bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICTs For Agricultural Extension: A Study in the Indian Himalayan Region
Authors: Kameswari V.L.V. , Kishore Devash , Gupta Vinita
Published: December 2017

This paper reports on the availability, use and information seeking behaviour of a farming community with specific reference to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). It fills a research gap by examining what people do with a medium when they have access to it, rather than looking at barriers surrounding the use of ICTs and digital divide issues arising due to differential access and capabilities. The study was conducted in a state in North India, and provides insights into intentions and factors surrounding the use of various media by farmers. It highlights the socio‐cultural context within which information seeking and use occurs in rural India.
The IT Productivity Paradox: Evidence from the Nigerian Banking Industry
Authors: Ekata Godfrey E.
Published: December 2017

This paper reports the study of an investigation conducted to determine whether or not a relationship exists between IT expenditure and the financial performance of the Nigerian banking industry. A non‐experimental quantitative, correlation method was used in the investigation. The IT expenditure data were collected for the period 2005 through 2009 from the Nigerian banking industry using a survey instrument, while the financial performance data were collected from the banks’ annuals reports for the same period. The total IT expenditure was analyzed against certain financial performance indicators (ROA, ROI, and net profit) using the SPSS software. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data and to test the hypotheses formulated for the study. The results suggest the presence of IT productivity paradox in the Nigerian banking industry.
The Rural ICT Comprehensive Evaluation Framework: Implementing the First Domain, the Baseline Study Process
Authors: Pade‐Khene Caroline , Sewry Dave
Published: December 2017

ICTs are continuously emerging as key tools to support development activities. However, with the growing implementation of such technology requires the need to account for such implementations and assess the need, process, outcome and impact of ICT projects in developing countries. Most evaluations in ICT4D tend to focus on impact assessment, yet assessing the impact of a project relies on interdependent assessments that should be conducted throughout the life of a project; especially to gauge the actual contribution of an ICT project to specified impact in a rural community. This paper presents a Rural ICT Comprehensive Evaluation Framework (RICT‐CEF), which encompasses the key domains of evaluation that should be applied throughout the progression of an ICT for development project. The scope of this paper, specifically elaborates on the first two stages of the framework: 1) The Overall Evaluation Plan, and 2) The Baseline Study. These stages are explored in the Siyakhula Living Lab, an ICT4D project in South Africa, to reveal the shortcomings and suitability of the framework through lessons learned, and contribute to the continuous revision of the RICT‐CEF.
Conceptualising the Effect of the Black Economic Empowerment Score‐Card on IT Governance
Authors: Mohapi Mateka , Njenga Kennedy
Published: December 2017

Augmented concerns regarding Information Technology (IT) Governance have resulted in organisations continuing to relentlessly seek the right IT decision makers who make the right IT decisions as baselines for value generation in dynamic and competitive business arenas. As a result of the implementation of policies such as the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), the IT sector in post‐apartheid South Africa has increasingly seen signs of a rising number of Black IT professionals entering this sector. Organisations now find themselves with a growing number of influential Black decision makers whose decisions are seen to impact large IT investment spending. This article conceptualises the critical role that BEE scorecard has played towards the growth of this number and seeks to understand the influencing dynamics BEE has had towards IT Governance in South African organizations. The study explores BEE policy as a means of redressing past inequalities and then presents BEE challenges that influence IT Governance implementation. A conceptual framework that assesses the relationships between the variables, BEE and IT Governance is presented. The purpose of the framework is to shed insights regarding the strength of the relationship between these two variables both of which have a bearing on the success of businesses operating in South Africa. The framework has been tested using empirical quantitative research, which utilised questionnaires that targeted IT professionals. The findings show a weak association between BEE and successful IT Governance implementation. The results also reveal IT Governance maturity has advanced to well‐managed level 4. The human capital and diversity in the IT workforce lag behind in progress as a result of modest compliance by organisations towards BEE initiatives.
Risk Identification Tool for ICT in International Development Co‐operation Projects
Authors: Kemppainen Jyri , Tedre Matti , Parviainen Panu , Sutinen Erkki
Published: December 2017

Various stakeholders in international development co‐operation projects have presented frameworks for managing those projects. Each framework has different strengths and weaknesses, and they vary from highly abstract to relatively practical. However, none of those frameworks pays attention to situations where professionals are unable to identify possible risk sources due to insufficient information about the project milieu. Yet, such situations are common in international development co‐operation projects where information technology (IT) is involved, and where IT professionals have to operate in an unfamiliar project milieu. This article presents a risk identification tool that is aimed at assisting IT professionals and organizations to identify sources of challenges in international development co‐operation projects, and to design appropriate countermeasures for overcoming risks before the project enters the implementation phase. Our tool does not replace project management frameworks or software, but when utilized appropriately, it guides preparation of IT professionals to face possible threats that originate from an unfamiliar project context, especially in international development co‐operation.
A Preliminary Investigation of Islamic Websites’ Design Features that Influence Use: A Proposed Model
Authors: Aliyu Mansur , Mahmud Murni , Tap Abu Osman Md , Nassr Rasheed Mohammad
Published: December 2017

The growing availability of the Internet and advances in the use of technology among Muslims have led to an increase in the number of websites with an Islamic content. Currently, there is an emerging trend in the improvement of the design and quality of Islamic websites. Islamic websites serve as a medium for Islamic organizations, scholars, and individuals to contribute and participate in several online activities. This research is drawn from the deep understanding that website design is a major factor affecting the use of websites by Muslim users. We therefore investigate the most important design features that influence Muslims to use websites in learning about Islam, as an alternative to the traditional face‐to‐face learning from scholars and books. Website design is measured by functionality, navigation, interactivity, attractiveness, and organizational features, and website use by the extent to which frequent use is influenced by the website's design features. An online survey was conducted from November to December 2012. 89 usable responses were collected from faculty members and students at the International Islamic University Malaysia. The participants have experience in using Islamic websites. They were guided to the survey website via the faculty students’ mailing list and Facebook group page. The findings indicate that website attractiveness, functionality, navigation, organizational information, and security/privacy are the most important factors influencing the use of Islamic websites. Interactivity design features were found to be least significant in influencing Muslim users to use Islamic websites for religious purposes. The majority of the Muslim users visit Islamic websites to search for information, seek for scholars’ opinions regarding personal issues/problems (Q&A), and learn about Quran and Hadith. The results of the study are valuable indicators for the direction of future research, and also suggest guidelines for the successful development and adoption of Islamic websites.
Big Data Analytics for developing countries – Using the Cloud for Operational BI in Health
Authors: Purkayastha Saptarshi , Braa Jørn
Published: December 2017

The multi‐layered view of digital divide suggests there is inequality of access to ICT, inequality of capability to exploit ICT and inequality of outcomes after exploiting ICT. This is evidently clear in the health systems of developing countries. In this paper, we look at cloud computing being able to provide computing as a utility service that might bridge this digital divide for Health Information Systems in developing countries. We highlight the role of Operational Business Intelligence (BI) tools to be able to make better decisions in health service provisioning. Through the case of DHIS2 software and its Analytics‐as‐a‐Service (AaaS) model, we look at how tools can exploit Cloud computing capabilities to perform analytics on Big Data that is resulting from integration of health data from multiple sources. Beyond looking at purely warehousing techniques, we suggest understanding Big Data from Organizational Capabilities and expanding organizational capabilities by offloading computing as a utility to vendors through cloud computing.
Exploratory Study of M‐Transaction: User's Perspectives
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed A. , Al‐Badi Ali H. , Mayhew Pam J.
Published: December 2017

Both the recent advances in mobile technologies and the high penetration rate of mobile communication services have had a profound impact on our daily lives, and are beginning to offer interesting and advantageous new services. In particular, the mobile transaction (mtransaction) system has emerged, enabling users to pay for physical and digital goods and services using their mobile devices whenever they want and wherever they are. It is anticipated that M‐transaction will enjoy a bright future. However, apparently there is still a lack of acceptance of mobile transaction amongst users. This paper empirically investigates what are the factors that make the mobile subscribers reluctant, and which factors that make them keen to accept m‐transaction. This study applies a modified model of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and use of Technology (UTAUT), a robust well‐known model, as an approach to collect and analyse the data and, therefore, to develop a categorization of the important factors that play a role in accepting and using M‐transaction. Following a qualitative method, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Saudi residents to elicit their opinions and concerns about using m‐transaction in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study show that the factors that have the most significant influence on the acceptance and use of m‐transaction in Saudi Arabia are: usability, usefulness, telecommunications infrastructure, security, hacking and fraud, availability, trust, payment gateway, awareness, cost and promotion, privacy, cyber‐law, the postal services, government e‐readiness, Arabic language support.
Formation and Failure of an E‐Marketplace Pioneer in a Developing Country
Authors: Effah John
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to understand the formation and failure of an e‐marketplace pioneer in a developing country. Much of the research on e‐marketplaces focuses on the developed world. Within the limited literature on the developing world, the dominant focus has been on user adoption and related constraints. Little research thus exists on how emarketplaces are formed and whether they succeed or fail. This study therefore follows qualitative interpretive case study methodology to investigate the formation and failure of an e‐marketplace pioneer in a developing country. The findings show that the e‐marketplace was formed without a clear e‐business model and without enough attention to the developing country environment. The failure was subsequently caused by inability to generate revenue and failure to renew domain name license. The paper advises potential entrepreneurs to pay attention to their local environment and develop e‐business models with appropriate revenue options to guide their e‐marketplace initiatives.
Introducing a Mobile Payment System to an Emerging Economy's Mobile Phone Subscriber Market. An Actor Network Perspective
Authors: Harry Ricardo , Sewchurran Kosheek , Brown Irwin
Published: December 2017

The introduction of mobile payment systems to the African continent has given rise to a significant number of published research material. These research projects have addressed issues such as needs assessment, design of systems, areas of application, adoption, adaptation and impact assessment. Few studies have engaged with a deeper understanding of the interactions and relationships that are created amongst stakeholders of a national mobile payment system. A mobile payment system, similar to the one introduced in Kenya in 2007, was introduced to the South African economy in 2010. The South African economy is renowned for its dual economic system that consists of both developing and developed components. This paper focuses on understanding the processes involved in introducing the mobile payment system and the reaction of the South African mobile subscriber market to its introduction. Actor Network Theory was used as the theoretical lens, which gave rise to an understanding of the networks of relations formed amongst the actors affected by the mobile payment system introduction.
Development Projects and ICT: A Review of Non‐Technical Aspects
Authors: Kemppainen Jyri , Tedre Matti , Sutinen Erkki
Published: December 2017

The role of information and communication technology (ICT) in international development co‐operation (IDC) is tightly linked with international political agenda. Currently, international development co‐operation emphasizes three concepts:sustainable development, international human rights, andmillennium development goals. This article presents to IT professionals six non‐technical aspects for improving ICT oriented IDC projects. Firstly, those ICT projects should be aligned with internationally agreed political agenda. Secondly, they should cohere with internationally agreed development goals. Thirdly, their design should recognize the political and legal context of the host country. Fourthly, their design and implementation have to follow donor guidelines derived from commonly agreed good practices of IDC project management and design—even when the contextual design tools of ICT for development (ICT4D) research are of limited use with the structured design approaches of IDC. Fifthly, ICT oriented IDC projects should have appropriate indicators for their formative and summative evaluation. Sixthly, IT professionals should stay up‐to‐date with constantly developing ICT and evolving IDC. The presented non‐technical aspects of IDC projects are derived from the central concepts and consensuses of IDC as well as from an analysis of the relevant literature, and the six aspects are reflected on our fourteen years of field work in IDC projects in the least developed countries of Sub‐Saharan Africa. We argue that IT professionals are more competent for IDC projects when their technical expertise is complemented with the presented aspects.
The Role of Contextual Factors in the Uptake and Continuance of Mobile Money Usage in Kenya
Authors: Wamuyu Patrick K
Published: December 2017

The use of mobile money, mobile payments and other related mobile financial transactions in Africa vary from one country to another. This can be attributed to the level of technology maturity, a country's level of social‐economic development and the financial transactions ecosystem. The study investigates usage patterns and adoption of mobile money in day‐to‐day person‐to‐person money transfers using mobile telephone, mobile payments and integration of mobile money in financial services in Kenya. The study explores the underlying contextual social and economic factors influencing successful use of mobile money in Kenya by probing the pre‐usage (before mobile money) transfer of funds and the innovation attributes of mobile money that could have positively influenced this rapid uptake and continuance intentions. The study employs a survey questionnaire and two focus groups to collect data from mobile money users. The study result indicates that pre‐usage methods of money transfers significantly influenced initial uptake of mobile money in Kenya while its technical attributes have sustained a positive influence on continuance intentions. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The Knowledge‐Bridging Process in Software Offshoring from Japan to Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thu Huong , Umemoto Katsuhiro , Dam Hieu Chi
Published: December 2017

The role of coordinators in highly knowledge‐intensive international business has been increasingly portrayed as filling the communication, cross‐cultural, social gaps; or facilitators of knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer. However, they do not mention the process coordinators cooperate with partners to create new knowledge; whereas a critical issue is to facilitate the collaboration among partners in international and cross‐cultural context. Our study bridges this gap by studying the knowledge‐bridging process of bridge System Engineers (bridge SEs) in the software offshore development context. Our analysis pointed out that beside required knowledge, bridge SEs utilized background of long term residence or study abroad; and “bridging‐knowledge” to adjust communication contents before information is sent from one side to another. Based on the theoretical work of Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) and empirical evidence of bridge SEs in Software Offshoring from Japan to Vietnam; we further develop the model of Knowledge‐bridging process to show how the bridge SEs, the vendor and the client interact to create technological, business, bridging knowledge and decrease the cultural gaps.
Analysing ICT and Development from the Perspective of the Capabilities Approach: A Study in South Brazil
Authors: Coelho Taiane Ritta , Segatto Andréa Paula , Frega José Roberto
Published: December 2017

Certain international agencies propose that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) allows development to be reached more efficiently and quickly. While there are success stories galore, there is acknowledgement of not all investments in ICT bringing positive effects towards development. Following the Capabilities Approach, this paper discusses how the use of ICT can promote a more effective development by studying the case of Sudotec (association for technological and industrial development), a non‐profit organization that saw in ICT the opportunity to change the local scenario. The results revealed positive effects of the use of ICT in social, economical and cultural spheres, but not presenting political effect.
Using Photo‐elicitation to Explore Social Representations of Community Multimedia Centers in Mozambique
Authors: Vannini Sara , Rega Isabella , Sala Simone , Cantoni Lorenzo
Published: December 2017

Ten Mozambican Community Multimedia Centers (CMCs) were investigated by analyzing Social Representations of users and staff members. Photo‐elicitation, an underexplored methodological approach in the domain of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), was employed to conduct the study, and a three‐step qualitative content analysis was performed on both visual and textual data. Results tend to confirm and build upon outcomes from the existing literature on Public Access Venues (PAVs). Local communities value these centers because they bring social recognition to people working or learning there. The venues are associated with a symbolism that extends from the social recognition of the individual to the development and social inclusion of the whole community, which, because of the presence of the venue, does not feel left behind. In this vein, the study also shows that the importance of CMCs is often not related to the newest technology available, but to the technology that reaches the most of the community. The study also highlights neglected dimensions of CMCs, such as the importance of the exterior appearance of the venue, and the perception of a switch in their nature from static centers funded by third parties towards more entrepreneurial‐driven ones. The presented research also contributes to the ICT4D field by proposing a promising research protocol, which is able to elicit representations otherwise difficult to obtain.
Building Technology Trust in a Rural Agricultural e‐Marketplace: A User Requirements Perspective
Authors: Isabirye Naomi , Flowerday Stephen V. , Nanavati Amit , von Solms Rossouw
Published: December 2017

Technologies that are widely perceived to bring value to users in the context of developed countries are not always readily adopted in the developed world. This study uses theories from trust literature to propose that, for users to adopt technology to enhance their effectiveness in terms of their livelihoods, they must be convinced that the technology will work in their best interests and will perform its intended purpose reliably or predictably. The user's experience with the technology must result in positive expectations with respect to its functionality, usefulness and reliability. Moreover, the manner in which the technology is conceptualised, designed and implemented will have a strong bearing on the user's perception of its trustworthiness. Rural users with limited experience of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are particularly sceptical about the role technology can play in their income‐generating activities. Therefore, if technology is to be adopted successfully by its intended users, it is critical that an approach to software development should be used that enhances users’ perceptions of its trustworthiness. This paper presents a model for the development of trustworthy applications for rural users with limited experience with ICTs. The model is based on an action research project involving the deployment of a voice‐driven e‐marketplace targeted at a rural aloe farming community. The model proposes that the manner in which requirements are defined and managed will influence the extent to which the users can trust the technology.
Teachers’ Understanding of E‐Safety: An Exploratory Case in KZN South Africa
Authors: Govender Irene , Skea Brian
Published: December 2017

The exposure of online risks to young adults has been of concern for some time. While e‐safety may be regarded as the responsibility of parents and the individual, teachers’ role in inculcating safe and effective use of online computing is important. The purpose of this study is to contribute towards igniting the interest of educators in the aspect of e‐safety by exploring the issues related to educators’ awareness and knowledge of e‐safety, particularly in a developing country. An exploratory case study using mixed method approach was adopted wherein two schools from either side of the digital divide was used to inform the study. Preliminary data was collected via interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data from interviews were obtained, supported by some quantitative analysis was. Key findings from this study were that (1) most educators were not fully knowledgeable about online risks and the associated e‐safety measures; (2) all educators from both sides of the digital divide required training in e‐safety education and were not competent enough to handle e‐safety issues. Some recommendations are suggested.
Analysis of the Acceptance Process of District Health Information Systems (DHIS) for Vertical Health Programmes: A Case Study of TB, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Programmes in Tanzania
Authors: Kiwanuka Achilles , Kimaro Honest C. , Senyoni Wilfred
Published: December 2017

District Health Information System (DHIS) is used in many parts of the world to report aggregated data at the district level. Tanzania is one of the countries where the ministry of health endorsed DHIS for such use. Although the system has been rolled out recently throughout the country, Vertical Health Programmes (VHPs) are on their way to fully adopting the system. The objective of this study was to analyse the acceptance process of DHIS by three VHPs so as to examine the facilitating conditions and the challenges that they face. Data was collected through interviews, document review and observation. Analysis of the data showed the facilitating conditions to be having a consensus on which VHP indicators to include in the DHIS, existence of infrastructure including the routine Health Information System (HIS), and support from development partners. Challenges of acceptance process of DHIS include inadequate human resource for HIS, data quality and information flow issues, and existence of separate monitoring and evaluation systems for the VHPs. The study recommends integration or interoperation of DHIS with VHP systems, creating a pool of resources for HIS, training and motivating human resource for HIS.
The Role of ICT Expenditure for Cash Crop Production and Income Generation in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tirkaso W Tafesse , Hess Sebastian
Published: December 2017

Previous studies indicate that cash crop producers in developing countries are, in comparison to other farmers, more inclined to spend a share of their income on information communication technologies (ICT). In some cases however, it is not known whether the larger cash crop producers are spending more on ICT because they are wealthier, or if the cash crop farms that make more use of ICT services have in the past been able to accumulate wealth faster. This paper attempts to understand this causality for the case of smallholder farmers in rural villages of southern Ethiopia. In the analysis, special emphasis is placed on the role of market participation and the role of investments into ICTs for household income generation. Results from Two Stage Least Square (2SLS) regressions indicated that income is the most significant driver of farmers’ spending behavior on ICT goods and services, while being a cash crop producer is the most important determinant of having a relatively high income. Thus, especially investment into mobile phones and cash crop production appear to be complementary.
Monitoring Carbon Stocks on Smallholder Farms Using Information and Communications Technologies: Evaluating the Potential for Central Africa
Authors: Mbile Peter , Makansi Athan , Ajayi Olu , Ferguson Caitlin , Manzinga Andre , Ebokely Martin
Published: December 2017

Rural land users in central Africa foresee numerous governance problems participating in centralized incentive programs to reward carbon storage on their farms. This has created a need to grow individualized means of monitoring changes in carbon stocks on smallholder farms using information and communications technologies – ICTs. The potentials of an ICT innovation – the Community‐Based Biomass Assessment and Monitoring System or CB‐BAMS is evaluated.

CB‐BAMS is a cloud‐based automated database system built around an SMS platform for sending and receiving SMS text messages. Data collected through the SMS system is integrated with a web‐based application – Force.com, which holds a relational database. The SMS system is in two parts; the first Application [Cloudbees©] is fully integrated with the Force.com database. The second SMS support Application [Telerivet©] is installed in an external phone used as a dedicated ‘Project Phone’ working as inter‐phase between the Force.com./Cloudbees© automated database system, a commercial Mobile Telephone Network and farmer mobile phones. The potentials of CB‐BAMS to communicate with individual farmers to estimate carbon stocks changes on their farms were evaluated in Cameroon and the DR Congo.

Options for farmer data entry via SMS and or EXCEL.CSV upload were successful. Data entry via farmer SMS can however contain minor typographic and syntax errors. Estimates of emissions [tC02/ha] combining secondary data in Force.com, data via SMS or by upload were computed seamlessly in Force.com. The Telerivet platform also worked well as SMS relay and as backup to Force.com for farmer SMS data. Farmers demonstrated very quick mastery of SMS syntax as well as high levels of enthusiasm with the innovation. ICTs hold great promise in improving governance in land use by eliminating human intermediaries.
Factors Impacting on the Current Level of Open Innovation and ICT Entrepreneurship in Africa
Authors: Cunningham Paul M , Cunningham Miriam , Ekenberg Love
Published: December 2017

Across Africa, Innovation and ICT entrepreneurship are increasingly recognised as important enablers of national and regional socio‐economic growth. However, the level of skills capacity, indigenous entrepreneurial expertise and policy support varies considerably. This research study was informed by a semi‐structured, moderated focus group involving five public and four education and research stakeholders from eight African Member States. It focused on identifying factors impacting on the current level of open innovation and ICT entrepreneurship in Africa. Organised in Lilongwe, Malawi on 08 May 2015 during IST‐Africa Week 2015, a purposive approach was applied to identify the nine informants based on intensity sampling. The results highlighted six main factors: a) level of political will reflected by resource prioritisation; b) alignment with national development plans and associated funding priorities; c) level of understanding of strategic benefits by ministers and senior civil servants; d) level of awareness and sensitization of the general public, e) availability of national innovation and entrepreneurial expertise; and f) willingness and capacity to cooperate with other stakeholders to achieve common goals. Future research will capture perspectives from the private, societal and international donor sectors, and create and validate potential models/methodologies to address the challenges and opportunities identified in this study.
Designing a Knowledge Resource to Address Bounded Rationality and Satisficing for ICT Decisions in Small Organizations
Authors: Kabiawu Oluyomi , van Belle Jean‐Paul , Adeyeye Michael
Published: December 2017

Many Small Organizations in South Africa do not effectively adopt ICT in their operations due to lack of knowledge and information. This Design Science study sets out to understand the situation and possibly proffer a solution. In particular, this study attempted to establish the relevance of information for ICT decision tasks. The sources of information for Small Organizations, as related to ICT decisions, were elicited through semi‐structured interviews. This study also attempted through the same research method to ascertain if a reliable information source will be useful and ultimately improve the Bounded Rationality situation. The survey showed the Internet as the top information source, followed by social capital for Small Organization's ICT decisions. The study, guided by Hasso‐Plattner‐Institute School of Design Thinking (HPI‐D) methodology, was used to create an appropriate, consolidated and enhanced Internet information source. A final survey was later used to test and evaluate the designed artifact. The preliminary results indicate expected high usability and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Technology for Small Scale Farmers in Tanzania: A Design Science Research Approach
Authors: Misaki Ezra , Apiola Mikko , Gaiani Silvia
Published: December 2017

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.
The Impact of Open Development Initiatives in Lower‐ and Middle Income Countries: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Bentley Caitlin M. , Chib Arul
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this paper is to explore the field of open development in lower and middle income countries (LMIC) through a review of the literature. We examined 269 articles between 2010 and 2015, that were retrieved through keyword searches of the Scopus database and four ICT4D journals. This article adopts the pathway of effects model to analyze contributions according to inputs, mechanisms and outputs of open initiatives in LMICs. The review finds a fairly even spread of articles across the three stages of effects. Studies that disentangled reasons why or why not openness makes a difference provided the most insight to underlying mechanisms and impact of open initiatives. We found very little evidence that research within this area is concerned with the perspectives of poor and marginalized people – notably women. We therefore question the normative value of open development as a means to transform power relations. However, we argue that a more concentrated vision within this field is needed to exploit the full potential of digitally enabled openness for development.
The Information Transparency Effects of Introducing League Tables in the Health System in Malawi
Authors: Moyo Christon , Kaasbøll Jens , Nielsen Petter , Sæbø Johan
Published: December 2017

League tables are used to compare the performance of different entities in the health systems in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to study the implementation process and its effects related to a computerized league table application in Malawi. Focusing on the health district and using a field experiment research approach, the focus is on the implementation process and how it improves information transparency for health managers. Based on routine health data recording in the health management information system DHIS2, the introduced league table was used by the district health management teams in the pilot districts to rank and compare performance among their health facilities. While the introduction of the league tables was challenging, it also showed its potential through effects including improved visibility of information and accessibility for managers, better understanding of indicators, the identification of data quality issues, skills acquisition in computing and information use and improved communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
Mobile phone Expansion and Opportunities for E‐Governance in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kyem Peter A. Kwaku
Published: December 2017

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has invaded every sphere of human life and it is changing not only how people interact but also how governments serve their constituents in a process generally termed as digital or e‐government. E‐government is especially relevant for sub‐Saharan African countries where public administration is characterized by limited capacity and lack of skilled personnel. Unfortunately, broadband and internet that drive most e‐government activities elsewhere are lacking in sub‐Saharan Africa but mobile phone subscription is massive and still growing. Given the widespread use of mobile phones in the region, one would expect that plans for sub‐Saharan African countries to engage their citizens would start with the massively subscribed mobile phone and steadily expand to include such less available technologies as the internet. Regrettably, the potentials of the mobile phone for digital government remain largely unexplored in the region. Accordingly, this paper investigates reasons behind the neglect of mobile phone aided e‐government programs in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Special Issue on ICT for Africa Development: An Introduction and Framework for Research
Authors: Etoundi Roger Atsa , Onana Serge Flavien Mani , Eteme Adolphe Ayissi , Ndjodo Marcel Laurent Fouda
Published: December 2017

This write up presents works that are done in the field of ICT for the development of Africans. Based on the vast array of development challenges faced by the African continent, the paper presents research areas that have attracted African researchers but also defines open development issues that need to be addressed for the transformation of African societies. These open issues include law enforcement, development of IT infrastructures, the training of African youth in the use of ICT tools to tackle development problems, the adoption of ICT in African daily life and the development of ICT tools based on the African context. If these challenges are seriously taken into consideration by African researchers and policy makers, the development of the continent will be a matter of time associated to the achievement of the goals of launched activities. For this to become true there is a strong requirement that Africans defeat corruption. This editorial piece presents corruption as one of the most important impediment to the successful implementation of IT projects.
Development of the Digital Economy in Cameroon: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Etoundi Roger Atsa , Onana Flavien Serge Mani , Olle Georges D. Olle , Eteme Adolphe Ayissi
Published: December 2017

Since 2015, the government of Cameroon has challenged stakeholders nationwide to move toward a network economy also known as the digital economy; aiming to foster the development of the country. This ambition of the government has been a source of many discourses with not always the same vision on what is supposed to be done in the implementation of this new economy. Different structures are mainly involved in this project following government organization, which recognizes certain attributions to each public or private institution. But they lack a clear vision of what are the prerequisites for such endeavor. Hence, without a clear roadmap, time and resources would be wasted, while other countries with clear roadmap and vision would make a difference and leapfrog in growth and development. This reality seen in many African developing countries in their conceptualization of digital economy has pushed us to ask the following questions: What is the digital economy? In what conditions can a developing country claim readiness for the digital economy? The purpose of this paper is to attempt to answer these questions in the context of the digital transformation of Cameroon. The study examines the readiness of Cameroon to develop its digital economy, by exploring some key factors such as the civil society, services and goods, the policies, regulations and underlying technological infrastructures that are known as salient metrics related to the development of this economy. Practically, the study investigates qualitatively how Cameroon integrates these metrics in her ongoing projects and initiatives taken since 2010–1015, to become emergent and digital by 2035. The study presents challenges and perspectives of the Cameroonian case and provides in the framework of a roadmap, necessary measures and actions that should be considered in order to guarantee a successful development of digital economy in the country and in similar economies. The contribution of this paper is the definition of a roadmap for the implementation of digital economy in Cameroon. This roadmap can then be used as a guideline in the implementation of the digital economy in developing countries, with mere consideration of their socio‐cultural context as there is no universal strategy for a digital transformation. The proposed guideline is based on policymakers as in these countries most innovations are government based.
An ICT Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Tourism Sector in a Developing Country: A Case Study of Zimbabwe
Authors: Tsokota Theo , von Solms Rossouw , van Greunen Darelle
Published: December 2017

This research has sought to propose a strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. In order to achieve the above‐mentioned objective, this research, which is a comprehensive case study into the tourism sector of Zimbabwe, has deployed semi‐structured interviews, questionnaires, observations and netnograghy to collect the data. The case study was carried out, in accordance with the case study guidelines, as outlined by Yin, and guided by the interpretive paradigm. After a further analysis of the results, the results that pointed to the same aspect were grouped together; and various deductions were made, as a diagnosis of the identified problem. The identified problems were synthesised into seven diagnostics. A guiding policy was then identified for each of the diagnostics, leading to a set of coherent actions, derived from each of the identified guiding policies. The research also showed the implementation of the coherent set of actions that consist of three layers. These are: government, regulator and service providers. This research contributes to ICT4D literature; and it has provided an ICT strategy for sustainable development in the tourism sector for appropriate interventions from government and other role‐players in the tourism sector.
Using Learning Analytics to Predict Students’ Performance in Moodle Learning Management System: A Case of Mbeya University of Science and Technology
Authors: Mwalumbwe Imani , Mtebe Joel S.
Published: December 2017

The past decade has seen the rapid adoption and use of various Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Africa, and Tanzania in particular. Institutions have been spending thousands of dollars to implement these systems in a bid to improve the quality of education as well as increasing students’ enrolments through distance and blended learning. However, the impact of these system on improving students’ performance has been a popular subject of research in recent years. Studies have been relying on data from users’ opinions and subjective interpretation through surveys to determine the effectiveness of LMS usage on students’ learning performance. The use of such data is normally subject to the possibility of distortion or low reliability. Therefore, this study designed and developed Learning Analytics tool and used the tool to determine the causation between LMS usage and students’ performance. Data from LMS log of two courses delivered at Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) were extracted using developed Learning Analytics tool and subjected into linear regression analysis with students’ final results. The study found that discussion posts, peer interaction, and exercises were determined to be significant factors for students’ academic achievement in blended learning at MUST. Nonetheless, time spend in the LMS, number of downloads, and login frequency were found to have no significant impact on students’ learning performance. The implications of these results on improving students’ learning are discussed.
Using Livelihood Profiles for Assessing Context in ICT4D Resarch: A Case Study of Zimbabwe'sHighveld Prime Communal
Authors: Takavarasha Sam , Hapanyengwi Gilford , Kabanda Gabriel
Published: December 2017

The importance of context specific ICT4D innovation has been highlighted in Information Systems research by the short‐comings of a‐contextual innovation. This has often been accepted without due understanding of how to develop context specific interventions. There is therefore a need for a framework that elucidates ICT4D contextualisation and guides the development of context specific interventions. This should be useful to practitioners that are constantly advised to develop context specific artefacts without any clarity of how to do so. Using evidence from Zimbabwe this paper proposes the use of livelihood profiles for identifying the livelihood issues that matter in a particular locality and Sen's Capability Approach for assessing the opportunity freedoms to exploit the local livelihoods. This is presented as a systematic way of establishing the context under which ICT4D interventions will be deployed. The study uses focus groups under an interpretivist paradigm to investigate contextual issues in Zimbabwe Highveld Prime Communal livelihood zone. The study found a politically polarised contextual setting characterised by poor agricultural finance, ineffective crop and livestock markets, unrewarding labour markets against a good agricultural climate that is affected by cyclical droughts. As a result the study posits that ICT4D innovations for the zone must be designed to operate under these realities and limitations.
An Exploratory Analysis of Employees and Customers’ Responses in Determining the Technological Innovativeness of Banks
Authors: Obeng Asare Y , Mkhize Peter L
Published: December 2017

The banking sector globally is saddled with intensified competition. Coupled with global economic situation of little tolerance for inappropriate resources usage, financial institutions have to pursue different strategies to meet the challenges and opportunities of providing quality services to existing customers, attract new customers, improve the turnover of employee, and increase long‐term firm performance. Innovation and technology are considered fundamental elements of strategic management. Implementing strategies to achieve a better relationship between technological innovation and financial services are essential. In determining the level of banking technological innovation, the study analyses responses as perceived by customers and employees at branch level of universal banks in Ghana and examines how these perceptions influence their preferences and assessments. 88% of customers and 96% of employees indicated their banks are innovative. 92% of customers will recommend their banks to others, whiles 81% of employee indicated positive innovation impact on profitability. From a logistic regression model, eight (8) factors were found to be significant (p‐value <0.05), indicating that customers are more likely to rate banks as innovative for service offering consistency with the latest innovations, product or service quality, new or improved product or service, and products or services features. For bank employees, innovation effect on process, innovation effect on risk management, and innovation effect on employee productivity were identified as the main perceptions for rating their banks as innovative. Practical implications and limitations of the study are also presented.