Assessing outcome and impact: towards a comprehensive evaluation approach in ICT4D

Abstract

It is well documented that ICTs are tools for development. However, there is still a need to comprehensively demonstrate the tangible and intangible effects that ICTs have towards development. A framework for the assessment of the outcomes and impacts of ICT4D is proposed, which provides guidelines for the critical aspects of a project that should be assessed and taken into account when conducting an outcome and impact assessment of rural ICT4D. This framework is based on a comprehensive approach to evaluation and forms part of continuous research on the rural ICT comprehensive evaluation framework (RICT-CEF). From this study five key themes have been identified based on a theoretical analysis and field observations. These themes include strategic value', 'empowerment', 'livelihoods', 'most significant change' and 'sustainability'.