Trust formation in information systems implementation in developing countries: The role of emancipatory expectations

This paper explores trust formation issues in information and communications technology projects in developing countries. My purpose in this study is to understand the stakeholder expectations in the implementation of information and communications technology for development projects (ICT4D). For this I study the computerization of a state agricultural marketing board in India. The board initiated the project in 2003 and by 2011-12, after massive investments, the project was abandoned. I started following this project in 2009, and collected data from the major stakeholder groups in form of semi structured interviews over a three year period. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and my overall approach is critical. It is suggested that expectations of emancipation should be satisfied along physical, social and informational dimensions.