The use of ICT in the context of development work has been discussed much over the last years. From the all-healing solution to all problems to a not-really-useful additional difficulty the opinions diverge strongly.
The flexibility of information technology itself probably is at the root of heated discussions - after all, ICT can be used anywhere and for everything. The big question is: how useful will it prove to be in a given context? Will it support the project or will it rather bog down the tasks to be executed, maybe because people are not used to it?
A short introduction about the role of ICT in the project
In the INNOVAFRICA context we initially had many ideas about ICT usage: data capturing and reporting of data for surveys, data capturing for the evaluations, use for distribution of training materials and videos, integration of satellite and weather data, information about supply chains and markets, support of data analysis using BI-based (Business Intelligence) approaches, just to name a few.
We built quite some technology around those ideas, but eventually decided to concentrate on surveys, evaluation of agricultural technologies and data analysis. This is due to the fact that the learning curve was steep and ICT not being the primary project goal, we also had to keep in mind that we wanted to reach the project indicators, improving the situation of the farmers and other stakeolders - ICT in this context was a supporting tool, no less, no more.