Abstract
Development organizations and International Non-Governmental Organizations have been emphasizing the high potential of Free and Open Source Software for the Less Developed Countries. Cost reduction, less vendor dependency and increased potential for local capacity development have been their main arguments. In spite of its advantages, Free and Open Source Software is not widely adopted at the African continent. In this book the authors will explore the grounds on with these expectations are based. Where do they come from and is there evidence to support these expectations? Over the past years several projects have been initiated and some good results have been achieved, but at the same time many challenges were encountered. What lessons can be drawn from these experiences and do these experiences contain enough evidence to support the high expectations? Several projects and their achievements will be considered. In the final part of the book the future of Free and Open Source Software for Development will be explored. Special attention is given to the African continent since here challenges are highest. What is the role of Free and open Source Software for Development and how do we need to position and explore the potential? What are the threats? The book aims at professionals that are engaged in the design and implementation of ICT for Development (ICT4D) projects and want to improve their understanding of the role Free and Open Source Software can play.

Victor van Reijswoud finished his formal education with a Ph.D. in information systems from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. After an extensive career in academia and industry in Europe he got involved in ICT for Development as professor at Uganda Martyrs University in Uganda and Université Lumière de Bujumbura in Burundi. Through experience he observed the potential role that FOSS might play in development. He has initiated several FOSS migration projects in LDC's and has been acting as invited speaker at FOSS and ICT4D related conferences. Currently he is active as independent ICT4D advisor, researcher and professor at Divine Word University in Madang – Papua New Guinea. In these capacities he aims to share his experiences and build a more open world. Dr Van Reijswoud resides in Port Moresby.

Arjan de Jager studied Physics and Mathematics at the University in Utrecht in the Netherlands. After his studies he worked as lecturer Computer Science in the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. From 1998 to 2008 he worked as Country Manager for the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD – www.iicd.org) in The Hague in the Netherlands. He has been working on ICT projects in Uganda, Tanzania, Mali and Zambia. Recently he joined the Centre for Expertise (HEC – www.hec.nl) as senior advisor responsible for ICT and Policy Development in the public sector.