Information systems development in a developing country: theoretical analysis of special requirements in Nigeria and Africa

Research approaches on information systems development (ISD) are characterized by diversity, focusing on a wide area of objectives and methods. Nevertheless, the understanding of ISD as a universal phenomenon is less commonly questioned. We can ask if systems development really is the same in Africa as in industrialized countries, because of several differences in contextual factors. We suggest that there are special requirements that should be taken into consideration in systems development methodology in Africa-like sustainability, affordability, socio-economic justification and community participation. We have founded a research programme to develop such a methodology. We present a research framework for studying ISD as a phenomenon in Africa, and particularly in Nigeria. In addition to a literature review and an empirical survey, the research programme consists of descriptive case studies and an action research part experimenting on adjusted methods in the setting of real-life projects. The first results from the initial phase of the study are presented in a hypothetical rather than conclusive way, suggesting the special requirements of ISD in Africa.