodologies for introduction and
deployment of ICT
Appropriate Technology - 1
1. 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 - 2
6. 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.
Appropriate ICT
Examples
Appropriate Hardware
● Durable● Strong and dust/damp resistant ● Easy to maintain – no special tools ● Easy to upgrade ● Parts available
One-Laptop-per-Child project - 1
To 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 - 2
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 one
http://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 too expensive for most of us)
Appropriate Software
Affordable / freeEasy to use
Usable on older/second hand hardware Adaptable and scalable
No internet activation / no massive updatesLimited 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
Lubuntu - Ubuntu Light
Recommended configuration:● Pentium 4 or better● 512MB of RAM or better
● http://lubuntu.net/
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 through outlook.com ● Databases with Base. MySQL ● Etc
When we only had the right advisers!
Appropriate Methodologies
● Addressing limited understanding of the users● User requirements driven (not vendor-driven)● Need to address:
● Environment● Organisation● Economical / financial ● Political● CULTURE
● Participative
Consequences Governments
Appropriate ICT
General focus on Appropriateness
● Focus on needs of the region / country● Technological and economical
● Do not copy from the West● Determine the 'African Way' and innovate● Adapt to local conditions
● Use sustainable models and technologies ● Adopt Free and Open policies● Low Cost technologies
● Stronger focus on IT skills development ● ICT experts need to solve problems not just talk about them
Why is it not happening?
The wrong people are making the decisions Lack of knowledge at all levels
UsersDecision makers ICT experts
Big companies have big money
Fear to be different
Develop capacity
Youth programsReform university curricula
theory -> practice copy/paste -> appropriate
Conclusions
● ICT is developing countries is often not heading in an appropriate 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'
● We have to accept that ‘some’ countries have limited resources!!!
Way Forward
● Government should support appropriate ICT solutions● 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 programs for young entrepreneurs nurturing
innovation
