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The impact of the ICT4D project on sustainable rural development using a capability approach: Evidence from Bangladesh

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  • Hoque, Md. Rakibul

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects have shown a great promises in recent years. However, simply materializing of ICT4D projects is not enough for minimizing the prevalent digital divide in rural areas in developing countries. For the success of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) intervention, it is important to consider the capabilities of users, who are responsible for converting ICT resources into outcome. While most of the ICT-related studies are focused on the adoption of actual technologies and influences of different internal and external factors on intervention outcomes, very few studies are focused on evaluating intervention outcomes and redesigning intervention strategies. In this study, I opted for using a conceptual framework following the Capability Approach that simultaneously identifies the influence factors for intervention outcome as well as evaluates the outcome based on Noble Laureate Amartya Sen’s five freedoms concept. A qualitative technique has been chosen to conduct the study. As part of the impact evaluation of an ICT4D intervention, a project known as Union Digital Centres (UDCs) in Bangladesh was selected. A total of ten themes are identified indicating that the outcome of the intervention is contributing to socio-economic and human development. However, the study has revealed that lack of capabilities of users (e.g. prior knowledge and financial inability) bar the UDC programs to fulfill their goals at highest level. This study would practically help the UDC policy makers to adjust the UDC intervention design by addressing the shortcomings of the users to yield higher UDC program outcome. Additionally, this study theoretically contributes in ICT adoption literature by showing that there is a mutual influence between users’ capabilities and ICT-related project outcomes. Finally, using specific case study (ICT4D project in Bangladesh), this study contextualizes Amartya Sen’s five freedoms concept in the ICT-specific context.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoque, Md. Rakibul, 2020. "The impact of the ICT4D project on sustainable rural development using a capability approach: Evidence from Bangladesh," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:61:y:2020:i:c:s0160791x18303415
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101254
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sen, Amartya, 2001. "Development as Freedom," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192893307.
    2. Des Gasper, 2002. "Is Sen's Capability Approach an Adequate Basis for Considering Human Development?," Review of Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(4), pages 435-461.
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    6. repec:ems:euriss:23177 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Gasper, D.R., 2002. "Is Sen's Capability Approach an Adequate Basis for Considering Human Development," ISS Working Papers - General Series 50674, International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), The Hague.
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    Cited by:

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    4. Katriona O’Sullivan & Serena Clark & Kevin Marshall & Malcolm MacLachlan, 2021. "A Just Digital framework to ensure equitable achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-4, December.
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    6. Hailing Liu & Wenjun Fan & Xiaoyu Zhou & Yuting Wang & Chengcheng Yuan & Liming Liu, 2024. "From Solo to Cluster Governance: An Empirical Study of Transforming Rural Management in Guiyang, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-21, September.
    7. Zhang, Qian & Webster, Natasha A. & Han, Shengnan & Ayele, Workneh Yilma, 2023. "Contextualizing the rural in digital studies: A computational literature review of rural-digital relations," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    8. Uzir, Md Uzir Hossain & Al Halbusi, Hussam & Lim, Rodney & Jerin, Ishraq & Abdul Hamid, Abu Bakar & Ramayah, Thurasamy & Haque, Ahasanul, 2021. "Applied Artificial Intelligence and user satisfaction: Smartwatch usage for healthcare in Bangladesh during COVID-19," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    9. Ye, Lisha & Dai, Yishu & Dong, Xiaoying, 2022. "The enabling mechanism of shuren culture in ICT4D: A case study of rural China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    10. Ryan, Mark, 2022. "The ethics of dietary apps: Technology, health, and the capability approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).

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