Computer technology for developing areas
Encyclopedia
Computer technology for developing areas is the donation of technology to developing areas by individuals and organizations (often charitable). However, donating technology without first coordinating its use, maintenance and final disposal can lead to misuse and potential problems.
Local networks can provide significant access to software and information even without utilizing an internet connection, for example through use of the Wikipedia CD Selection or the eGranary Digital Library
.
and the Sakshat Tablet
are intended to provide rugged technology at a price affordable for mass deployments. The World Bank
surveyed the available ICT (Information and communication technologies for development
)
devices in 2010.
can give tax-deductible donation receipts
for computers they're able to refurbish or otherwise reuse. Increased use of technology especially in ICT, low initial cost, and unplanned obsolescence of electrical and electronic equipment has led to an e-waste generation problem for Uganda. A Joint Team from UNEP, NEMA and UCPC, Estimate the current e-waste generated in Uganda at 10,300 tonnes from refrigerators, 3,300tonnes from TVs, 2,600 tones from personal computers, 300 tonnes from printers and 170tonnes from mobile phones.
However, as a result of the ban of used electronics, the accumulation of e-waste from 2010 to 2011 has reduced by a percentage of 40%
An e-learning strategy is being developed consultatively involving various stakeholders in the environment sector which yet Uganda has no e-waste recycler with capacity to cab down the problem of accumulation of e-waste.
List of Charitable organistaions
Microsoft Corporation has a global list of approximately 1,800 Registered Refurbishers - however, the size of these refurbishers varies very greatly.
One key problem is the ability of the recipients to maintain the donated technology and teach others its use.
Another significant problem can be the selection of software installed on technology - instructors trained in one set of software (for example Ubuntu
) can be expected to have difficulty in navigating computers donated with different software (for example Windows XP
).
A pressing problem is also the misuse of Electronic waste
in dangerous ways. Burning technology to obtain the metals inside will release toxic fumes into the air. (Certification of recyclers to e-Stewards
or R2 Solutions standards is intended to preclude environmental pollution.)
Finally, while the training, support, hardware and software may all be donated, it is rare for another vital component of technology, Internet access, to be made available at a discounted rate. "In about half the countries in Africa, one year of[dial-up] Internet supply will cost more than the average annual income."
Opportunity
Developing countries lag far behind other nations with internet access and usage. For example, on average only 1 in 130 people in Africa has a computer while in North America and Europe 1 in every 2 people have access to the Internet. 90% of students in Africa have never touched a computer.Local networks can provide significant access to software and information even without utilizing an internet connection, for example through use of the Wikipedia CD Selection or the eGranary Digital Library
EGranary Digital Library
The eGranary Digital Library provides those who lack adequate Internet access an offline collection of approximately 14 million educational resources from more than 1,200 Web sites and hundreds of CD-ROMs...
.
Inexpensive new computers initiatives
Initiatives such as the $100 computer, Raspberry PiRaspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Scheduled for public release in December 2011, the foundation plans to release two versions that range from US$25 to $35...
and the Sakshat Tablet
Sakshat
The Aakash is an Android tablet computer jointly developed by the London-based company DataWind with the Indian Institute of Technology Rajasthan and manufactured by the India-based company Quad, at a new production centre in Hyderabad — under a trial run of 100,000 units. The tablet was...
are intended to provide rugged technology at a price affordable for mass deployments. The World Bank
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
surveyed the available ICT (Information and communication technologies for development
Information and communication technologies for development
Information and Communication Technologies for Development is a general term referring to the application of Information and Communication Technologies within the fields of socioeconomic development, international development and human rights...
)
devices in 2010.
Unep, NEMA and Uganda Cleaner Production Centre
uganda typically has both repair and refurbishers of computers. In some countries charitable NPOsCharitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
can give tax-deductible donation receipts
Charitable contribution
Charitable contribution deductions for United States Federal Income Tax purposes are defined in section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code as contributions to or for the use of certain nonprofit enterprises. See...
for computers they're able to refurbish or otherwise reuse. Increased use of technology especially in ICT, low initial cost, and unplanned obsolescence of electrical and electronic equipment has led to an e-waste generation problem for Uganda. A Joint Team from UNEP, NEMA and UCPC, Estimate the current e-waste generated in Uganda at 10,300 tonnes from refrigerators, 3,300tonnes from TVs, 2,600 tones from personal computers, 300 tonnes from printers and 170tonnes from mobile phones.
However, as a result of the ban of used electronics, the accumulation of e-waste from 2010 to 2011 has reduced by a percentage of 40%
An e-learning strategy is being developed consultatively involving various stakeholders in the environment sector which yet Uganda has no e-waste recycler with capacity to cab down the problem of accumulation of e-waste.
List of Charitable organistaions
- multi-national - Digital Partnership
- multi-national - InterConnection
- multi-national - Non-Profit Computing, Inc. (a United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
advisor) - multi-national - World Computer Exchange
- Ireland - CamaraCamara (Charity)Camara is a charitable organisation that sends refurbished computers from Ireland to schools and other educational institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Donations are accepted from individuals, and in addition, a corporate recycling programme issues recycling certificates to businesses who dispose of...
- Japan - IDCE
- Norway, Denmark and Sweden - FAIR (Fair Allocation of Infotech Resources)
- UK - Computers 4 Africa
- UK - Digital PipelineDigital PipelineDigital Pipeline is a United Kingdom registered charity which provides access to information and communications technology in developing countries throughout Africa and other parts of the world....
- Computers for African SchoolsComputers for African SchoolsComputers for African Schools is a charity based in the United Kingdom which aims to give children in developing African countries the opportunitiy to gain experience with and understanding of computers and IT...
- Computer Aid InternationalComputer Aid InternationalComputer Aid International is a not-for-profit organisation active in the field of Information and Communication Technologies for Development. A registered charity, Computer Aid was founded in 1998 to bridge the digital divide by providing refurbished PCs from the UK to educational and non-profit...
- Digital Links International
- Tier 1 Asset ManagementTier 1 Asset ManagementTier 1 Asset Management is a Manchester-based company involved in the secure and ethical disposal of end --lifecycle computer equipment. It offers IT recycling, secure data erasure/disposal and asset management remarketing for corporate and government organisations.Tier 1 collects redundant IT...
- Tier 1 Asset Management
- Computers for African Schools
- UK - IT Schools Africa
- US (some multi-national) - TechSoup Global
Microsoft Corporation has a global list of approximately 1,800 Registered Refurbishers - however, the size of these refurbishers varies very greatly.
Problems encountered
A 2010 research report from the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre found "Very few ICT4D activities have proved sustainable... Recent research has stressed the need to shift from a technology-led approach, where the emphasis is on technical innovation towards an approach that emphasises innovative use of already established technology (mobiles, radio, television)." However, of 27 applications of ICTs for development, E-government, E-learning and E-health were found to be possible of great success, as well as the strengthening of social networks and boosting of security (particularly of women).One key problem is the ability of the recipients to maintain the donated technology and teach others its use.
Another significant problem can be the selection of software installed on technology - instructors trained in one set of software (for example Ubuntu
Ubuntu (operating system)
Ubuntu is a computer operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution and distributed as free and open source software. It is named after the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu...
) can be expected to have difficulty in navigating computers donated with different software (for example Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
).
A pressing problem is also the misuse of Electronic waste
Electronic waste
Electronic waste, e-waste, e-scrap, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. There is a lack of consensus as to whether the term should apply to resale, reuse, and refurbishing industries, or only to product that cannot be used for its...
in dangerous ways. Burning technology to obtain the metals inside will release toxic fumes into the air. (Certification of recyclers to e-Stewards
E-Stewards
The e-Stewards programs are initiatives of the Basel Action Network , a Seattle based non-profit watchdog organization that works to prevent trade of hazardous waste from rich to poor countries in accordance with the international Basel Treaty and the Basel Ban Amendment...
or R2 Solutions standards is intended to preclude environmental pollution.)
Finally, while the training, support, hardware and software may all be donated, it is rare for another vital component of technology, Internet access, to be made available at a discounted rate. "In about half the countries in Africa, one year of
See also
- Basel Action NetworkBasel Action NetworkThe Basel Action Network is an non-governmental charitable organization working to combat the export of toxic waste, toxic technology and toxic products from industrialized societies to developing countries. BAN operates globally but is based in Seattle, Washington, United States, with a partner...
- Community informaticsCommunity informaticsCommunity informatics , also known as community networking, electronic community networking, community-based technologies or community technology refers to an emerging field of investigation and practice concerned with principles and norms related to information and communication technology with...
- Community technology centerCommunity technology centerA community technology center or CTC offers resources to help bridge the digital divide, primarily through the public accessing computers and the internet. These centers are a key part of what is now being referred to as digital inclusion programs. Many centers provide training that ranges from...
/ TelecentreTelecentreA telecentre is a public place where people can access computers, the Internet, and other digital technologies that enable them to gather information, create, learn, and communicate with others while they develop essential digital skills... - Computers and the environment
- E-Cycling
- e-Inclusion
- Electronic waste by countryElectronic waste by countryElectronic waste is becoming an increasing part of the waste stream and efforts are being made to recycle and reduce this waste.-Basel Convention:...
- Electronic Waste Recycling ActElectronic Waste Recycling ActThe Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 is a California law to reduce the use of certain hazardous substances in certain electronic products sold in the state...
- Green computingGreen computingGreen computing or green IT, refers to environmentally sustainable computing or IT. In the article Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices, San Murugesan defines the field of green computing as "the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers,...
- Index of recycling articles
- Non-profit technology
- NTAPNTAPNTAP is an abbreviation of nonprofit technology assistance provider.The term generally refers to organizations and individuals that specialize in providing information and communication technology support to nonprofit organizations, without regard for whether the provider itself is formally...
(nonprofit technology assistance provider) - Personal computerPersonal computerA personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
- Plockton High School (Computers for Africa)
- StreetlitesStreetlitesStreetLITES Africa is a charity working with schools in Ghana, Africa to help educate and care for street children.The "LITES" is an acronym of:Learning,Information,Technology,Empowerment &...
(African charity) - United Nations Information and Communication Technologies Task Force
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment DirectiveWaste Electrical and Electronic Equipment DirectiveThe Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive is the European Community directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment which, together with the RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, became European Law in February 2003, setting collection, recycling and recovery targets for all...