Critical Themes of Process Assessment in Rural ICT4D Projects: An Analysis of Assessment Approaches

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are often perceived as adequate support tools for development activities. However, their successful employment as development enablers requires strategic implementation. Hence, effectively assessing ICT4D initiatives is imperative. This paper elaborates on a Rural ICT4D Project Process Assessment Framework (RICTP-PAF) that seeks to address an often overlooked but relevant evaluation aspect of ICT4D projects. It proposes that the implementation phase of such projects demand rigorous assessments, as implementation is the link between project ambitions and impacts. It is argued that knowledge of critical themes of process assessment in rural ICT4D projects may present an appropriate way of conducting such assessments. Hence, the paper describes a systematic approach employed to identify generic critical themes of process assessment in rural ICT4D projects, and how they may be appropriately assessed. This approach culminates in the development of the RICTP-PAF.