Systems Usability in Developing Countries: Case of Computing Use in Guinea

Abstract

This article critically analyzes a project executed for the John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program which provides technical assistance with volunteers from the United States to farmers, agricultural institutions, and government organizations involved in agriculture such as the Ministry of Agriculture. In Guinea, the focus is on computer literacy as more sectors of agriculture rely on computing technology. These skills range from basic computing tasks such as creating databases to more advanced items such as programming global positional systems. This study looks at findings, based on the analysis of the system usability scale results from a sample of 16 participants. The findings demonstrated that the training proved to be effective for the participants and continued training is necessary. As a result of training, 62.5% of the participants ranked above average, as opposed to 43.6% prior to training.