This document discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing information and communication technologies (ICT) in Cameroon. It argues that ICT has the potential to drive economic development but must be implemented through "appropriate technology" that is suitable for the local context. This means using affordable, durable, and locally maintainable hardware and software, as well as participatory methodologies. Examples highlighted include the One Laptop Per Child project and free/open source software like Linux and OpenOffice. The document concludes that ICT in developing countries often fails because decisions are made by those lacking expertise, and calls for supporting local capacity, assessment of large projects, and fostering innovation.

1. 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

2. Outline
1. Our Challenges
2. Consequences for Information Technology
Appropriate Technology for ICT
Some Examples
3. Consequences for governments
4. Our Lessons

3. 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)

4. 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

5. Reliable internet access in the world

8. Dream
vs.
Reality

16. Consequences
Consider
Appropriate ICT

17. 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!

18. The A-ICT Framework

19. 3 focus areas
● Hardware
● Software
● Methodologies
In the context of the system development life cycle
● Definition
● Design
● Construction
● Installation
● Operation / Maintenance

20. The A-ICT Check list
The Appropriate ICT Framework results in a check-list
with questions that guides to:
1. Selection of appropriate ICT hardware
2. Selection of appropriate ICT software
3. Appropriate methodologies for introduction and
deployment of ICT

21. 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

22. 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.

23. Appropriate ICT
Examples

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

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. Making two (ten) of one
http://www2.userful.com/
A simple and free way to transform
your 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

28. 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.

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

31. Appropriate Software
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

32. 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

35. Lubuntu - Ubuntu Light
Recommended configuration:
● Pentium 4 or better
● 512MB of RAM or better
● http://lubuntu.net/

36. 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!

37. Appropriate Methodologies
● Addressing limited understanding of the users
● User requirements driven (not vendor-driven)
● Need to address:
● Environment
● Organisation
● Economical / financial
● Political
● CULTURE
● Participative

38. Consequences Governments
Appropriate ICT

39. 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

40. Why is it not happening?
The wrong people are making the decisions
Lack of knowledge at all levels
Users
Decision makers
ICT experts
Big companies have big money
Fear to be different

41. Develop capacity
Youth programs
Reform university curricula
theory -> practice
copy/paste -> appropriate

42. 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!!!

43. 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

44. 10Q
10Q
More information:
Prof. Dr. Victor van Reijswoud
victor@mis4d.com