Aligning needs and means: On culture, ICT and knowledge in development cooperation
Lars T. Soeftestad · 2006
This paper takes an interdisciplinary view on the societal role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The applied research case discussed is building a global online community of practice for people working on community-based natural resource management (CBNRM). The purpose is to point to some limitations connected with culture and knowledge inherent in the emphasis on ICT in development cooperation. The technological optimism that fuels the ICT side of the argument must be aligned with the humanist side, representing values and cultures. The goal is to present the elements of a broad and resultoriented knowledge management approach. This will enable a more realistic assessment of the incentives and constraints in using ICT in development cooperation, thus aligning the needs at the local level with the ICT means at disposal.