Future Priorities for Development Informatics Research from the Post-2015 Development Agenda

The need for formulation of solid explanatory theories is heightened in information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) by the high incidence of failure, which involves substantial costs for the countries affected. A core argument of this paper is that a critical realist ontology offers intellectual tools that can ground the formulation of causal theory in ICT4D. The paper illustrates such potential through the case study of India's Unique Identity Project (Aadhaar), which Indian states are increasingly using within their anti-poverty programmes. Following a critical realist retroductive methodology, the paper seeks to explain the incorporation of Aadhaar into India's main food security system, the Public Distribution System; an incorporation somewhat paradoxical given the mistrust often associated with biometric infrastructures in social protection. Critical realism allows construction of a theory of trust-building in Aadhaar, based on mechanisms of institutionalisation (state governments framing Aadhaar as a core institutional means to receive benefits) and image formation (authorities systemically associating Aadhaar with an image of effective pro-poor reform). Based on primary and secondary data collected over the course of six years, this paper contributes a theoretical explanation of an important phenomenon in Indian development, and illustrates how a critical realist philosophy is instrumental in building the type of causal theory that is needed in ICT4D.

Section: Ict4d and Theory For Explainingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Explaining trust in large biometric infrastructures: A critical realist case study of India's Aadhaar project

Masiero

2018

“…In recent years, the role of information technology in agriculture has attracted increased interest. Development informatics (DI) is an academic discipline that studies the role of technology in development (Heeks, 2014). In regards of the post-2015 development agenda (PTDA), and despite of several ongoing technology projects (see Misaki et al, 2015), technology for agriculture is currently an understudied area in the development informatics domain (Heeks, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Development informatics (DI) is an academic discipline that studies the role of technology in development (Heeks, 2014). In regards of the post-2015 development agenda (PTDA), and despite of several ongoing technology projects (see Misaki et al, 2015), technology for agriculture is currently an understudied area in the development informatics domain (Heeks, 2014). Moreover, development informatics is over-focused on social development and underfocused on economic development (Heeks, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In regards of the post-2015 development agenda (PTDA), and despite of several ongoing technology projects (see Misaki et al, 2015), technology for agriculture is currently an understudied area in the development informatics domain (Heeks, 2014). Moreover, development informatics is over-focused on social development and underfocused on economic development (Heeks, 2014). ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development), which is closely related to development informatics, is often conducted by social scientists and focuses more on evaluating the feasibility of existing technologies rather than designing new ones (Sutinen & Tedre, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The lack in business skills has been identified as a challenge also among other informal workers (Mramba et al, 2016;Gomera & Apiola, 2015), and calls for increased educational efforts in the future. In general, it has been argued that development informatics is over-focused on social development and underfocused on economic development (Heeks, 2014).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Technology for Small Scale Farmers in Tanzania: A Design Science Research Approach

Misaki

Apiola

Gaiani

2016

Small scale farmers (SSF) in Tanzania are challenged by food insecurity, lack of infrastructure, lack of access to credit and services, and lack of reliable channels for farming information. Despite various initiatives the agriculture sector in Tanzania has remained poor. Unreliable information has been found as one factor that hinders decision‐making and productivity. This study is the first step in a design science research (DSR) approach to address farmers’ challenges directly with technology. This research studied the acute challenges, information channels, and information gaps of SSFs in Chamwino, Tanzania. Based on our previous qualitative results, a structured questionnaire containing 76 items on a Likert scale was administered to 150 small scale farmers in Chamwino, Tanzania. A response rate of 83% (n=124) was reached. The data was analyzed for descriptive statistics as well as basic measures of statistical association. The results show that farmers rely on tacit knowledge in regards of weather information, market data, plant and disease identification, and business management, and are vulnerable to middlemen frauds and inaccurate decision making. Many of these challenges can potentially be solved by technology. A number of engineering solutions for the basis of future DSR projects are proposed.

Digital technologies and youth mobility in ruralZimbabwe

Gwaka

2018

The adoption and use of digital technologies (DTs) in rural communities have an impact on several aspects of the society. Using empirical evidence from selected villages of Beitbridge district in Zimbabwe, this study examines the relationship between DTs and youth mobility. The different types, causes, and motifs associated with youth mobilities are explored using qualitative research methods including focus group discussions and community visioning workshops. Study findings reveal challenges facing youths in trying to be mobile including social (mainly gender) inequalities. Thus, women were found to be less mobile. Lack of infrastructure was found to be another key challenge impacting youth mobility. The study however found that DTs are being adopted and this has led to virtual mobilities, which is redefining youth mobility. The opportunities and challenges of integrating virtual mobilities and physical mobilities were explored. The study findings are critical to various actors including ICT, education, and other sectors in that they show opportunities that need to be expropriated to enhance youth mobility, which is key to socio‐economic well‐being of youths, as well as the challenges that can be faced through the ubiquity of DTs.