Information Communication and Technology for Development

By: Henry Clarke Kisembo

Chief Executive Officer – DALI www.dalinternational.com

Profile

• CEO – DALI

• Technical Advisor – PSFU, PSFR, UTB, UNACC

• Fulbright Global Heath Scholar.

• Visiting Fellow Regent University – Entrepreneurship / Business Management.

• Secretary General - International Network of Resource Mobilizers.

• Local Content Advisor UNCDC – Gas and Oil.

PREAMBLE

INTRODUCTION

Since the 1980s ICT has evolved and gradually been integrated in the development agenda of developing countries like Uganda; it has become an important aspect of growth and development thanks to science and technology where there is constant research, experiments and tests carried out. Without science growth and development would be slow and livelihood generation for communities would be challenged with looming poverty.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Health:

At all times science is a big part of health initiatives as information is derived from tests carried out to inform medical personnel about ailments, there magnitude and the required remedies and medicines scientifically experimented and tested (Telemedicine), in development poor health retards growth as an unhealthy work force might not be fully productive; however even the psychological effect that is on the person who is caring for the sick affects their rational thinking most times so science is effective and efficient.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Experimental and Scientific Research:

Scientific and Experimental research has enhanced development in that it builds innovation for example machinery that is used in agriculture, high value seeds, post harvest handling systems like silos (storage facilities) and modern agricultural extension mechanisms; enhancing food security are a result of science, processing machines and manufacturing machines are all a result of scientific research and which in turn boosts growth and development for Ugandan communities and countries at large.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Vulnerability Surveillance Systems:

These are systems and gadgets which detect disasters before they happen and in Uganda they have been very effective in health as through cell phones and gateway platforms one can detect the Global positioning system (GPS) of a health need like births, outbreaks and plagues as this can be communicated through cellular platforms even in the most remote areas this has been successful in Karamoja and Northern regions.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Business Growth and Development:

ICT has brought a new vision in doing business for micro small and medium enterprises, as with cell or mobile phones information is transmitted and transactions are cell phone and internet based; there are platforms for information like weather information, market prices, national information all transmitted and communicated through mobile phones; village phones and public access, Bulk sms, money transfers have taken a wave in doing business as it saves on time and transport costs so through Mobile money transfers and other platforms like internet banking, payment can be done or money exchanged at the stroke of a mobile phone and internet service.

A simplified Mcash Model

Mcash is an account like any other

Deposit

Receive money

Savings

Money transfer

Withdraw

Pay at Merchant

Account

Pay for School fees, utility bills and more VAS

How to access an Mcash account ( at Agent or Bank branch Locations )

Account Fingerprint

Mobile phone

0204000400

NFC card

www

Convenience! One can transact Anywhere at Anytime!

Every channel represents a “PAYMENT INSTRUMENT”:

“Load, Transfer, Pay, Give or Retrieve Cash through that channel”

MASS - MARKET OUTREACH

AB Segments

Corporates

Youth, University students, Young

Business Community, Formal sector, NGOs, MFIs,

Government institutions

Unbanked, Agric & Other Value Chains, Mines Informal Market

segments

Receipts & payments

transactions

Receive pocket money,

transactions Pay Workers, Receive loan payments, Transactions and receive payment s

Transactional value, making payments and

transfers

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Education and E-Learning Platforms:

Through science and ICT education is no longer a hassle as there are learning platforms online and one doesn’t need to be physically present in a class room setting but through online platform, video conferencing, webinars, Telephone conferencing, skype meetings and this is across the country and inter-countries thus more communities and persons in Uganda are accessing education, learning and training through such platforms (online studies).

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Social Media Networks:

These networks are as a result of science for example face book, twitter, instagram, viber, chat rooms, LinkedIn are very important and relevant in development as they enhance connections, networking, marketing, information sharing, and also build up of friends network, through these social media there can also be services offered like counseling, advisory services, employment opportunities and this is very effective and on growth trend amongst Ugandans as they realize the benefits.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Water Sanitation and Health (WASH):

In developing countries like Uganda communities are affected by poor health due to unclean water and sanitation there are various diseases and ailments as a result of this has led to projects like boreholes, piped water, water cleansing medicines and also sensitization and ways of promoting good sanitation like modern toilet building, drainage systems being developed thus a healthy and productive population.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Renewable Energy:

Through scientific research it was realized that there was a need for ways of protecting the environment, nature and mother earth; reduce global warming and thus research and production of clean cook-stoves, use of briquettes instead of charcoal which depletes the environment through deforestation, thus sustainable growth and livelihoods, such information through ICT is shared amongst communities and countries following best learning practices; there is a reduction on reliance of hydro electricity in Uganda thus biogas promotion and usage and wind pipes.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Exploration and Production:

Uganda is endowed by natural resources such as oil and gas, cobalt amongst others and through scientifically tested machines; exploration, testing and production has been made possible and this promises Uganda for alternative economic growth and development, through employment creation, income generation, and national revenue growth thus increased social service delivery.

ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT Others:

Include Management Information Systems which have made organizations and institutions more effective, efficient and productive for example asset management, financial management, Human resource management and project management amongst others.

Setbacks -Hackers -Scam -System failure -Poor Networks -Power sources -Integrity and precision -Different time zones

CONCLUSION

ICT in development is a great tool that can minimize costs, quite effective and efficient, provides for accountability and supports to bridge gaps that in the past hindered stable and sustainable growth and development thus a need to embrace it in theory and practice.