Needs vs. Wants on ICT4D Projects

During ICT4D 1.0, it seems that project designers often focused ICT application on a top-down determination of needs, rather than a bottom-up statement of wants. Projects were designed around a standard information needs template that said communities needed better access to information on health, education, governance, etc. However, when community members can freely discuss what they want from ICT, priority items are often a mix of help with new income and employment, and entertainment.

Children “tired of fighting with flies” are on the march

12 May 2007 was a Saturday, and market day in Leku Town, South Ethiopia. At around 10 am, a crowd of about 200 children appeared and the streets filled with shouts. The shouts were not for their soccer team; but for improved health, as part of a demonstration for a clean environment.
Children carried placards condemning open defecation.

One read: “We need to live in clean environment!”

Another read: “Cats do not defecate in the open, but we people do! Let’s learn from cats!”

Others say:

“We don’t tolerate open defecation!”

“Defecating in open field is a rude and anti-development act.”
People attending the market watched the young people with interest and surprise. The demonstration was organised by Leku School Sanitation Club, passed by with children who had participated in CLTS field exercises in their villages. Police gave the children protection and the event was covered by the local FM radio.