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

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10 Insights on Mobile Usage by Persons with Disabilities in Kenya and Bangladesh

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Published on: Feb 26 2020 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on 10 Insights on Mobile Usage by Persons with Disabilities in Kenya and Bangladesh
Over a billion people worldwide live with a form of disability. This represents 15 per cent of the global population; 80 per cent of whom live in a low- or middle-income...
Digital Technologies Are Part of the Climate Change Problem

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Published on: Feb 20 2020 by Guest Writer - 4 Comments
The digital technology industry is one of the least sustainable and most environmentally damaging industrial sectors in the modern world. Its leaders have long...
The Main Drivers of Mobile Phone Ownership Will Surprise You

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Published on: Aug 14 2019 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on The Main Drivers of Mobile Phone Ownership Will Surprise You
Mobile phone services were introduced in Nigeria in 2001. Yet, we still don’t really know who owns a mobile phone in Africa’s most populous country....
Please RSVP Now: Help DFID Explore Internet of Things for Development

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Published on: Jul 15 2019 by Wayan Vota - 6 Comments
Can embedding Internet of Things (IoT) like connected buttons, sensors or other devices in development programmes complement how we collect data and help us solve...
3 Examples of Corner Use Cases Driving Digital Solution Innovation

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Published on: Jun 12 2019 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on 3 Examples of Corner Use Cases Driving Digital Solution Innovation
Two years ago, I joined Dimagi, who is well known for making CommCare, with the exciting but daunting prerogative to diversify the company’s portfolio. As an...