In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa
This article explores whether, and to what extent, local knowledge features in research on the role of ICTs in statebuilding and peacebuilding in Africa, with a particular focus on neighboring Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. We question whether the claims of the transformative power of ICTs are backed...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Centre for Security Governance
2015-06-01
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| Series: | Stability : International Journal of Security and Development |
| Online Access: | http://www.stabilityjournal.org/articles/375 |
| _version_ | 1811240387026616320 |
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| author | Iginio Gagliardone Ashnah Kalemera Lauren Kogen Lillian Nalwoga Nicole Stremlau Wakabi Wairagala |
| author_facet | Iginio Gagliardone Ashnah Kalemera Lauren Kogen Lillian Nalwoga Nicole Stremlau Wakabi Wairagala |
| author_sort | Iginio Gagliardone |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article explores whether, and to what extent, local knowledge features in research on the role of ICTs in statebuilding and peacebuilding in Africa, with a particular focus on neighboring Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. We question whether the claims of the transformative power of ICTs are backed by ‘evidence’ and whether local knowledge – e.g., traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution – is taken into consideration by ICT-based development initiatives. To assess this, we systematically reviewed literature in the region, focusing on academic outputs as well as research published by non-governmental and governmental organizations. Several key findings emerged, including: 1) empirical evidence on the successful use of ICTs to promote peacebuilding and statebuilding is thin; 2) few differences exist between scholarship emanating from the Global North and from Africa; and 3) overall, the literature exhibits a simplistic assumption that ICTs will drive democratic development without sufficient consideration of how ICTs are actually used by the public. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T13:19:15Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-2754a0547cf5401a9115ba71f8ec0a4c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2165-2627 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T13:19:15Z |
| publishDate | 2015-06-01 |
| publisher | Centre for Security Governance |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Stability : International Journal of Security and Development |
| spelling | doaj.art-2754a0547cf5401a9115ba71f8ec0a4c2022-12-22T03:31:33ZengCentre for Security GovernanceStability : International Journal of Security and Development2165-26272015-06-014110.5334/sta.fv165In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in AfricaIginio Gagliardone0Ashnah Kalemera1Lauren Kogen2Lillian Nalwoga3Nicole Stremlau4Wakabi Wairagala5Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, University of OxfordCollaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)Annenberg School of Communication, University of PennsylvaniaCollaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, University of OxfordCollaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)This article explores whether, and to what extent, local knowledge features in research on the role of ICTs in statebuilding and peacebuilding in Africa, with a particular focus on neighboring Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. We question whether the claims of the transformative power of ICTs are backed by ‘evidence’ and whether local knowledge – e.g., traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution – is taken into consideration by ICT-based development initiatives. To assess this, we systematically reviewed literature in the region, focusing on academic outputs as well as research published by non-governmental and governmental organizations. Several key findings emerged, including: 1) empirical evidence on the successful use of ICTs to promote peacebuilding and statebuilding is thin; 2) few differences exist between scholarship emanating from the Global North and from Africa; and 3) overall, the literature exhibits a simplistic assumption that ICTs will drive democratic development without sufficient consideration of how ICTs are actually used by the public.http://www.stabilityjournal.org/articles/375 |
| spellingShingle | Iginio Gagliardone Ashnah Kalemera Lauren Kogen Lillian Nalwoga Nicole Stremlau Wakabi Wairagala In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa Stability : International Journal of Security and Development |
| title | In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa |
| title_full | In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa |
| title_fullStr | In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa |
| title_short | In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa |
| title_sort | in search of local knowledge on icts in africa |
| url | http://www.stabilityjournal.org/articles/375 |
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