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In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa
Gagliardone, Iginio Kalemara, Ashnah Kogen, Lauren Nalwoga, Lillian Stremlau, Nicole Wairagala, Wakabi
Gagliardone, Iginio
Kalemara, Ashnah
Kogen, Lauren
Nalwoga, Lillian
Stremlau, Nicole
Wairagala, Wakabi
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Journal article
Date
2015-06-30
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Media Studies and Production
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http://doi.org/10.5334/sta.fv
Abstract
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.
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Gagliardone, I., Kalemera, A., Kogen, L., Nalwoga, L., Stremlau, N., & Wairagala, W. (2015). In Search of Local Knowledge on ICTs in Africa. Stability: International Journal of Security and Development, 4(1), 1-15. http://doi.org/10.5334/sta.fv
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Centre for Security Governance
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International Journal of Security and Development, Vol. 4, No. 1
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