Strengthening African Indigenous Cultures Through ICT
The technological proliferation formed in recent history has been characterized by compounding and fast paced growth. Globalization is intimately related with technological advancements and is an affect brought on by evolution of culture, society, politics, and the economy, through gained knowledge. When a country’s technology is limiting them from participating in evolution they become idle. People desire change and growth over stagnation. In terms of evolution the prevailing trend is to develop a country technologically before it is developed economically or infrastructurally. For a more equal experience of globalization the lower developing countries should be considered and encouraged to participate in the developmental process. Without the partnership from lower developed countries and differing cultures we lose an important factor to globalization, the idea of shared knowledge, creating an ever growing rift. Currently African culture is not evident in the technological advances being invented. Technology presently is predominantly characterized by Western culture.
Currently a prominently proposed method of encouraging development in indigenous cultures is though Information Communication Technology (ICT) programs. Explain ICTICT is a process in which interaction with technology is performed. Too few indigenous people have a working knowledge of technology. ICT addresses the issue of limited experience by implementing a process by which technology education can be imparted. It is important to note the viability of ICT programs is strongly correlated with proper implementation. Van Reijswoud and de Jager describe the current foremost appropriate ICT model in the article The Role of Appropriate ICT in Bridging the Digital Divide (2011). A strong portion of appropriate ICT includes participation from the indigenous people themselves. With proper participation from individuals embodying the native culture a successful outcome is further probable.
The International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) implemented a new ICT program for the health sector in Tanzania. Many challenges were encountered during the implementation process, however outcomes were favorable. One of the ways ICT became successful in this particular case was through the allowance of native participatory guidance practices proposed and then instituted. Another practice implemented in the Tanzania health sector case was a scenario based approach versus a technology based approach. Through focusing on developing and evolving problem areas in the health sector, issues were resolved with technology. Rather than creating new burdens of implementing technology, the health sector incorporated technology into their established practices.
In another case, technology was implemented in the Health Management Information System (HMIS) by the encouragement of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB). The project focused on resolving problem areas recognized by the indigenous participants, with technological advances. Other factors that made this ICT approach successful include characteristics such as, economically feasible, culturally appropriate, solution based, continual training opportunities. An important component to the success of the HMIS ICT program is the fact that the ICT program was designed to decelerate the technological advancement process. Alternative to the expedited approach Western technology is incline towards, a gradual approach was implemented for the purpose of enhanced training.
