Practical Insights on Hardware for ICT4D Projects

ICT4D Project Hardware Challenges

4 ICT4D Project Hardware Challenges

ICT4D projects face several hardware challenges that can hinder program effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ICT4D project hardware challenges include:

1. Electricity Sources

In many developing regions, power supply is erratic, making the presence of low power hardware with long battery life crucial. Power swings, dips, blackouts, and brownouts can disrupt the operation of ICT devices, limiting their usefulness.

2. Infrastructure Cost

Striking a balance between the lowest cost and reliable, functional technology is essential. High costs can make ICT hardware inaccessible to the people who need it most, while low-cost but unreliable or limited-functionality devices can fail to meet users’ needs[1].

3. Environmental Challenges

ICT hardware needs to be designed with durability in mind, including resistance to water, humidity, dust, dirt, and extreme heat. Some screens are difficult to read in direct sunlight, so specific types of screens are needed. The harsh environmental conditions in many developing regions can cause devices to fail if they are not designed to withstand these conditions.

4. Internet Connectivity

Reliable and affordable access to electricity, internet, and mobile networks is often scarce or unreliable in rural or remote areas where ICT4D projects are most needed. This can limit the reach and functionality of ICT4D solutions and increase their operational costs.

Examples of ICT4D Hardware Projects

What Should We Do About the eWaste in ICT4D?

What Should We Do About the eWaste in ICT4D?

Published on: Oct 03 2011 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on What Should We Do About the eWaste in ICT4D?
Over the past few years of activity on the Educational technology Debate forum, we’ve read a lot of many examples of how ICT in education projects have improved...
The Hardware Battle of 2012: Tablets vs. Ultrabooks

The Hardware Battle of 2012: Tablets vs. Ultrabooks

Published on: Sep 19 2011 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on The Hardware Battle of 2012: Tablets vs. Ultrabooks
var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; As Vital Wave Consulting glanced at the headlines over the past several weeks, we see that the battle of computing...
Hardware Hack: Android Mobile Phone + IOIO Board = Simple Temperature Sensor

Hardware Hack: Android Mobile Phone + IOIO Board = Simple Temperature Sensor

Published on: Aug 22 2011 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
Right around the time of Google I/O, SparkFun announced the IOIO board, a bridge-board for Android phones to talk to other electronics like sensors, etc. The IOIO...
Which Low-Cost Laptop is Best for ICT4Eeducation Programs?

Which Low-Cost Laptop is Best for ICT4Eeducation Programs?

Published on: Aug 01 2011 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
Over the last 5 years, several low-cost laptops were introduced expressly for educational systems of the developing world. Starting with the XO-1 laptop from One...
Are inexpensive smartphones the future of ICT4D?

Are inexpensive smartphones the future of ICT4D?

Published on: Jul 29 2011 by Guest Writer - 12 Comments
I am Andrew J. Dupree, and nine months ago, I found myself in the same state as many other nights in my life as a computer engineering student – staring at my...
What are Affordable Technologies for Supporting Learning and Collaboration in Africa?

What are Affordable Technologies for Supporting Learning and Collaboration in Africa?

Published on: Jul 27 2011 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
There is ongoing innovation in terms of technology and its cost. This has included, for instance, the introduction of lower cost computers (e.g. netbooks and OLPC),...
Lizards, Monkeys, and Bees – ICT Support Calls Inveneo Has Received

Lizards, Monkeys, and Bees – ICT Support Calls Inveneo Has Received

Published on: May 20 2011 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
With rural ICT implementations in over 23 countries, Inveneo gets some interesting support calls as all manner of issues come about. Today from Kenya, we bring...
Is the WikiReader the killer eReader app that will transform the developing world?

Is the WikiReader the killer eReader app that will transform the developing world?

Published on: May 02 2011 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
Back in 2009, we were excited about the WikiReader from Openmoko. This $99 device has the 3+ million Wikipedia articles at your fingertips with only a micro-SD card...
What is the Potential Impact of Tablet Computers on Education Systems in Africa?

What is the Potential Impact of Tablet Computers on Education Systems in Africa?

Published on: Apr 25 2011 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
With the rise of the iPad, Kindle, and similar eReaders and touchscreen devices, tablet-shaped form factor computing power has become much more portable and yet...
Introducing the Inveneo Super-Duper Performance Computing Station

Introducing the Inveneo Super-Duper Performance Computing Station

Published on: Apr 01 2011 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Introducing the Inveneo Super-Duper Performance Computing Station
Today, Inveneo is proud to introduce the Super-Duper Performance Computing Station exclusively for sub-Saharan Africa use. Based on the Cray Pi supercomputer,...
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