In the recent issue of Good magazine, Iqbal Quadir, the founder of Grameenphone, and Nicholas Negroponte, the founder of One Laptop per Child, debate the merits of these specific technologies in the developing world.

Quadir argues that cell phones bring greater benefits for several reasons, including the fact that the voice communications do not require literacy and are thus more inclusive. Since cell phones are natural devices for networking, the inclusiveness gives rise to a  network effect. The second important reason is that people find an immediate payback which leads to a willingness and capacity of paying for the cell phone services. This changes the economic ground realities and reaction produces greater traction for phones. The benefits proliferate organically.

Negroponte contends that a laptop is a window, a contemplative experience. He favors a long-term investment in children through laptops, while Quadir advocates an immediate payoff for adults through cell phones. They both advocate for long-term solutions.

WAKE-UP CALL: This debate raises good questions for nonprofits involved in bringing technology to a population that has not had access to technology before. Quadir sums it up nicely: “I think it is important to avoid separating technology from how it will actually fit into a community. The two are inextricably linked. If we “air drop” technology from above, it is less likely to take hold and spread naturally. That the cell phone penetration is far higher than the internet penetration in developing countries demonstrates that it is a technology that starts roots much more easily in poor countries.”

As a nonprofit, what assumptions do you make about your audience’s familiarity with technology or the services you provide? Do you demonstrate a “cultural competency” in understanding the needs of your audience and respect their natural ways of doing things?

SOURCE: Communication Breakdown, GOOD magazine, Jan/Feb o9

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