An Elaboration of Critical Success Factors for Rural ICT Project Sustainability in Developing Countries: Exploring the DWESA Case

Abstract

Rural development is significantly enhanced and supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the use of which is highlighted by the emerging importance of information and knowledge as key strategic resources for social and economic development. An investigation of the use of ICT by rural people suggests that there are a number of barriers and constraints that are faced when taking advantage of these technologies in developing countries. These include access to infrastructure, limited formal education, insufficient training and capacity building, financial and political constraints, and social and cultural challenges. These challenges threaten the success and sustainability of rural ICT projects. Sustainability is key to the effectiveness of a rural ICT project, therefore it is important to understand the concept and categories associated with ICT project sustainability in rural areas. The categories of sustainability which include social and cultural, institutional, economic, political, and technological reveal critical success factors that need to be considered in the implementation and management of rural ICT projects. An exploration of the Dwesa Case study reveals the extent of the application of these critical success factors of sustainability.