Enabling Sustainability: Hierarchical Need-Based Framework for Promoting Sustainable Data Infrastructure in Developing Countries

David O. Yawson, Frederick A. Armah and Alex N. M. Pappoe
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David O. Yawson: School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Frederick A. Armah: Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Alex N. M. Pappoe: Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Sustainability, 2009, vol. 1, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: The paper presents thoughts on Sustainable Data Infrastructure (SDI) development, and its user requirements bases. It brings Maslow's motivational theory to the fore, and proposes it as a rationalization mechanism for entities (mostly governmental) that aim at realizing SDI. Maslow's theory, though well-known, is somewhat new in geospatial circles; this is where the novelty of the paper resides. SDI has been shown to enable and aid development in diverse ways. However, stimulating developing countries to appreciate the utility of SDI, implement, and use SDI in achieving sustainable development has proven to be an imposing challenge. One of the key reasons for this could be the absence of a widely accepted psychological theory to drive needs assessment and intervention design for the purpose of SDI development. As a result, it is reasonable to explore Maslow’s theory of human motivation as a psychological theory for promoting SDI in developing countries. In this article, we review and adapt Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework for the assessment of the needs of developing nations. The paper concludes with the implications of this framework for policy with the view to stimulating the implementation of SDI in developing nations.

Keywords: spatial data infrastructure; Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; motivation theory; sustainability; GIS; developing nations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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