Investigating the Link between ICT Intervention and Human Development using the Capability

231 Pages·2013·2.64 MB·English

Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
Investigating the Link between ICT Intervention and Human
Development using the Capability Approach: A Case Study of
the Computerised Electricity Management System

By

Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki

Submitted as partial fulfilment of the Requirement of
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
School of Information Systems, Mathematics and Computing
Brunel University
West London

October 2012
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
DEDICATION
To Almighty Allah, my family, my friends, my country and humanity
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
TABLE OF CONTENT
TABLE OF CONTENT ............................................................................................................................... III
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ................................................................................................................ VI
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................... IX
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ XII
CHAPTER ONE – SCOPE OF RESEARCH .................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Scope of Research Area ....................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Research Motivation ........................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Research Question and Objective ....................................................................................... 4
1.4. Research Approach ............................................................................................................. 4
1.5. Theoretical Approach .......................................................................................................... 5
1.6. Expected Contribution ......................................................................................................... 5
1.7. Research Overview and Structure ....................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................... 8
2. INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT (ICT4D) ....... 8
2.1 Overview of ICT4D ............................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Review of ICT4D Literature ................................................................................................ 11
2.3 Critique of ICT4D ............................................................................................................... 36
2.4 Gaps in the Literature and Research Questions ................................................................ 37
2.5 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 40
CHAPTER THREE – CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................................... 41
3. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 41
3.1 Frameworks from ICT Studies ........................................................................................... 41
3.2 Frameworks from Other Fields .......................................................................................... 43
3.3 Frameworks from Development Studies ........................................................................... 44
3.4 Consideration of Conceptual Frameworks Presented in this Section ................................ 45
3.5 The Significance of the Capability Approach in Development .......................................... 46
3.6 Policy-Making and Capability Approach ........................................................................... 51
3.7 Importance of Political Participation ................................................................................ 52
3.8 From the Theory of Political Participation to Practice ...................................................... 53
3.9 Putting all the concepts together ...................................................................................... 55
3.10 ICT4D and the Capability Approach .................................................................................. 58
3.11 Critique of the Capability Approach .................................................................................. 64
3.12 Politics and Power ............................................................................................................. 66
3.13 Key Conceptual Elements of the Capability Approach that will be applied in this Study .. 68
CHAPTER FOUR – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................... 74
4. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 74
4.1. PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ...................................................................................................... 75
4.2. METHODOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE .................................................................................................. 76
4.3. RESEARCH DESIGN ..................................................................................................................... 78
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
4.4. RESEARCH STRATEGY .................................................................................................................. 79
4.4.1. Case Studies .................................................................................................................. 79
4.4.2. Conducting an Interpretive Case-Study Research ......................................................... 81
4.4.3. Case-Study Selection ..................................................................................................... 82
4.4.4. Overview of CEMS ......................................................................................................... 83
4.4.5. Implication of Selecting CEMS ....................................................................................... 85
4.5. RESEARCH TECHNIQUES .............................................................................................................. 85
4.5.1. Data Collection Process ................................................................................................. 85
4.5.2. Data Collection Techniques ........................................................................................... 87
4.6. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................................... 94
4.6.1. Challenges in operationalising the CA ........................................................................... 95
4.7. QUALITATIVE MODES OF ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 96
CHAPTER FIVE – CASE-STUDY FINDINGS ............................................................................................. 100
5. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 100
5.1. GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE .................................................................................. 100
5.1.1. Geographic Profile ....................................................................................................... 100
5.1.2. Demographic Profile.................................................................................................... 101
5.2. SOCIO-HISTORICAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CONTEXT ............................................................... 102
5.3. ECONOMIC INDICATORS ............................................................................................................ 102
5.4. EDUCATION INDICATORS ........................................................................................................... 103
5.5. NATIONAL POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY ................................................................................. 104
5.6. ICTS IN NIGERIA ...................................................................................................................... 104
5.7. ICT POLICY AND STRATEGIES ..................................................................................................... 105
5.8. ELECTRICITY IN NIGERIA ............................................................................................................ 106
5.9. TACKLING THE PHCN CALAMITY: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES ..................................... 110
5.10. THE COMPUTERISED ELECTRICITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM .......................................................... 113
5.10.1. System Design and Implementation ........................................................................... 117
5.10.2. Consequences for the Local Community and Supporting Enterprises ......................... 121
5.10.3. Consequences for PHCN, the Consumer and Electricity Consumption Patterns ......... 123
5.10.4. Corruption and Usage Consequences ......................................................................... 124
5.10.5. Corruption and Infrastructural Consequences ............................................................ 128
CHAPTER SIX – CASE-STUDY ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 131
6. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 131
6.1. DRIVERS OF THE ADOPTION OF CEMS IN THE NIGERIA CONTEXT ..................................................... 132
6.1.1. Modernisation ............................................................................................................. 132
6.1.2. Political Value .............................................................................................................. 133
6.1.3. Wealth Incentives ........................................................................................................ 133
6.2. POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF CEMS TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA ..................... 134
6.2.1. Expected Economic Contributions ............................................................................... 134
6.2.2. Expected Contributions to Good Governance ............................................................. 136
6.2.3. Expected Contribution to Political Liberties ................................................................ 138
6.2.4. Expected Contribution to Education ............................................................................ 139
6.3. CONDITIONS THAT ENABLE OR HINDER CITIZENS IN BENEFITING FROM THE DEVELOPMENTAL POTENTIALS
OF THE ICT-ENABLED INITIATIVE ............................................................................................................. 139
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
6.3.1. Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 139
6.3.2. Weak Governance and Poor Planning......................................................................... 140
6.3.3. Lack of Participation.................................................................................................... 140
6.3.4. Lack of Political Will .................................................................................................... 141
6.3.5. Lack of Motivation and Welfare Package ................................................................... 141
6.3.6. Weak Anti-corruption Bodies ...................................................................................... 141
6.3.7. Lack of Awareness about the Dangers of Corruption ................................................. 142
6.3.8. Cooperation Issues ...................................................................................................... 142
6.3.9. Corruption ................................................................................................................... 143
CHAPTER SEVEN – DISCUSSION .......................................................................................................... 149
7. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 149
7.1. POLICY-MAKING AND AGENCY IN ICT4D ..................................................................................... 149
7.1.1. International domination of ICT4D ............................................................................. 149
7.1.2. National Domination of ICT4D .................................................................................... 153
7.2. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ICT AND CAPABILITIES ..................................................................... 155
7.2.1. Economic Capabilities ................................................................................................. 155
7.2.2. Transparency Capabilities ........................................................................................... 157
7.2.3. Educational Capabilities .............................................................................................. 158
7.3. THE CONVERSION FACTORS THAT ENABLE OR RESTRICT CITIZENS IN TERMS OF TRANSFORMING ICTS INTO
CAPABILITIES ....................................................................................................................................... 159
7.3.1. Personal Factors .......................................................................................................... 159
7.3.2. Environmental Factors ................................................................................................ 159
7.3.3. Social Factors .............................................................................................................. 160
7.3.4. Political factor ............................................................................................................. 162
7.4. A PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................... 166
7.4.1. Policies and ICT4D intervention ................................................................................... 168
7.4.2. Capabilities and ICT4D ................................................................................................ 168
7.4.3. Capabilities and Policy Making ................................................................................... 168
CHAPTER 8 - CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 170
8. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 170
8.1. CONTRIBUTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 170
8.1.1. Theoretical Contributions ............................................................................................ 170
8.1.2. Practical Contribution ................................................................................................. 173
8.2. IMPLICATIONS OF THE RESEARCH APPROACH ................................................................................ 174
8.3. ADEQUACY OF THE RESEARCH FRAMEWORK ................................................................................. 176
8.4. AREAS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH ................................................................................................. 177
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 180
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................ A
APPROVAL FOR EMPIRICAL ACCESS ............................................................................................................. A
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET ............................................................................................................ 2
CONSENT FORM ...................................................................................................................................... 5
INTERVIEWS ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Interview Protocol: Consumers ....................................................................................................... 6
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
Interview Protocol: Top PHCN Bureaucrats .................................................................................... 9
Interview Protocol: Junior Bureaucrats ......................................................................................... 11
Interview Protocol: Contractors .................................................................................................... 11

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
FIGURE
Figure 3 - 1 Relationships of the Key Concepts of the Capability Approach (Adapted From Robeyns,
2005) ..................................................................................................................................................... 59
Figure 3 - 3 Key Concepts of the Capability Approach Using ICT4D ..................................................... 71
Figure 4 - 1 The Two Phases of the Study ............................................................................................. 71
Figure 5 – 1 Map of Nigeria ................................................................................................................ 105

TABLE
Table 3 – 1 Interpretation of the Capability Approach in Terms of Research Issues ............................ 75
Table 4 – 1 Some common contrasts between qualitative and quantitative research (Adapted from
Bryman, 2008) ....................................................................................................................................... 80
Table 4 - 2 Types of Case-Studies .......................................................................................................... 83
Table 4 – 3 Summary of principles for interpretive field research by Klein and Myers (1999).
Application of the principles in this research ....................................................................................... 86
Table 4 – 4 Summary of the Fieldwork ................................................................................................. 95
Table 4 - 5 Documents used as source of data collection .................................................................... 98
Table 4 - 6 Linkage between the main concepts of the capability approach and questions guiding
data collection ....................................................................................................................................... 99
Table 4 – 7 Sample of themes and transcript excerpts used in thematic coding .............................. 103
Table 5 – 1 Demographics .................................................................................................................. 105
Table 6 – 1 Summary of Case-Study Analysis...................................................................................... 154
Table 7 – 1 Summary of the Discussion .............................................................................................. 172
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I remain forever thankful and grateful to my supervisor, Dr Pamela
Abbott, for providing me with guidance, support and criticism and for patiently and
meticulously reading my thesis. This journey would definitely not have been completed
without her enduring professional guidance. I would also like to thank Dr Anastasia
Papazafeiropoulous and Dr Laurence Brooks for their contributions, encouragements and
criticisms during the course of my study. I also use this opportunity to say thank you to all
the Rubicon members for their support and encouragement. I would also like to say thank
you to my Uncle, Mansir Nakande, for making the data collection possible by providing me
with permission and support to conduct my research in his organisation. My appreciation is
extended to include all interviewees who facilitated the research process by contributing to
my data collection. I am grateful to all the people in the School of Information Systems and
Computing for the support and encouragement I received during my time of study. Finally,
to my family, especially my dad, mum, brothers, sisters and friends, thank you for the love,
care, understanding and the belief you have provided to me.

To Almighty Allah, thank you for this life opportunity.

Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
Journals
Ibrahim-Dasuki, Salihu; Abbott, Pamela; and Kashefi, Armin (2012) "The Impact of ICT
Investments on Development Using the Capability Approach: The case of the Nigerian Pre-
paid Electricity Billing System," The African Journal of Information Systems –
A link to this paper has further been provided to the United Nations Asian and Pacific
Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development.
http://www.unapcict.org/ecohub/the-impact-of-ict-investment-on-development-using-the-
capability-approach-the-case-of-the-nigerian-pre-paid-electricity-billing-system

Ibrahim-Dasuki, Salihu; Abbott, Pamela (Accepted) “ICT And Empowerment To Participate: A
Capability Approach”, Information Development.

Conferences
Ibrahim-Dasuki, Salihu; Abbott, Pamela (2011) “Evaluating the Effect of ICTs on
Development Using the Capability Approach: The case of the Nigerian Pre-paid Electricity
Billing”, Proceedings of SIG GlobDev Third Annual Workshop, Saint Louis, USA December 12,
2010.

Ibrahim-Dasuki, Salihu; Abbott, Pamela (2011) “ICT and Empowerment to Participate: A
Capability Approach” in the Proceedings of AMCIS conference, Detroit, Michigan.

Panagiotopoulos, P; Brooks, L; Elliman, T; Ibrahim-Dasuki, S (2011) “Social networking for
membership engagement in non-profit organisations: a trade union study” in the
Proceedings of AMCIS conference, Detroit, Michigan.

Ibrahim-Dasuki, Salihu; Abbott, Pamela (2011) “The Impact of ICT Investments on
Development: Lessons from the Nigeria Pre-Paid Electricity Billing System”, 9th International
Conference on Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
ABSTRACT
There has been an increasing amount of investment in Information and Communication
Technologies for Development (ICT4D) interventions in developing countries under the
premise of accelerating the process of social, economic and political development. These
interventions are usually driven by the symbolic power of ICTs which signify progress and
upon which the governments of developing countries try to draw to modernise the
functioning of the state and to further enhance public service delivery to citizens. However,
in this thesis it is argued that the actions and events that lead to the design and
implementation of ICT4D tend to be politically motivated because ICT4D are simply
interventions used by powerful actors and institutions to achieve their goals. These
powerful actors include international donor agencies, politicians, top bureaucrats and
private entities. In addition, it is argued that, due to these politically motivated agendas,
ICT4D projects tend to be implemented in a top-down fashion and within an economic
development perspective that appears to isolate the concerns of the country itself and the
wellbeing of its citizens.

In an attempt to try and redress social exclusion and imbalance, the capability approach
drawn from the work of Amartya Sen (1999) stresses the enhancement of human
capabilities and the moral aspects of development. Theoretically, the study is based on the
key concepts of Sen’s Capability Approach. However, Lukes’s (1974) concepts of power are
also drawn upon to address the limitation of the capability approach in addressing the
concept of power. The research questions guiding this thesis are as follows: (1) How do the
underlying motivations of different actors drive the design and implementation of ICT4D
initiatives in developing countries? (2) How can researchers usefully conceptualise the
relationship between ICT and development given the complexities in which ICT4D initiatives
are undertaken?

What conceptual framework could help theorise the complex relationship between ICT and
development? Epistemologically, the study was conducted by following an interpretive
research approach. The research was carried out in two states of Nigeria, Abuja and Plateau,
and took place during the period of 2010-2011. The case-study centres on the initiation and
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Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki ICT4D and Capability Approach
implementation of the Computerised Electricity Management System (CEMS). Empirically,
data collection techniques include 65 individual interviews, field observations and document
analysis.

The following are key findings of this thesis:
ICT4D interventions are a complex process shaped at two levels. At the international level,
they are shaped by donor agendas such as privatisation, and at the national or local level
they are shaped by political and private interests. These agendas and interest are driven by
powerful actors such as international donor agencies that often impose such interventions
as a condition of aid, politicians who often use such interventions as campaign tools, and
other top public and private actors who often use such interventions for personal gain.
Hence, the beneficiaries of these projects usually have no say in the design of ICT4D projects
but are rather forced to accept these interventions.

Corruption is a major obstacle that hinders the expected ICT4D contributions in terms of
individual opportunities and freedoms of living better lives inscribed in ICT4D interventions.
Corruption exists as a “network” involving different actors present at three levels of ICT4D
projects, namely the design, implementation and usage stages. Viewed from this
perspective, the findings of this study show that international donor agencies, politicians,
public bureaucrats and private entities are equally responsible for promoting corrupt
practices in the context of ICT4D interventions. Theoretically, this thesis progresses the
operationalisation of the capability approach (CA) by encapsulating the central aspect of the
approach and Lukes’s (1974) concept of power. This is an innovative way of operationalising
the capability approach by addressing its limitations in explaining the notion of power; the
study thereby contributes to the field of IS using the capability approach and expanding the
scope of theoretical analysis of contemporary ICT4D studies.

Practically, to make the relationship between ICT and development more effective in
meeting broader development goals, it is necessary for government policies to move
beyond the mere provision of technology to also concentrate on the cultural, institutional,
social and political aspects in ensuring the effective use of ICT resources, which should serve
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