Docs Repository M4HumanDev
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M-Health
A Doctor in your Pocket (2009)
Author: n/a
Publisher: The Economist, April 18, 2009.
Abstract
This Economist articles argues that the next great technology revolution in health care is now bubbling up from the villages of Africa and may in time benefit the rich world too. It is built on the astounding success of the most famous of all leapfrog technologies: the mobile phone.
Report Text-to-Change/AIDS Information Center: HIV/AIDS SMS Program Arua, Uganda (2009)
Author: AIC and TTC, May 2009
Abstract
Text to Change (TTC) and AIDS Information Centre Uganda (AIC) successfully performed a programme where they are using mobile phones for HIV education and motivate the public to go for HIV counselling and testing services. This was done in Arua a district in the North Western region of Uganda.
This report provides information regarding activities, approaches, achievements and challenges faced during implementation of the Text-to-Change programme from January 28th to February 2009 at AIC Arua Branch
EpiCollect: Linking SmartPhones to Web Applications for Epidemiology, Ecology and Community Data Collection (2009)
Author: David M. Aanensen, Derek M. Huntley, Edward J. Feil, Fada'a al-Own, Brian G. Spratt
Publisher: PLoS ONE, 2009.
Abstract
Data collection frameworks utilising mobile phones with data submission to and from central databases are widely applicable and can give a field worker similar display and analysis tools on their mobile phone that they would have if viewing the data in their laboratory via the web. This paper demonstrates their utility for epidemiological data collection and display, and briefly discuss their application in ecological and community data collection. Furthermore, such frameworks offer great potential for recruiting ‘citizen scientists’ to contribute data easily to central databases through their mobile phone.
M-Health for Development: The Opportunity of Mobile Technology for Healthcare in the Developing World (2009)
Author: Vital Wave Consulting
Publisher: UN Foundation-Vodaphone Foundation Partnership, 2009.
Abstract
Mounting interest in the field of mHealth—the provision of health-related services via mobile communications—can be traced to the evolution of several interrelated trends. In many parts of the world, epidemics and a shortage of healthcare workers continue to present grave challenges for governments and health providers. Yet in these same places, the explosive growth of mobile communications over the past decade offers a new hope for the promotion of quality healthcare. Among those who had previously been left behind by the ‘digital divide,’ billions now have access to reliable technology.
From the Relative To the Absolute Digital Divide in Developing Countries (2009)
Author: Jeffrey James
Publisher: Technological Forecasting & Social Change 76 (2009) 1124-1129.
Abstract
This paper argues that the literature on the digital divide is based heavily on relative rather than absolute magnitudes, although the latter has more welfare significance. The analysis aims to redress this gap in the literature for both mobile phones and the internet using a sample of more than sixty countries. The results are consistent with the findings from the literature on the adoption and diffusion of IT in developing countries, and Africa in particular.
Telecommunications Reform, Internet Use and Mobile Phone Adoption in the Developing World (2009)
Author: Philip N. Howard and Nimah Mazaheri
Publisher: World Development Vol. 37, No. 7 pp. 1159-1169, 2009.
Abstract
This paper argues that the best policy environment for the telecommunications sector is one maintained by an independent regulator that is not above representing the public interest or entering into public private partnerships to develop national information infrastructure. Holding other factors constant, privatizing the national telecommunications oper- ator only has a few demonstrable effects, and the effects are mixed. Liberalizing the market for consumer communications services and separating the telecommunications regulator from direct control by the executive branch of government are, for the most part, constructive policies for encouraging technology adoption. Yet over time, too little public policy oversight usually has a negative impact on technology adoption. Regulatory independence mitigates against the digital divide, but regulatory withdrawal exacerbates it.
Mobile Phones and Poverty Reduction: Technology Spending Patterns and Poverty Level Change among Households in Uganda (2008)
Author: Kathleen Diga
Publisher: Submitted at the Workshop on the Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social Development, San Paulo, Brazil, 2008.
Abstract
This case study examines the spending behaviour of households with mobile phones in rural Uganda and whether such strategies such as substitutions have affected the well-being of these community members. According to the findings, the challenges which rural households face include making sacrifices such as travel expenses and store- bought food budgets in order to pay the costs of mobile phone services. Findings also show that gender inequality through exacerbated asset control and mobile phone inexperience drive further digital divide in Katote, Uganda. However, in other cases, proliferation of small businesses development encourages phone ownership for women.
mHealth: A Developing Country Perspective (2008)
Authors: Saroj Mishra, Indra Pratap Singh
Publisher: Making the eHealth Connection: Global Partnerships, Local Solutions Conference of 2008 in Bellagio, Italy. July 13-August 8.
Abstract
This paper describes mHealth as one of the major challenges being faced by both medical practice and health care policies. It states that approximately 50%–60% of government services including primary health management can be delivered via mobile channel. This paper provides different scenarios of the implications of the development of mHealth, such as the need to examine the financing of mobile medical services and the challenge of clarifying the boundaries between physician services and so-called do-it-yourself medicine. The authors suggest that mobile providers may offer built-in access features for mHealth provision.
In this paper, the authors introduce current mobile monitoring and diagnosis and explain the potential evolution of further mobile access for mHealth applications. Additionally, they include some case studies from South Africa, Indonesia, and India. The authors conclude that the overall development of mHealth will be driven by consumer demand, possibly resulting from value-added service by the mobile phone industry, by health care policy makers, and, possibly, by technological advances in wireless broadband in the near future.
To conclude the paper they state that: "depending on the policy approach taken, mHealth could either be used to bolster the overall quality of health care by providing an immediate and reliable source of medical help, it could be used as a cheap surrogate for medical services, or it could be marketed as a value-added service paid for by mobile phone subscribers together with their monthly charges".
Clearly, the approach taken will determine whether mHealth reduces inequalities of access to health care services by making services available remotely and free or at low cost, or whether it widens inequalities by being marketed as a luxury for people willing and able to pay for a potentially high-cost additional service.
Mobile e-Health for health workers in developing countries (2007)
Author: Adesina Iluyemi
University of Portsmouth
Role of Mobile Phones in Increasing Accessibility and Efficiency in Healthcare (2006)
Author: Vodaphone Group
Publisher: The Vodaphone Policy Paper Series, No. 4, March 2006.
Abstract
This report explores the role of mobile phones in increasing the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare systems worldwide. The analysis highlights three areas where mobile technology can be used to improve healthcare: 1) tackling inefficiencies in service provision by improving communication between providers and users; 2) improving healthcare effectiveness through improved self-management and monitoring of patients with chronic conditions; and 3) increasing the ability of some hard-to-reach groups to access healthcare services.
mPedigree: Safer medication via mobile-based authentication (2006)
Author: mpedigree.org
Abstract
mPedigree has collaboratively developed mobile-based drug authentication and tracking technologies appropriate for developing nations. The phenomenal growth in mobile teledensity in such regions has led to innovative uses of the cell phone. Akin to the very popular scratch card method for replenishing cellular talk-time, users reveal a single-use code on drugs and text message it for free to a provisioned mobile shortcode identical on all cellular networks. There is no cost to the drug patron.
Social and Economic Development
A Wider Internet is Emerging 2009
Author: Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks
Publisher: Nokia, Expanding Horizons, issue 3 / 2009.
Abstract
There are currently more internet user in China than in the United states. What’s even more significant is that internet usage on mobile phones in China has increased over 30 percent since the beginning of year. While in India there are almost 120 million mobile connections capable of using wireless data.
Productivity, connectivity - one and the same thing? 2009
Author: Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks
Publisher: Nokia, Expanding Horizons, issue 2 / 2009.
Abstract
Every day, more than 1.8 million new mobile subscribers join the digital community. Out of all the emerging markets, it is the African nations collectively that enjoy the highest growth rate of mobile phone subscriptions. But the figures from China and India are also staggering.
The topics this issue covers are: affordability, infrastructure and service deployment, penetration and adoption of mobile telephony and Internet in the emergin markets in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Mobility transforming billions of lives: adding value with mobile services (2009)
Author: Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks
Publisher: Nokia, Expanding Horizons, issue 1 / 2009.
Abstract
This is a special issue with 100 pages with 33 interesting articles about mobile usage examples from around the emerging markets. The topics this issue covers are: rural connectivity, affordable mobility in emerging markets, microcredits, mobile communications taxation, solar power to recharge mobile batteries, affordable Internet, CellBazaar, m-banking, mobile money, mobile public services, m-health.
Blurring livelihoods and lives: The Social Uses of Mobile Phones and Socioeconomic Development (2009)
Author: Johathan Donner
Publisher: Journal Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 4, Issue 1, Winter 2009. Mobilizing Markets. pp. 91-101. MIT Press
Abstract
This paper focuses on how this intermingling oflives and livelihoods,as mediated by the mobile phone, figures into the micro-processes of economic development. It neither broadly elaborates the core contributions ofmobile phone use to economic development (synchronizing prices,expanding markets,reducing transport costs,etc.), nor suggests that one kind of mobile use is more important than another. Instead,it argues simply for a perspective on work and on livelihoods that is broad enough to account for (and perhaps even take advantage of) the social processes surrounding these activities.
India: The Impact of Mobile Phones (2009)
Publisher: Vodafone
Abstract
This study on India is part of the Vodafone Public Policy series launched in 2004. The aim is to provide a platform for leading experts to write on issues that are important
to Vodafone and which may help policy makers as they strive to provide a regulatory environment which stimulates growth and economic development.
The Impact of Mobile Telephony on Developing Country Micro-Enterprise: A Nigerian Case Study (2008)
Author: Abi Jagun, Richard Heeks, and Jason Whalley
Publisher: MIT Press Creative Commons, 2008.
Abstract
Mobile telephony may provide an opportunity to address informational asymmetry in markets to improve trade within micro-enterprise supply chains. This case study explores the impact of mobile phones on the cloth-weaving sector in Nigeria. The paper concludes that although mobile technology reduces the cost and risks by reducing the need for trade travel, these journeys and physical meetings are still necessary for trust building, design intensity, physical inspection and exchange, and interaction complexity.
Running Out Of Credit: The Limitations of Mobile Telephony in a Tanzanian Agricultural Marketing System (2008)
Author: Thomas Molony
Publisher: Journal of Modern African Studies, 46, 4 (2008) pp. 637-658.
Abstract
This paper considers the effects of mobile phones on traders of perishable foodstuffs operating between Tanzania’s Southern Highlands and Dar es Salaam’s wholesale market, with a particular focus on the importance of credit in the relationship between potato and tomato farmers and their wholesale buyers. It argues that the ability to communicate using these new information and communication technologies (ICTs) does not significantly alter the trust relationship between the two groups.
M-Powering India: Mobile Communications for Inclusive Growth (2008)
Author: Richard P. Adler and Mahesh Uppal (Rapporteurs)
Publisher: The Aspen Institute, 2008.
Abstract
The report details some successful and low cost mobile projects in rural India which have positively impacted their communities in both social and economic ways. One such innovative solution described is the Candlebox—a low cost, low power “webtop” device that uses mobile technology to provide wireless Internet access for various services including email, social networking, e-commerce and distance learning. This device is being developed by one of the sponsors, Qualcomm, in conjunction with NIIT, the largest private educator in India, as a result of a discussion at the 2007 Aspen Joint Conference regarding access for learning technologies in India’s rural areas.
Does Digital Divide or Provide? The Impact of Cell Phones on Grain Markets in Niger (2008)
Author: Jenny Aker
Publisher: Center for Global Development, Working Paper Number 154, October 2008.
Abstract
Due partly to costly information, price dispersion across markets is common in developed and developing countries. Between 2001 and 2006, cell phone service was phased in throughout Niger, providing an alternative and cheaper search technology to grain traders and other market actors. In this paper, the authors construct a novel theoretical model of sequential search, in which traders engage in optimal search for the maximum sales price, net transport costs.
The Role of Mobile Phones in Tanzania’s Informal Construction Sector: The Case of Dar es Salaam (2008)
Author: Thomas Molony
Publisher: Urban Forum (2008) 19: 175-186.
Abstract
This paper explores how mobile phones are being used by informal construction workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It reveals that ownership of mobile phones is stratified along employment lines. This observation acts as a good indicator of what is now perhaps the biggest split in employment in many developing economies: a split between a stratum of employers and middlemen (who in Dar es Salaam’s informal construction sector are also mostly using mobile phones), and a stratum of employees, apprentices, family labourers and marginal-owner operators (who are generally not using mobile phones). The applicability of government policy on information and communication technology (ICT) is assessed in the context of these findings. This leads to the suggestion that since Tanzania’s small-enterprise development policy concentrates on use of the internet, much of this is irrelevant to the majority of informal-sector construction enterprises which – when they do use ICT – rely almost exclusively on mobile phones as a significant cost-saving device.
Affordability of Mobile Phone Service in Latin America (2007)
Authors: Roxana Barrantes, Aileen Agüero, Hernan Galperin, Andrea Molinari
Publisher: DIRSI
Abstract
This study aims at contributing to the discussion about the regulatory tools that could improve access to telephone services by the poor. The authors analyze the costs
and alternatives the poor face when buying telephone services, as well as the level of expenditure this represents in their consumption basket. In other words,
they seek to evaluate the affordability of telephone services (and of mobile telephony in particular) among the poor. Further, the authors also try to identify changes in the regulatory framework and business practices of the operators that could expand the current market frontier
Research Approaches to Mobile Use in the Developing World: A Review of the Literature (2007)
Author: Jonathan Donner
Publisher: Microsoft Research India
The Transformational Potential of M-Transactions (2007)
Author: Vodafone (Public Policy Series Number 6 - July 2007)
Abstract
The aim of this report is to contribute to thinking about potential social and economic impact of m-transactions, addressing some of the drivers of current activity and looking
at various related policy aspects, both now and in the future.
Cell phones and places: The use of mobile technologies in Brazil (2007)
Author: Adriana de Souza e Silva
Publisher: From H. J. Miller (ed.), Societies and Cities in the Age of Instant Access, 295-310, 2007.
Abstract
This paper is an early exploration of the reasons for the exponential growth and social uses of mobile technologies in Brazil, a developing country, with wide- ranging social and economic diversity. This study aims at contextualizing three research questions to the Brazilian situation: (1) How do low income communities appropriate technology in unusual ways based on price policies and technology availability? (2) To what degree does the increasingly pervasiveness of cell phones transform them into social collective technologies? (3) How the initial idea of the digital divide should be redefined when cell phones replace not only landlines, but also personal computers?
Pro Poor Mobile Capabilities: Service Offering in Latin America and the Caribbean (2007)
Author: Kim Mallalieu
Publisher: DIRSI
Abstract
This paper establishes the background for analytical and empirical examinations of mobile opportunities and service capabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The analytical and empirical studies will form the basis of a regional assessment and, ultimately, to recommendations for meaningful pro-poor policy, regulatory and project interventions in the region.
Social Impact of Mobile Telephony in Latin America (2006)
Author: Frost & Sullivan
Abstract
This study analyzes the impact of mobile telephones on rural and semi-urban areas in Latin America. There has been a lot of debate on the positive economic impact in economic terms of investments in mobile telephony in the region, mainly translated in the deployment of networks and offering of new services. This phenomenon has consequently had an effect on rural and semi-urban communities, which have benefited from the extension of mobile networks undertaken by operators. It is interesting to learn which have been the main drivers in the adoption of this technology, as well as the benefits it brings to these communities.
Diffusion of Digital Mobile Telephony: Are Developing Countries Different? (2004)
Author: Petri Rouvinen
Publisher: World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER), Research Paper No. 2004/13, February 2004.
Abstract
Factors determining the diffusion of digital mobile telephony across developed and developing countries are studied with the aid of a Gompertz model. After controlling for other factors, the speed of diffusion per se is not significantly different between the two groups of countries. Standards competition hinders and market competition promotes diffusion in both groups. Various factors are, however, more important in a developing country context: having a large potential user base, accumulating network effects, being open, commanding a high (non-telecom) technological level, and introducing innovation(s) complementing mobile telephony. Late entrants experience faster diffusion promoting cross-country convergence.
From Networks to Uses Patterns: The Digital Divide as Seen from Africa (2004)
Author: Annie Cheneau-Loquay
Publisher: GeoJournal (2007) 68: 55-70.
Abstract
This paper gives an account of the work carried out in the AFRICA’NTI research network, which gathered together a hundred, mostly African, researchers. The results were presented at the conference on “the North–South Digital Divide” in 2003 and 2004 (see www.africanti.org). From network to uses patterns, it first questions the way in which the subject is defined. This is a controversial question; should we speak of a “ditch” rather than of “fracture”? This depends on the point of view, but also on the geopolitical situation, and is difficult to measure. The digital divide may be less important than it is usually believed. This paper presents several types of approaches dealing with the opportunities of new technologies for Africa, geographical aspects stressing the diversity of the situations considered, and the importance of a multilevel systemic analysis based on case studies. It is shown that a slow down in the dynamics of equipment has been observed in Africa for both mobile telephony and the Internet. This then raises the question of a risk of regression for the continent, based on the idea that inequalities in access and uses of ICTs matter less than whether these uses improve the living conditions of the poor people concerned.
Assessing Cell Phone Usage in a South African Township School
Author: Tino Kreutzer
Publisher: University of Cape Town, Centre for Film and Media Studies
Abstract:
This paper reports a pilot study, which surveyed two grade 11 classes at an urban school in Samora Machel in Cape Town, South Africa. The school serves a low-income township community. The students reported intensive use of cell phones, at a level which overshadows their use of less widely accessible technologies such as desktop computers. Notably, the extensive use of mobile Internet applications which students reported suggests that many young urban South Africans first access the Internet via their phones, and that their concepts of the Internet may consequently be strongly shaped by a distinct set of mobile applications.
The New Economy and Developing Countries: Assessing the Role of ICT Diffusion (2002)
Author: Mina Baliamoune-Lutz
Publisher: World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER), Discussion Paper No. 202/77, August 2002.
Abstract
This paper explores the nature and direction of the links between ICT diffusion and per capita income, trade and financial indicators, education, and freedom indicators. Internet hosts, Internet users, personal computers and mobile phones represent indicators of ICT. The Gompertz model of technology diffusion is used to study ICT dissemination. The results show that income and government trade policies influence ICT diffusion. Depending on the ICT indicator, freedom indices may or may not affect ICT diffusion. Moreover, only personal computers and Internet hosts seem to have a positive influence on income. Contrary to expectations, ICT diffusion does not seem to enhance education.
The Use of Mobile Phones by Microentrepreneurs in Kigali, Rwanda: Changes to Social and Business Networks
Author: Jonathan Donner
Publisher: Information Technologies and International Development, Vol. 3, No. 2, Winter 2006, 3-19.
Abstract: A survey in Kigali, Rwanda, suggests that mobiles are allowing microentrepreneurs to develop new business contacts. The results detail the impact of mobile ownership on the social networks of microentrepreneurs in low-teledensity areas, focusing on the evolving mix of business and personal calls made by users.
The Digital Provide: Information (Technology) Market Performance and the Welfare of the South Indian Fisheries Sector
Author: Robert Jensen
Publisher: The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Volume CXXII, Issue 3, August 2007.
Abstract: Adoption of mobile phones by fishermen and wholesalers in Kerala, India results in a dramatic reduction in price dispersion, the complete elimination of waste, and near-perfect adherence to the law of one price. Both consumer and producer welfare increased.
Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement on the Move: How Mobile Media Can Serve the Public Good (2008)
Author: J.D. Lasica (Rapporteur)
Publisher: The Aspen Institute, 2008.
Abstract
This paper looks at how leading edge practitioners are using mobile media to engage citizens to solve problems, bridge differences and strengthen community. This report details the hallmarks of successful mobile campaigns around civic engagement and provides case studies of several successful and emerging initiatives, including several resulting from the Aspen Institute Roundtable on Mobile Media and Civic Engagement.
Wireless Technologies for Social Change: Trends in Mobile Use by NGOs (20008)
Author: Sheila Kinkade and Katrin Verclas
Publisher: The Vodaphone Group Foundation and the UN Foundation Partnership, Access to Communication Publication Series, Volume 2, 2008.
Abstract
This report sets out to explore the ways that NGOs and other groups deploy and use mobile technology in their work to help solve some of the world's greatest problems. It provides a view into how a number of organizations are using mobile technology to achieve social impact. The selected case studies highlight significant innovations, opportunities, and emerging trends, as well as the obstacles, in the use of mobile technology to advance social goals.
Governing Through Global Networks: Knowledge Mobilities and Participatory Development (2008)
Author: Suzan Ilcan and Lynne Phillips
Publisher: Current Sociology, September 2008, Vol. 56(5): 711-735.
Abstract
Drawing on the work of contemporary theorists of governmentality, the authors argue that global knowledge networks facilitate the movement of knowledge across space and time, and adjoin particular principles as a means of governing. These networks operate as mobile technologies of government, and seek to manage the objects of development, prescribe proper conduct and cultivate active agents and citizens through participatory development activities.
SMS As a Tool in Election Observation (2008)
Author: Ian Schuler
Publisher: Innovations, MIT Press. Spring 2008, Vol. 3, No. 2, Pages 143-157
Abstract
This article analyses the use of SMS as tool in election observation and raises the question about a possible use of SMS in pre and post election scenarios. The author understands the key characteristic of SMS for this type of applications, the speed ofcommunication and processing, the flexibility, and the coverage SMS can provide gives monitoring organizations a powerful tool for organizing volunteers and responding instantly to an evolving election environment. Ian Schuller states that these features allow groups to quickly collect a rich dataset of election information and when combined with a reporting methodology that uses a representative sample of polling stations, SMS reporting can contribute to deep understainding of how elections were conducted across the country and whether the results reflect the will of the people.
This article describes the case of Indonesian and Palestinian elections and the impact of SMS during these processes. Along this article he provides good examples of best cases and some issues and challenges faced when implementing SMS-based election monitoring.
Mobile phones, human rights and social justice in Africa (2007)
Author: Fahamu
Abstract
Research for this report indicates a broad uptake of mobile phones by civil society organizations involved in human rights and social justice issues in Africa. This usage is taking
place across a range of countries and sectors. While our understanding of the use of mobile phones was previously based on our own involvement in the sector and previous internet research to identify projects, it now appears as if this usage is far more extensive than we had previously thought. Given the limited amount of time taken to compile this report and the fact that our call for expressions of interest was distributed electronically and not through any widespread advertising campaign, it seems fair to assume that the projects identified through this report only touch the surface. Although over 50 organisations were identified who were using mobile phones or where interested in using them, the number could in reality be several hundred.
Numerous cases showcasing diverse examples of how mobile phone technology is being used in Africa can be found on the internet. However, research for this report also showed a sizeable number of organisations who are quietly using the technology with little fanfare, or who are aware of the possibilities of mobile technology and are interested in applying it in their work.
Not surprisingly seeing as though the growth of mobile phones has been driven by the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and the push by large multinational companies for profits, costs associated with handsets, call and SMS charges are a major blockage to more widespread uptake of mobile phones, while the diversification of network providers in Africa means that a situation can still arise in some countries where people cannot call acrossnetworks. The lack of electricity in rural areas makes it difficult for organisations to maintain permanent contact with members because phone batteries run dry and owners have to walk long distances to charge their handsets. And even though the mobile phone has penetrated rural areas, organisations have faced problems developing strategies to communicate effectively in situations where there may be only one mobile phone for an entire village.
From the examples in this report, its clear that the wildfire spread of mobile phones in Africa has major implications for human rights and social justice work in terms of an increased ability to communicate, network, advocate and engage in a variety of service-provider functions. However, a challenge remains in further promoting the many uses of the mobile phone amongst CSOs, developing technological capacity and skill and overcoming the problems discussed above.
Using Mobile Phones in Electoral and Voter Registration Campaigns (2006)
Authors: Michael Stain
Publisher: Mobile Active
Abstract
Mobile phones have enormous potential in electoral, voter registration, and election monitoring campaigns. With 3 billion phones in circulation around the world, in many countries mobile phones are the easiest and least expensive way to communicate and are far more pervasive than the Internet. Mobile phones have been used for systematic election monitoring in Nigeria, Macedonia, Sierra Leon, and Kenya, among women voters in Saudi Arabia, and in popular uprisings in the Ukraine and South Korea. In the 2004 U.S. election, almost 10,000 people started their voter registration process through a mobile campaign. While the use of mobile phones in elections and voter registration campaigns is still in an experimental stage, a lot has been learned about the characteristics of successful campaigns. In this guide we will share these findings with you, along with case studies, and other information organizations can use to run their own mobile campaigns.
Environment, Climate Change and Food Crisis
New Approaches to Environmental Monitoring: The Use of ICT to Explore Volunteered Geographic Information
Author: Cristina Gouveia and Alexandra Fonseca
Publisher: GeoJournal (2008) 72: 185-197.
Abstract
Citizen participation in environmental monitoring is not a new idea. However, recent developments in information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the social web and the miniaturization of sensors, have created new opportunities to promote citizen participation in environmental monitoring. The analysis of existing citizen initiatives that use ICT tools, identified the need for a framework conceptualizing ways to increase the contribution of volunteered geographic data in environmental monitoring. Environmental Collaborative Monitoring Networks (ECMN) are proposed in this paper as a framework that combines the concepts of traditional environmental monitoring networks with the ideals of the open source movement. Such framework can guide the creation of fixed and mobile monitoring networks and is organized based on three building blocks: (1) Motivated Citizens; (2) Sensing Devices; and (3) Back-End Information Infrastructure. To illustrate the issues involved in the implementation of the building blocks of ECMN, the Senses@Watch project is presented, which explored the use of sensory data as a source of monitoring data.
Flood, famine and mobile phones (2007)
Publisher: The Economist
Abstract
Technology completely alters the way humanitarian work is done, according to the World Food Programme (WFP), a United Nations body that is the single largest distributor of food aid. Once upon a time, when disaster struck, big agencies would roll up with grain, blankets and medicine and start handing them out. Victims would struggle to the relief camps, if they could. For aid workers (let alone recipients) there was no easy way to talk to head office. Now, when an emergency occurs, the first people on the ground are often computer geeks, setting up telephone networks so other aid agencies can do their stuff. Donors keep track of supplies on spreadsheets and send each other SMS messages.
