
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
Recently in Ghana, the Minister of Communication, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, presented 230 laptops valued at $350,000.00 to the 230 members of parliament (MP), committees...
The Kenya ICT Board and Kenya’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) are about to launch a bold experiment in getting the tools of ICT into...
Published on: Nov 19 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Lessons Learned in Shipping ICT to Africa: LCD’s are TV’s and Keyboards are Musical Instruments
At Inveneo, we’ve learned the hard way that getting information and communication technology equipment to different countries in Africa can be a challenge,...
Published on: Nov 12 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Guess Who Sells The Most Laptops in Nigeria?
If you think the answer to, “Who sells the most laptops in Nigeria?” is a big western brand like HP, Dell, or Toshiba, you would be wrong. You may be...
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Village Telco and OpenBTS are different technologies but they have a lot in common. One big thing they have in common is...
Historically, there have been numerous initiatives targeting the creation of “computers for the poor,” but the quest for such devices has been an elusive...
Published on: Oct 08 2010 by Matt Berg - Comments Off on Mobile Phone Math: ICT4D Scale in the Millions
I’ve been working or interested in the space of ICT for Development (ICT4D) for about a decade now. During this time, I’ve seen a lot of exciting changes, but...
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Yesterday, Huawei introduced a revolutionary Android smartphone in the Kenyan market. The tech specs for the IDEOS mobile phone will make any hardware geek...
Published on: Aug 06 2010 by Oluniyi Ajao - Comments Off on NCC Wants to Track Nigerians Movements via Mobile Phones
I was attracted by the headline of a news report on 234next.com: Commission to tackle kidnapping with technology
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The spate...