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

How Does the New Haitian Sûrtab Tablet Measure Up?

How Does the New Haitian Sûrtab Tablet Measure Up?

Published on: Apr 18 2014 by Sam Perales - 3 Comments
Since 2013, consumers have had their eye on a new Haitian-made tablet, known as the Sûrtab. It’s price and weight may seem ideal, but how does it measure up...
How to Ensure Long-Term Sustainability for a Computer Lab

How to Ensure Long-Term Sustainability for a Computer Lab

Published on: Mar 24 2014 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
Thanks to funding from the Internet Society Community Grant Program as well as from the Information Society Innovation Fund (isif.asia) a computer learning...
The Moral Dilemmas of E-Waste

The Moral Dilemmas of E-Waste

Published on: Mar 21 2014 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
E-waste is growing. Computers, phones and other electronic devices are increasingly being discarded, as StEP’s e-waste world map shows. Planned and perceived obsolescence...
You Can Change the World of Hardware and Enter to Win a Google Nexus 7 Tablet

You Can Change the World of Hardware and Enter to Win a Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Published on: Feb 19 2014 by Jana Melpolder - Comments Off on You Can Change the World of Hardware and Enter to Win a Google Nexus 7 Tablet
ICT projects are often riddled with challenges such as power, heat, humidity, and unstable electrical systems, all of which are common to development practitioners. Why...
3 Steps for Microsoft + Nokia Success in Africa

3 Steps for Microsoft + Nokia Success in Africa

Published on: Sep 06 2013 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
Its hardly news now that Microsoft dropped a relatively modest US$ 7.2 Billion to acquire Nokia’s handset and software services business as well as some patents...
XO Tablet Hands On Review: Wow, OLPC Finally Got It Right!

XO Tablet Hands On Review: Wow, OLPC Finally Got It Right!

Published on: Aug 09 2013 by Wayan Vota - 9 Comments
When the XO-1 Laptop first came out in 2006, I was in awe of the hardware innovations. From bunny ears for better WiFi to a hardened swivel-screen top, to its...
Inspirational African Entrepreneurship in Mobile Hardware Technology

Inspirational African Entrepreneurship in Mobile Hardware Technology

Published on: Jul 08 2013 by Linda Raftree - Comments Off on Inspirational African Entrepreneurship in Mobile Hardware Technology
At the recent Technology Salon on African-Led Mobile Innovation in Congo Brazzaville, we welcomed Verone Mankou, the head of VMK, a company in Congo Brazzaville...
Is Your Project Ready to Launch, Scale or Partner? Present at the mEducation Alliance Symposium

Is Your Project Ready to Launch, Scale or Partner? Present at the mEducation Alliance Symposium

Published on: Jun 26 2013 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Is Your Project Ready to Launch, Scale or Partner? Present at the mEducation Alliance Symposium
3rd Annual Mobiles for Education (mEducation) Alliance International Symposium: 2013- Commit Fair for Project Scaling October 15-16, 2013 Washington, DC Session...
Mobile Devices Made in Congo-Brazzaville: One Man’s Start Up Story

Mobile Devices Made in Congo-Brazzaville: One Man’s Start Up Story

Published on: May 27 2013 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Mobile Devices Made in Congo-Brazzaville: One Man’s Start Up Story
I am Anna Shaw and I recently attended a Tech Salon that really got me thinking. We spent a morning discussing, What Are the Technology Challenges in Congo Brazzaville? The...
How to Launch a Tech Hardware Startup in Africa

How to Launch a Tech Hardware Startup in Africa

Published on: May 14 2013 by Aaron Mason - 2 Comments
On May 28, join a conversation with Verone Mankou, designer of Africa’s first tablet computer. RSVP today. Bringing a new product to market is no easy task. In...