59 59 participatory learning and action

59 Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development

59 tagging communication Bandwidth technology Community civil society innovation Development Publishing knowledge ICT4DEV blogging 59 Web 2.0 activism Content Connectivity mash-up social change Collaboration participatory wiki blogosphere aggregator Remote RSS networks mobile 59 Web2forDev social bookmarking 59 file sharing 59 participatory learning and action

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THEME SECTION CONTENTS

PART I: OVERVIEW ...... 7 1. Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development Holly Ashley, Jon Corbett, Ben Garside, Dave Jones and Giacomo Rambaldi...... 8 2. The two hands of Web2forDev: a conference summary Chris Addison ...... 21

PART II: STUDIES OF WEB 2.0 TOOLS ...... 27 3. Exploring the potentials of blogging for development Christian Kreutz...... 28 4. Web 2.0 tools to promote social networking for the Forest Connect alliance Duncan Macqueen ...... 34 5. Promoting information-sharing in Ghana using video blogging Prince Deh...... 40 6. Mobile phones: the silver bullet to bridge the digital divide? Roxanna Samii...... 44

PART III: ISSUE-BASED STUDIES...... 51 7. Anti social-computing: indigenous language, digital video and intellectual property Jon Corbett and Tim Kulchyski ...... 52 8. Tools for enhancing knowledge-sharing in agriculture: improving rural livelihoods in Uganda Ednah Akiiki Karamagi and Mary Nakirya...... 59 9. Ushahidi or ‘testimony’: Web 2.0 tools for crowdsourcing crisis information Ory Okolloh...... 65 10. Web 2.0 for Aboriginal cultural survival: a new Australian outback movement Jon Corbett, Guy Singleton and Kado Muir ...... 71

PART IV: THEORY AND REFLECTION ON PRACTICE ...... 79 11. Circling the point: from ICT4D to Web 2.0 and back again Anriette Esterhuysen ...... 80 12. Web 2.0 tools for development: simple tools for smart people Ethan Zuckerman ...... 87 13. The Web2forDev story: towards a community of practice Anja Barth and Giacomo Rambaldi...... 95

PART V: TIPS FOR TRAINERS Web 2.0 tools: a series of short introductions Holly Ashley, Dave Jones and Luigi Assom with Jon Corbett, Ben Garside, Christian Kreutz, Kevin Painting, Duncan Macqueen and Giacomo Rambaldi ...... 105 • Blogging ...... 106 • Micro-blogging and Twitter...... 108 • Wikis ...... 110

1 2 CONTENTS RCPLA Network In Touch Editorial REGULARS ...... GlossaryofWeb 2.0 terms ...... • Socialbookmarking • ...... 117 Tagging ...... • RSSfeeds ...... • Onlinesocialnetworking • ...... 3 ...... 125 ...... 134 121 119 115 112 blogspot.com blog. Source: www.rsamii. phones onherpersonal her articleonmobile Samii hasalsopublished PLA 59 authorRoxanna editorial

Welcome to issue 59 of Participatory steadily increasing. All our subscribers based on presentations made at EDITORIAL Learning and Action. have free access to new and recent the the international Web2forDev We would first of all like to thank issues of PLA online, as soon as they conference, 25th–27th September our readers for their patience. PLA 59 are published. Why not visit the 2007 at the Food and Agriculture is the December 2008 issue although IngentaConnect website and activate Organisation (FAO) headquarters in it was actually published in June your online subscription?2 Rome, Italy.3 4 2009. We hope that you find it was We have also been working hard The conference was the first worth the wait! on the next issue. PLA 60 will be a international event focusing This year promises to see some special edition on community-based specifically on how Web 2.0 tools exciting developments for the PLA adaptation to climate change and will could be used to the advantage of series. We are planning a major be published in time for the next Southern development actors, programme of monitoring and United Nations Climate Change operating in the sectors of evaluation activities as well as a Conference Copenhagen (COP15) in agriculture, rural development and review of the format of the series, December 2009. natural resource management. including our website. The aim is to While all of the articles included in The articles in this special issue ensure that PLA is a leading resource this edition are themed, PLA 61 will have been peer-reviewed by for participatory practitioners in style, be a collection of articles of general members of the Participatory format and content. We will update interest. Please continue to send us Learning and Action series our readers about forthcoming your contributions! Guidelines for International Editorial Advisory activities in the next issue. authors can be found on the inside Board. We are also very grateful to In addition, in November 2008 we back cover of each issue. members of the Web2forDev had a successful launch of issue 57 Conference Steering Committee Immersions: learning about poverty Themed section for their comments and reviews. face-to-face, which was held at the The cover image for this issue UK Department for International Change at hand: depicts two hands supporting a Development (DfID) in London. The Web 2.0 for development ‘tag cloud’ – a collection of launch included a short ActionAid This special issue has been co- keywords or terms generated by film, ‘Immersions in action, Uganda – published by the International Internet users to describe online personal and host family experiences,’ Institute for Environment and content.5 The tags represent both introduced by Kate Carroll (ActionAid), Development (IIED) and the Technical Web 2.0 tools for development as well as presentations and a panel Centre for Agricultural and Rural and some of the most popular discussion. We are grateful to Josh Cooperation EU-ACP (CTA). keywords or tags that are used to Levene of Praxis-UK for helping to There are dozens of emerging describe them. The hands organise the event, Mark Robinson of interactive web services and represent the potential benefits DfID for chairing the discussions and applications, sometimes referred to as that come from the participation of to panel members Robert Chambers the ‘participatory’, ‘social’ or ‘read- 3 The organisations involved were: Technical Centre (IDS), Dee Jupp (independent social write’ web, but more commonly for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation EU-ACP development consultant), Sonja known as Web 2.0. Together, they are (CTA), International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD), Food and Agriculture Ruparel (ActionAid) and Katy Oswald radically changing the ways we Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), German (IDS). For those of you with online create, share, collaborate and publish Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific access, this issue is now available to digital information through the Group of States (ACP Secretariat), Association for download free of charge online.1 Internet. These new technical Progressive Communications (APC), University of British Columbia Okanagan, International Fund for Since 2007, recent issues of PLA opportunities bring challenges as well Agricultural Development (IFAD), Consultative have also been published online with as opportunities that we need to Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Euforic and IngentaConnect. Since then, understand and grasp. Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR). downloads of free material has been Most of the themed articles are 4 The term ‘Web2forDev’ is short for participatory Web 2.0 tools for development. 5 For a definition of ‘tags’ and ‘tag clouds’ see the 1 2 See: http://tinyurl.com/pla57 See: http://tinyurl.com/plaonline glossary on p.123.

3 EDITORIAL

Participants and panellists at a plenary session at the Web2forDev conference. (IIED), where he has been working on global food and agricultural research and policy projects. Ben is currently working on a pilot project to explore the use of Web 2.0 tools to facilitate devolved collaborative working in EDITORIAL development. He is also leading a new IIED project on how to better measure the impacts of ICTs and their impact on livelihoods for the poorest, including combining new and traditional communications techniques to reach non-literate marginalised groups. Giacomo Rambaldi is senior programme coordinator at the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation EU-ACP (CTA) based in Wageningen, the Photo: Giacomo Rambaldi Photo: Netherlands. CTA operates in 78 ACP people brought together using these tools that are used by communities to Countries. Giacomo has 27 years of tools. For the guest editors, this help express their relationship to, and professional experience in Africa, Latin special issue was an opportunity to knowledge of, their territories and America, Asia, the Pacific and the help ‘demystify’ Web 2.0 and resources. Specifically, Jon's research Caribbean where he worked for a Web2forDev and share learning and interests explore how digital number of international organisations reflections. We hope that it will help multimedia technologies can be including the Food and Agricultural to bring Web2forDev to a wider effectively combined with maps to be Organisation of the United Nations audience of development used by remote and marginal (FAO), Italian Aid to Development, the practitioners and academics: inspiring communities to document, store, ASEAN Regional Center for you to give Web 2.0 tools a go and manage and communicate their Biodiversity Conservation and the share your successes and challenges. culture, language, history and Asian Development Bank. Giacomo traditional ecological knowledge has been active on the Internet since Introducing the guest editors (TEK). Jon’s research also examines 1999 when he launched his first The guest editors for this special issue how using these technologies can website.6 He coordinated the are Jon Corbett, Ben Garside, strengthen communities through the organisation of the Web2forDev 2007 Giacomo Rambaldi and Holly Ashley. revitalisation of culture and traditional international conference and has since Jon Corbett is an assistant environmental management been involved in exploring and professor at the Centre for Social, practices, as well as externally promoting innovation in the domain Spatial and Economic Justice at the through increasing their influence of online collaboration and publishing. University of British Columbia over regional decision-making Unusually for a special issue of Okanagan, Canada, and also a processes. PLA, series co-editor Holly Ashley is member of the Web2forDev Steering Ben Garside is a researcher with a also one of the guest editors. Holly Committee. Jon Corbett is also an strong background in information and previously worked closely with Jon assistant professor in the Community, communication technology, including and Giacomo on PLA 54 and was Culture and Global Studies Unit at participatory web development. Ben invited to attend the Web2forDev UBC Okanagan. Jon’s community- works with the Sustainable Markets conference as part of the conference based research investigates Group at the International Institute participatory mapping processes and for Environment and Development 6 See: www.iapad.org

4 EDITORIAL

Members of the Web2forDev conference media team meet. From left to right: Liliane Kambirigi, Pierre Antonios, Hilde Eugelink, Noel Kokou Tadégnon, Gnona Afangbedji and Brenda Zulu.

David Satterthwaite works in the EDITORIAL field of poverty reduction and environmental problems in urban areas. He is a senior fellow at IIED and also on the teaching staff of the Development Planning Unit (University College London) and Honorary Professor, University of Hull. He is also the Editor of Environment and Urbanization, a leading international journal on urban development issues. His current work is on the potential role of urban poor federations to address their needs and develop partnerships with government agencies – and on why the scale and depth of urban poverty is under-estimated by most governments and international

Photo: Jon Corbett Jon Photo: agencies. He contributed to the Third media team, interviewing participants online and further information. A and Fourth Assessments of the and writing reports for the conference glossary describing Web 2.0 tools and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate blog. Prior to the conference, Holly concepts is also included on page 123. Change and received the Volvo had limited experience in using Web Environment Prize in 2004. 2.0 tools for development. The REGULAR FEATURES Cath Long started with IIED in conference provided an exciting April this year. Before this, Cath opportunity to learn more about and In touch worked with forest communities and experience first-hand many of the Much of our In Touch section is people using forests in Africa, Latin numerous Web 2.0 tools and their devoted to online resources related to America and the UK for over 15 potential application in development, Web 2.0 tools for development – years. Cath has lived and worked in as well as learning more about the including information about the new Uganda, South Africa and Sierra emerging Web2forDev community of Web2forDev Development Gateway. Leone and for the past seven years practice. This is a new initiative which aims to has worked closely with partners in act as a starting point for Web 2.0 the Congo Basin region and in the Tips for trainers learning and sharing experience in the Andean Amazon (principally in Peru). context of development work. Her work has always been focused on Web 2.0 tools: a series of short supporting forest people to secure introductions RCPLA pages their rights to control and use forest In this issue, we present a series of Find out the latest news from partners resources and protect their forests. short introductions to a selection of and colleagues from the Resource Cath has a PhD in forest ecology and Web 2.0 tools and concepts. Drawing Centres for Participatory Learning and a long history of working with on lessons learnt from articles in the Action Network. community-led groups on practical special issue and other resources, forest management projects as well as these introductions give a brief Strategic Editorial Advisory Board campaigning and advocacy on forest description of each tool and how they news rights. can be used for development We are pleased to welcome two new We also say farewell – but not purposes, along with links to where members to the PLA strategic editorial goodbye – to Peter Taylor from the applications can be downloaded board. Participation, Power and Social

5 EDITORIAL

Change (PPSC) team at IDS. Peter is Forthcoming: PLA 59 English and climate change, and is guest edited by joining IDRC in Ottawa, Canada. French multimedia CD-ROM Rachel Berger of Practical Action at Peter has been an active member of In addition to this special issue, we will the Schumacher Centre for our strategic editorial board for the be producing a multimedia CD-ROM. Technology and Development, Terry last year. However, Peter will remain It will contain PDF versions of articles Cannon and Hannah Reid of IIED’s on our international advisory board so from this special issue in English and Climate Change Group, with EDITORIAL we look forward to working with him French as well as other key multimedia Mozaharul Alam. again in the near future. resources, including video and audio clips. Selected articles will also be Final thoughts New International Advisory Board available in Spanish. Copies will be free We would like to thank both the member to subscribers of PLA. This issue will authors and guest editors who have We are pleased to welcome Jasber also be available via the CTA online contributed so much to this special Singh to our international advisory catalogue.7 Subscribers to the CTA issue. Producing this special issue has board. Jasber recently co-guest Publications Distribution Service can not been without its challenges. edited PLA 58: Towards empowered order both the printed and CD-ROM Several of the case studies featured participation: stories and reflections. versions with their credit points. here recount what are relatively new Jasber is a visiting research fellow for experiences of working with Web 2.0 the International Institute for About CTA tools – within a relatively new Environment and Development and The Technical Centre for Agricultural community of practice. As such, Newcastle University. Jasber learnt and Rural Cooperation EU-ACP (CTA) several authors found it a challenge to the nuances of participation with was established in 1983 under the provide in-depth analysis and critical British youth minorities in the North Lomé Convention between the ACP reflections of their experiences. To an of England. Here he used techniques (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Group extent, the authors here are pioneers, such as participatory video, sport and of States and the European Union exploring the field while many of us music with young minorities to Member States. Since 2000, it has may remain hesitant to embark on our analyse and change their lives and to operated within the framework of the own Web2forDev journey. As Anja effectively deal with racism. He was ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement. CTA’s Barth and Giacomo Rambaldi note in also Deputy Director of Cooperative tasks are to develop and provide their article about the conference, Inquiry for Newcastle University services that improve access to developing a range of participatory information for agricultural and rural The greatest challenge that most projects on science and development, and to strengthen the practitioners identified was environmental issues. Recently he capacity of ACP countries to produce, encouraging organisations to adopt worked with an NGO to develop acquire, exchange and utilise Web 2.0 applications and implement environmental justice programmes information in this area. CTA is funded a ‘Web2forDev’ culture across the with marginalised British youth in by the European Commission. development arena – and more inner-city London. Currently he is CTA, Postbus 380, 6700 AJ importantly, in the South. based in India with two NGOs using Wageningen, The Netherlands a participatory action research Website: www.cta.int We hope that this special issue approach to investigate the interplay provides a useful reference and between food sovereignty and Next issue learning tool for those of you who energy productions (agro-fuels) with PLA 60 will be a special issue on wish to learn more about marginalised communities. community-based adaptation to Web2forDev.

7 See: http://catalogue-en.cta.int

6 THEME SECTION 7 describes how the concept of explore the use of Web 2.0 tools for development explore the use of Web Part I: Overview Part I: issue provide an introduction to The two articles in Part I of this special and share learning and 2.0 and the concept of Web2forDev Web reflections on practice. BEN GARSIDE JONES, DAVID JON CORBETT, ASHLEY, In the first article, HOLLY RAMBALDI and GIACOMO are 2.0 tools Web of Web2forDev. – and introduce readers to the concept share, collaborate and publish radically changing the ways we create, 2.0 for Participatory Web digital information through the Internet. for short – is a way of employing web development – or Web2forDev and online services to intentionally improve information-sharing 2.0 presents us with new collaboration for development. Web challenges – that we need to better opportunities for change – as well as learning and reflections from understand and grasp. The authors share 2.0 for for using Web practice and consider the ways forward development. In the second article, CHRIS ADDISON Web2forDev can be visualised as an image of two hands. The left hand Web2forDev 2.0 tools. The right hand represents the issues represents the main Web considering people, access, we need to address when using them, participation, content, and impact. Based on the reflections of the Chris discusses issues such as access conference participants, Web2forDev new tools are developed – and the ‘scale of change’ as and connectivity, need to be interdisciplinary. 2.0 how approaches to using Web Theme sectionTheme 8 THEME SECTION 1 yHLYAHE,JNCRET AEJNS E ASD n ICM RAMBALDI GIACOMO and GARSIDE BEN JONES, DAVE CORBETT, JON ASHLEY, HOLLY by Web 2.0fordevelopment Change athand: nology (ICT)thatwascreated for–andthrivesonthe perspectives’ (ChristianKreutz , thisissue). participate in‘weavingawebof knowledge,informationand transparent andaccountable, becauseusersthemselves 1). – usingtoolsthatare typically free orlow-costtouse(seeBox to amore participatoryapproach toonlinecommunication approach toinformation-sharing, shiftingfrom atop-down contrast, Web 2.0tools herald anew, more informal on emaildiscussionlistsandweb-basedmessageforums.In either thecontentoritsproducers. Interactivityresided mainly websites were static,withusers unabletointeractonlinewith archical approach todisseminatinginformation.Most through theInternet. create, share, collaborateonandpublishdigitalinformation Web 2.0.Together, theyare radicallychangingthewayswe ‘social’ or‘read-write’ web,butmore commonlyknown as applications, sometimesreferred toasthe‘participatory’, There are dozensofemerginginteractivewebservices and Introduction includes applications, platformsandservices. 1 Throughout thisspecialissue,wemakereference toWeb 2.0‘tools’, which 1 Web 2.0isaformofinformationcommunicationtech- The firstgenerationofwebsitesrepresented amostlyhier- For Web 2.0advocates,these applicationsare alsomore was heldatthe FoodandAgriculture Organisation (FAO) Participatory Web 2.0forDevelopment,or‘Web2forDev’ conferencemulate. InSeptember2007,the international on andexperiencehasstartedtoaccu- work, abodyoflearning patory developmentandtoexperiment withthemintheir the hugepotentialofWeb 2.0toolsforpromoting partici- • thechallenges,and critical analysisofthelessonslearnt, • the practical outcomesofsuchapproaches; and • how these are integratedwithWeb 2.0applications; • the qualityofmethodsandprocesses ofparticipation • the underlyingprocesses involvedinimplementingand and informedchoices: better understandandgraspinorder tomakeconsidered tunities forchange–aswellchallengesthatweneedto Web 2.0toolsandapproaches present uswithnewoppor- communication. Yet asthetitleforthisspecialissuesuggests, appropriate thanmore traditionalICTs oranyotherformof not tosaythatWeb 2.0toolsare somehowbetteror more participation ofpeopleandempowermentusers.Thisis ways forward. used; of powerintheprocess and theimpactofparticipation; using Web 2.0applications, givingconsiderationtoissues As developmentpractitionershavebegantorecognise 9

1 THEME SECTION Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development 2.0 for Web at hand: Change For the guest editors, this special issue was an opportu- Part III, the articles focus on the integration of multiple Web specific issues. The articles in Part IV 2.0 tools to address on practice, including lessons discuss theory and reflections learnt experience, challenges identified, and ways from In Part V Tips a collection forward. for trainers, we provide in- 2.0 tools, which give more to Web of short introductions depth descriptions of how some of the most commonly- used tools work, including tips on getting started and links is a glossary of to further information. Also included here 2.0 terms. Web and share 2.0 and Web2forDev nity to help ‘demystify’ Web hope that it will help to bring learning We reflections. and to a wider audience of development practition- Web2forDev 2.0 tools a go ers and academics: inspiring you to give Web your successes and challenges. and share Guest editor and organiser conference Giacomo Rambaldi at the Fair Share Web2forDev participants’ space. The Web2forDev conference The Web2forDev 2

For a full list of conference organisers, see Editorial, p.3 (this issue). For a full list of conference

2 sought to bring practitioners together to further explore how sought to bring practitioners together to further explore are we can exploit this potential. Most of the articles here developed espe- participants. All were written by conference cially for Participatory Learning and Action. Structure of the special issue This special issue is divided into five parts. Although the arti- 2.0 cles include some technical information about the Web tools used, we have deliberately chosen to focus on how they have been integrated with development approaches. 2.0 tools and the concept both Web In Part I, we introduce In Part II, the articles examine some of the of Web2forDev. 2.0 tools for development purposes. In uses of specific Web headquarters in Rome, Italy. Photo: Jon Corbett Jon Photo: 10 THEME SECTION 1 Holly Ashley, JonCorbett, DaveJones, BenGarsideandGiacomoRambaldi • Online social networkshelpconnectcommunitiesofprac- • • Interconnected networksofbloggerswhoshare common fortrainers, thisissue. sary andTips how thesetoolsworkandwhere togetstarted,seetheglos- examples ofhowthiscanbedone.Formore informationon mation, ideasandperspectives–there are multiple generating, moderatingandmediatingdevelopmentinfor- Web2forDev isaboutintegrating, combining,aggregating, redistribute piecesof content released byothers. own material,decideonlevelsofaccesstoinformationand and connecttootherstakeholders,produce andpublishtheir development. Itisabouthowdevelopmentactorscanrelate is thatWeb2forDev isabouttheactiveuseofthesetoolsin content fordevelopment. improve information-sharingandcollaborativeproduction of short –isawayofemployingwebservicestointentionally Participatory Web 2.0fordevelopment–orWeb2forDev for What is Web2forDev? development work.See: www.web2fordev.net become thehubforWeband sharingexperienceinthecontextof 2.0learning 4 3 Box 1: What is Web 2.0? Internet Protocols). websites, RSS, wikis, blogsandsome VoIP services(Voice over websites, video-andphoto-sharingwebsites, socialbookmarking platforms thatsupportthem, forexample, socialnetworking includes web-basedcommunities, hostedservices, applicationsand sharing, cooperationandcollaborationonthe World Wide Web. It design thatfacilitatesinteractivity, communication, information- end-users utilisethe Web. Web 2.0referstowebdevelopmentand specifications, buttochangesintheways software developersand Wide Web, itdoesnotrefertoanupdateanytechnical Although theterm ‘Web 2.0’suggestsanewversionofthe World Adapted fromsources: Wikipedia andKabissa Wiki • Contributorsownandcontrol allow • They • They are • They • Theyare • They createacommunity • They haveaclearpurpose share severalkey elements: The Web2forDev DevelopmentGatewayisanewinitiativewhich aims to See glossaryp.121. tice, especiallythosethatare dispersed,inorder toshare particular developmenttopicsorthemes. interests canimprove thespread ofideasanddiscourseon free lowesttierofservice); According toKabissa, successful Web 2.0websitesappearto The distinctionbetweenWeb 2.0toolsandWeb2forDev connect easy andfun free touse anonymous to orbuildonother Web 2.0sites; 3 or veryaffordable(usuallytieredpricingwith to joinanduse; (or pseudonymous)use; around thatpurpose; and realutility; 4 their contentandidentity. • Mobile phones continuetodevelopasdevicesreceive • The increasing useofRSSfeedsandwidgetsisallowing • There are toolswhichallowyoutofilterand manipulate • RSS feedsallowcontenttobeautomatically distributed enable Social bookmarkingwebsitessuchasDelicious.com • • Web 2.0toolsallowuserstoattributetheirowntagsor development.” about theactiveuseofthesetoolsin is that Web2forDev is and Web2forDev “The distinctionbetween Web 2.0tools integrate them withWeb 2.0platformsand services. developed tosupporttheiruse, increase theirpotentialand ects beingbuiltaround them.More applicationsare being themselves cando,andnew support structures andproj- and sendinformation–bothin termsofwhatthephones sources. that combinesdatafrom two ormoreonline external multiple sources. Amash-up isawebpageorapplication users tocreate theirown‘mash-ups’ ofonlinedatafrom context. filter newonlinecontentaswelltranslatingandadding such asGlobalVoices usepeople–aswellsoftware –to find relevant information. Some developmentwebsites content from RSSfeeds,using keywords orsearch termsto with others. to improve theirownwebsites,aswellshare their work Many developmentwebsitesare utilisingthispowerfultool information, thereby addingvaluetotheoriginalcontent. relevance –orthrough mash-ups–tocombinesources of one place,ormanipulatedeitherusingfilters–toincrease Contentcanbeaggregatedof thewebsitesinturn. into are delivered directly to themwithouttheneedtovisiteach and newcontentfrom multiplewebsitesbecauseupdates phones. RSSfeedsallowuserstoeasilykeeptrackofnews between websites,platformsanddevicessuchasmobile practitioners. ingly developmentcontentisbeingbookmarkedby ing orofrelevance inorder toshare withothers.Increas- people to‘bookmark’webpageswhichtheyfindinterest- popular developmenttagsusedbyothers. known asfolksonomies).There are manycollections of system ofbottom-up,collaborativesocialclassification(also keywords toonlinecontent–andcollectivelycreate a in oneplace. relevant informationandresources related todevelopment 11

1 THEME SECTION 8 7 58 ‘Democracy walls’ Tips for Trainers PLA Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development 2.0 for Web at hand: Change (this issue) describes, the concept of These spaces were often occupied by a group of by a group often occupied These spaces were 6 Chris Addison There was a tangible sense of excitement about the was a tangible sense There As A democracy wall is a structured open space where people can post their ideas open space where A democracy wall is a structured See: http://blog.web2fordev.net conference, article summarises the final plenary session at the Web2forDev Chris’s “There was a tangible sense of was a tangible sense “There the potential for what excitement about with these applications. people can do than just ways more 2.0 tools are Web highly social They are of communicating. tools.” (Rambaldi, 2008). Read free online: http://tinyurl.com/c8gkn3 (Rambaldi, 2008). Read free journalists and other bloggers – writing reports, interviewing journalists and other bloggers – writing reports, learntother participants and sharing what they imme- almost blog. diately via the Web2forDev and opinions in a free, focused and concise manner. Participants write their focused and concise manner. and opinions in a free, of pool It generates a written, shared observations on large sheets of paper. on-the- provides which can be used for further participatory analysis and reflections spot feedback during an event, helping to rapidly adjust facilitation to emerging See and changing circumstances. realities made by the participants. which was based on comments and reflections 6 7 8 The left hand represents key Web 2.0 tools. The right hand key Web The left hand represents when using them, the issues we need to address represents considering people, access, participation, content, and useful insights based on the partici- impact. Chris provides including issues such as access and pants’ own reflections, and presentations allowed participants to share information, to share allowed participants and presentations began, the conference experiences and ideas. The day before to learna ‘taster day’ allowed many participants and about tools, such as wikis, mobile 2.0 experiment with some Web also were There phones and a host of other applications. A democracy Fair. busy participants’ spaces including a Share with one their reflections wall enabled participants to share another. potential for what people can do with these applications. potential for what people can do with than just ways of communicating. more 2.0 tools are Web help foster new networks highly social tools. They They are how and build communities of practice. They can improve information with one and share we organise, structure 2.0 is not just about laptops and Above all, Web another. was the A striking element of the conference broadband. emphasis on the power of mobile phones. Mobile repeated that is bring- telephony is a global communications revolution all over the inclusion to people from and more ing more unforeseen. world in ways previously can be visualised as an image of two hands. Web2forDev The conference 5 Journalists Brenda Zulu, Brenda Journalists Gnona Ramata Soré, Afangbedji and Noel Kokou blogging during the Tadégnon conference. Web2forDev and Giacomo Rambaldi, this issue). The conference itself was unlike any event held at FAO The conference Prior to the event, the organisers adopted a host of Web opment approaches? pation and decision-making? tion? and oversight? inequalities?

Participants included ICT specialists, information and communication experts, Anja Barth

before. It had a vibrant and informal atmosphere. The It had a vibrant and informal atmosphere. before. sessions combined use of plenary discussions, small group focused specifically on how Web 2.0 tools could be used to focused specifically on how Web the advantage of Southern in development actors, operating development and natural rural the sectors of agriculture, aimed to address The conference management. resource issues such as: 2.0 applications be integrated with devel- How can Web • partici- How can they facilitate and contribute to people’s • participa- the challenges and barriers to people’s • What are control, factors such as access, equity, • How do we address 2.0 applications challenge fundamental social Can Web • online collaborative spaces. 2.0 and other ICT tools to create able to jointly elaborate the structure The organisers were using tools such as wikis, for the conference and programme applications such as Skype and online discussion groups VoIP ( The Web2forDev The Web2forDev conference was the first international of its kind and Web2forDev event over 40 coun- than 300 people from together more brought America. and Latin tries in Africa, Europe 5 researchers, trainers, application and system providers, software developers, policy software application and system providers, trainers, researchers, makers, enablers and others working in the agricultural, rural development and sectors. management natural resource Photo: Holly Ashley Holly Photo: 12 THEME SECTION 1 Holly Ashley, JonCorbett, DaveJones, BenGarsideandGiacomoRambaldi Image: Regina Doyle and Andy Smith 9 approaches tousingWeb 2.0needtobeinterdisciplinary. connectivity, the‘scaleofchange’astoolsdevelop–andhow tion demonstrate,despitethe potentialofWeb2forDev, isstillverylimited.Asthearticlesinthiscollec- the Internet In manypartsoftheworld,access tothetechnologiesand Beyond thedigitaldivide: towards goodpractice practice. to formandmaintainanewWeb2forDev communityof on changingthewaysofworkingparticipantsandhelping have helpedtoassesswhatimpacttheconference hashad ence surveys,immediatelyafterandoneyeartheevent, nity ofpractice’(BarthandRambaldi,thisissue).Two confer- a new‘more committed,interlinkedanddedicatedcommu- Read theone-yearpost conference surveyresults online:http://tinyurl.com/656qyn power intheprocess. selection anduseshouldbebasedonconsiderationsof Web 2.0toolsarelikeanyothersetof–andtheir [to myorganisation]ininvestigatingthesenewtools. evidence tobackuptherecommendationsIputforward Attending theconferencegavemeconfidenceand A keyaimoftheWeb2forDev conference wastofoster 9 As onerespondent wrote, change isathand. these toolsappropriately for you will, isthatthepowertouse associated withit. The analogy, if widely-used keywords or ‘tags’ Web2forDev andsomeofthemore issue represents thetwohandsof The coverimageofthisspecial time peopleneedtobeonline–andimprove is aparticularlyimportantissue. where accessandconnectivity isbothlimitedandcostly, this do Iwanttohear?Howcanfindthosevoices?Forusers users feelingoverwhelmed.Whatisimportant?Whosevoices net accessisstillmostlylimitedtourbanareas. using Web 2.0toolsincountriessuchasGhana,where Inter- issue) alsodescribessomeoftheseinherent challengesin width activitiesthatweare talkingabout.’ make itverydifficult toparticipateinmanyofthehighband- world isstillsuffering from basicinfrastructure problems that lives? AsEthanZuckerman what are theyusingthemfor, andhowisthatimproving their issues ofusageandbenefits:whoisusingICTs/Web 2.0tools, of privilegethatmanyare denied.Soweneedtounderstand being abletoparticipateinusingWeb 2.0toolsimpliesalevel actors becauseofthedigitaldivide.There isasensethat tries, Web 2.0toolsare increasing exclusionofSouthern much informationonlineisdominatedbydevelopedcoun- using Web 2.0technologies.Onecouldarguethatbecause ences to‘people’and‘anyone’beingableparticipatein Editorial Board memberscommentedontherepeated refer- 2.0 toolsfordevelopmentpurposes. tools forsmartpeople’–selectingthemostappropriate Web to-face meetings.Zuckermanemphasisestheuseof‘simple more appropriate –from emaildiscussionliststoregular, face- Other, more accessibleformsofcommunicationsmaybe the firstplace,youare stillexcluded(seee.g.Deh,thisissue). without theliteracyskillstoaccessthatinformationonlinein address. targeted servicesare challengeswemustcollectivelyseekto different audiences(bothlanguageandstyle)creating capacity tousethetools,appropriateness ofcontentfor fundamental issuesremain. Access,connectivity, people’s of contentavailableonline(Zuckerman, thisissue).Inthe aggregators willhelpuserstomanagethehugeproliferation and theemergenceoftrusted,expertonlineeditors meaning andcontextisbecomingincreasingly important– several keyways.Filteringonlinecontentforrelevance, connectivity’ (Esterhuysen,thisissue).Thisishappeningin mation –offering usan‘opportunity forbetteruseoflimited 10 ownership ofthedesign process. ideally bedoneinaparticipatorywayto give theusercommunitiesinputintoand according toa‘needsassessment’withusergroups. Theneedsassessmentwould Targeted servicesare bundlesoftoolsthatare puttogetherdifferently In fact,Web 2.0toolscanhelp toreduce In addition,thesheervolumeofonlinecontentcanleave During theproduction ofthisspecialissue,onethe 10 Even withtheuseofe.g.audioandvideoblogs, (this issue)pointsout,‘lotsofthe Prince Deh access toinfor- the amountof (this PLA 13

1 THEME SECTION Mary Nakirya and explores the lessons explores can do with them. So it is people Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development 2.0 for Web at hand: Change Ednah Akiiki Karamagi Anriette Esterhuysen For example,

People before technology People 2.0 tools and applications for development, When using Web it is important not to become sidetracked by a technology- excitement about the tools drives their driven hype, where usage, rather than what on some of the lessons learnt previ- important to reflect from ous experiences of using information communication tech- nologies for development – and consider the strategies, 2.0 tech- to integrating Web issues and challenges related nologies into development approaches. learnt information communica- paradigm shift from in the tion technologies for development (ICT4D) to Web2forDev. into development thinking ICTs ICT4D helped to mainstream and highlight the scale of the issues of access and connec- ICT4D was ultimately, tivity in the developing world. Yet to the approach driven by technology hype and a narrow of the tools, with ‘too much emphasis on new appropriation technologies, and too little on the need to integrate with other tools and skills, and with development theory and prac- 2.0 tools have enabled many people tice’. In contrast, Web these new technologies ‘on their own terms’ – to explore focus on social mostly because these tools have a stronger and decentralised networking rather than on strategic imple- settings than others. and Open Source describe the work of the Busoga Rural BROSDI works Development Initiative (BROSDI) in Uganda. to generate, collect with a network of farmer organisations agricultural prac- effective local information about and share 2.0 tools and more tice. BROSDI integrates a range of Web blogs, mobile phones and – from traditional approaches Sharing Forums and Knowledge digital radio to regular working with Village Knowledge Brokers. Author Ednah Akiiki Karamagi Author Ednah contact details with exchanges participant another conference on after her presentation enhancing knowledge-sharing using communities in rural 2.0 tools. Web Photo: Holly Ashley Holly Photo: Kado Muir, this and Guy Singleton As the impacts of this new ‘revolution’ are starting are As the impacts of this new ‘revolution’ 11 One example is the way in which integrated online plat- For example, through improved access to market information, they are helping access to market information, they are improved For example, through , this issue). Across the world, the mobile Roxanna Samii, this issue). Across The mobile phone revolution mobile phone The is another growth The rising popularity of mobile telephony the digital divide. In developing that is helping to bridge area innovative uses of mobile making countries, people are bypass ‘the land- phones, enabling them to simultaneously line, the laptop and the need to connect to the Internet’ ( and accessible, affordable phone is becoming a more convenient means of communication than the Internet and in telecom- of service provision computers. Expanding areas costs and is helping to reduce munications infrastructure access to both mobile phone services and the Inter- improve Corbett, net (see also Jon same way, the use of social bookmarking websites is helping same way, people of information, where valuable repositories to create helping to signpost bookmarking development content is RSS feeds access and retrieval. information for easier relevant keep track of news and new easily allow users to more – and information is also no multiple websites content from These tools have helped longer confined to its original source. of information and ideas – as well as the spread to increase and producers shifting the balance of power between consumers of information. issue). Particularly in Africa, as the cost of services and hand- increasingly mobile phones are sets continues to reduce, tool for accessing and sharing infor- becoming the preferred mation. to be assessed, Samii argues that mobile phones have the potential to become the first universally accessible informa- tion communication technology. forms can blend the use of the Internet and mobile phones , this issue). information (see Ory Okolloh to send and receive The rising popularity of the mobile phone also demonstrates in some appropriate more 2.0 tools are how some Web to reduce transportation and transaction costs and introducing new forms of transportation and transaction costs and introducing to reduce income-generation (Samii, this issue). 11 information.” “These tools have helped to increase “These tools have ideas – as of information and the spread the balance of power well as shifting of and consumers between producers 14 THEME SECTION 1 Holly Ashley, JonCorbett, DaveJones, BenGarsideandGiacomoRambaldi something that weallhavetounderstand.’ the appropriate tools,fortherightjobattime, is standing whattheycanoffer. AsZuckerman writes,‘using whatthetechnologiescandoaswellunder- learning factor incapacitybuilding–adopting Web 2.0toolsinvolves inequalities,’ (Esterhuysen,this issue).Thechallengeisto platforms inthecontextofchallengingfundamentalsocial tions. We needtoensure thatwebeginto‘appropriate these to flourish–infrastructure, accessandappropriate applica- that marketforces willprovide thebasicsforWeb 2.0tools ment inourworkwithpeople,informationandtechnology.’ priate, adaptandintegratethesetechnologiesfordevelop- 2009). Esterhuysenarguesthatweneedto‘holisticallyappro- able, technologiesneedtofactorinsocialrealities’ (Garside, into locallanguagesare nottaken intoaccount.‘To besustain- numbers. Contextualfactorssuchastranslationofmaterials cate becauseitisbasedonsimplisticindicatorssuchasuser acceptance. Thesuccessofapilotproject isoftenhard to repli- that workinconjunctiontobuildlocalcapacity, contentand accesswithoutbuildingcommunityoutreachInternet services acy andlanguage.Pilotprojects oftensupplyequipmentand issues stillremain: access,connectivity, capacity-building,liter- technology supplywithoutfosteringdemand.Clearly, key focused anduser-driven. fromlearning earlymistakesandare becomingmore people- arguably they, alongwiththeICT4Dfieldingeneral,are experienced theirfairshare oftechnology-drivenhypeand mentation byorganisations.Web 2.0technologieshavealso In developmentcircles, there isalsotheriskofassuming Many donor-funded projects haveahistoryoffocusingon message. sending anSMS Elizabeth Chikusu Maize farmer

Photo: Alex Price activists andcampaign organisers–couldpublish theirown radically altered thewayinwhichanyone–individuals, newswebsites, networkofcitizenjournalism international the widespread useofblogs,Indymedia,avolunteer-run Okolloh; Zuckerman;Kreutz, thisissue).Forexample,before andinstitutionstoaccount(seee.g. help holdgovernments ities, experiencesandperceptions, whichcanalsobeusedto ical activism–helpingtogenerateanoverviewofshared real- promote thespread particularlyinpolit- ofcitizenjournalism, to alertpeoplecauses. appropriating thesetoolsto networkwithoneanotherand friends andfamilyonline.Yet campaigning groups are also Facebook –were created sothatpeoplecouldnetworkwith global community. Socialnetworks–such asMySpaceand people mightotherwisebeunabletocommunicatethe sharing websitesthatdocumenthumanrightsabuses One exampleispublishingphotoswithcaptionsonphoto- tools havea‘socialcost’toattemptcontrol orprohibit. reluctant toprevent peoplefrom usingthembecausethese vative purposes.Zuckerman’s are viewisthatgovernments for recreational purposes–canalsobeusedformore inno- erman, thisissue).Web 2.0tools–manycreated specifically their ownuseordevisingnewtoolstosatisfyaneed(Zuck- opment havebeenactivists,eitherappropriating thetoolsfor to gainpopularity, there are relatively fewofthem. Yet whiletheuseofbloggingfordevelopmentisbeginning engage abroader publicsphere inthedevelopmentsector.’ social, economicalorpoliticalissueshasthepotentialto Kreutz, ‘thisbottom-upapproach tospeakingoutabout information aboutongoingworkandexperiences.For the formofinterviews,thesevlogshelpmemberstoshare watch onlinewithouthavingtodownloadthem.Usuallyin – containsshortsegmentsofvideocontent,whichyoucan (GINKS). Similartoablog,videoblog–or‘vlog’forshort the GhanaInformationNetworkforKnowledgeSharing blogging forinformation-sharingandadvocacypurposesby access.Dehalsoreflectswith Internet ontheuseofvideo Itisaneasywayto publishcontentforpeople online journal. one. Ablog(shortfor‘web’and‘log’)isawebsitelikean communication toamore ‘publiclyopenandtransparent’ radical shiftfrom amore traditional,top-downmodeof online ‘conversations’.ForKreutz, bloggingrepresents a parency andaccountabilitythatWeb 2.0toolscanbringto Proponents ofWeb2forDev pointtotheincreased trans- governance Web 2.0toolsforimproving advocacyand Web 2.0toolsandmobile phonesare alsohelpingto In fact,mostearlyadoptersofWeb 2.0toolsfordevel- 15

1 THEME SECTION Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development 2.0 for Web at hand: Change Increased transparency also presents its own challenges also presents transparency Increased It should be remembered that a tool does not make a It should be remembered activists created the Ushahidi website. Ushahidi (meaning activists created ‘testimony’ in Swahili) enabled citizens to send in news either via the Internetreports or mobile phones. This ‘crowd- an immediate overview of events, helped to create sourcing’ Ushahidi has of reports. as well as a time-indexed repository its potential for applica- to improve now been redeveloped tion in humanitarian crisis situations – an excellent example 2.0 applica- of a mash-up, which integrates a series of Web tions including e.g. web-based interactive maps that allow specific locations to monitor from users to track reports hotspots of activity. like any other and mobile-based advocacy, campaign. Web- people, planning, time and advocacy campaign, requires Web commitments, and capacity building. Arguably, resource and misinforma- 2.0 tools can also be used for propaganda tion – by activists, corporations and the state alike. Particularly also issues of verifying data are with mass participation, there as Okolloh of information. Yet trusted sources and creating You writes, ‘Information in a crisis is a patchwork of sources. by having as many can only hope to build up a full picture as possible.’ sources Jon Corbett and Tim and Corbett Jon on the panel of Kulchyski a plenary session at the conference. Web2forDev 12 13 (this issue) describes how in Kenya Ory Okolloh Similarly, Similarly, The New Statesman is an award-winning UK current affairs magazine. The affairs UK current The New Statesman is an award-winning See: www.indymedia.org.uk

news online and share information. By providing a news plat- information. By providing news online and share form that allowed anyone with Internet access to instantly without the need to regis- and pictures publish their reports they opened the doors to self-publishing. Then, as now, ter, and often demonised in the press demonstrators were platforms dissenting voices marginalised. Indymedia provided alternative people could collab- where voices could be heard, and reports, news and protest orate in publishing breaking made space for political discussion and discourse. Volunteers use of wikis and online instant messaging to widespread and mobile phones and SMS for gath- reporting coordinate in citizen jour- ering and distributing news. This revolution nalism earned Indymedia UK the New Statesman New Media for Advocacy 2002. Award an innovative website was developed for sharing informa- tion. During the election crisis in 2007, a media blackout unable to access information about meant that citizens were of Kenyan So a group events unfolding on the ground. New Media Awards celebrate UK new media projects that benefit society, celebrate UK new media projects New Media Awards See: www.newstatesman.com/nma government or democracy. 12 13 Photo: Guy Singleton Guy Photo: 16 THEME SECTION 1 Holly Ashley, JonCorbett, DaveJones, BenGarsideandGiacomoRambaldi ware development. in manycasestoamuchmore openprocess around soft- they are designed,orwhattheyare designedfor. participate inusingthem,butmostlyhavenocontrol inhow these tools–whichare oftenlessparticipatory. Manycan ipatory usethere isalsotheissueofdesignprocesses for purposes. AndalthoughmanyWeb 2.0toolshaveapartic- and ifnecessarydevelopnewtoolsfordevelopment also oftenunrealistic todesigncompletelynewtools. Given theresources involvedinsoftware development,itis applications, forexampleonlinephoto-sharingplatforms. ment canbemore cost-effective thandevelopingwholenew as Zuckermanargues,appropriating thesetoolsfordevelop- Many Web 2.0toolsare free orlow-cost‘off-the-shelf’and Developing andadaptingappropriate Web 2.0tools interests, andtheindividualsorgroups publishinginformation. applies equallytorepressive states,organisationswithvested tially globalonlineaudienceisextremely threatening.’ This (Zuckerman, thisissue).‘Lettingeverybodyspeaktoapoten- integrated intotheoriginalproduct. Inasimilarwaythere ons) whichenablenewfunctionality tobeeasilyaddedor development ofthird partyapplications(plug-insandadd- ers oftools,software, andplatformsencouragethe stream activityforsoftware developers.Increasingly, publish- an immediateneed.Thisapproach hasnowbecomeamain- hacking andcombiningtoolstoproduce newservicestofulfil the software development process. ing toproblems andengaging indialoguewithusersover blogs, informingusersofplanneddevelopments,respond- it isnowalmostobligatoryfordeveloperstohavetheirown back from usersthrough emailandonlinediscussionforums, progressive software developershavealwayssolicitedfeed- potential foruserfeedbackandcollaboration.Whilemore ipatory culture insoftware development–withgreater been developedusingOSS. make thempubliclyavailable.ManyWeb 2.0platformshave ment forward: peoplemakeimprovements tosoftware and to rapidlyaddandadaptthesetoolsdrivesdevelop- non-commercial nature ofthesoftware allowsotherpeople common programming interfaces.Theseinterfacesplusthe public domainithasencouragedthedevelopmentof 14 For more informationonOSSseeglossary, p.122(thisissue). The increasing useofopensource software (OSS)hasled However, wemayalsoneedtoconsideradaptingthem Activists were oftenthefirst peopletostartplayingwith, In fact,Web 2.0hashelpedtofosteranincreasing partic- 14 Because OSScodeisavailableinthe 15 and topositivelyengageyouth insuchactivities. demonstrating thepowerof toolsforadvocacypurposes acclaim, video subsequentlywenton to wininternational which wasthenpublishedon video-sharingwebsites.The worked withagroup ofyouths toproduce ashortvideo video project, where theproject teamandcommunityelders digital tools.Particularlysuccessfulwasaparticipatory elders andyouththrough theuseofWeb 2.0andother the generationaldividebetweenAboriginalcommunity how aninnovativeproject sought tofindwayshelpbridge opment. aiming torevitalise culture andenhancecommunitydevel- issue). can editandcontributetotheproject (Zuckerman,this connectionandwhoisliterate anyone whohasanInternet created byliterallyhundreds ofthousandspeople – and multiple different hasbeen languageversionsofWikipedia strates thepowerofwikis.Thecontentgeneratedon isaphenomenonthatclearlydemon- this issue).Wikipedia online resources andmaterials(seee.g.Rambaldi Barth, interaction e.g.ondocumentsordevelopingcollectionsof together online.Applicationslikewikiscanfacilitategreater enhanced abilityforpeopletocollaborateandwork One fundamentalbenefitofusingWeb 2.0toolsisthe Learning toshare: collaborative onlinespaces pages, suchasPageflakesoriGoogle. designed specificallyforcreating customisablepersonalstart- videos. Userscaneitherdothisthemselves,oruseaplatform content from multipleRSSfeeds,beittext,pictures, or mash-up couldbejustcreating apagethatpullsindifferent ‘mash-ups’ ofdatafrom multiplesources. Atitssimplest,a allowing userstocreateportable ontheInternet, theirown be combinedtocreate newfunctionalities. canalso tional functionalityanddynamiccontent.Widgets tions whichcanbeeasilyaddedtoawebsiteprovide addi- has beenanexplosionin‘widgets’:miniportableapplica- new resource. themselves are addingvaluetoexistingdataandcreating a online maps(seee.g.Okolloh,thisissue).Inway, users example ishowdataabouteventscanbecombinedwith (or necessarilyintended)bytheoriginalpublisher. Agood produce anewsetofdataorservicethatwasnotprovided mash-up isonethatactuallycombinesdatasources to See: www.pageflakes.com andwww.google.co.uk/ig Web 2.0toolscanalsobe particularly usefulforprojects Web 2.0toolshavealsomadecontentmuchmore Jon Corbett, Guy Singleton and 15 A more advanced Kado Muir discuss 17

1 THEME SECTION Tim Kulchyski and Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development 2.0 for Web at hand: Change Building and maintaining vibrant online communities for Building and maintaining vibrant online Increasingly, commercial sectors are using these tools for sectors are commercial Increasingly, experience, allocating adequate resources to maintaining and experience, allocating adequate resources is crucial to updating information on blogging websites in using it. Likewise, interest ensuring the community’s the success of the Ushahidi Okolloh (this issue) compares deployment in the platform in Kenya to its less successful have been for a Democratic Republic of Congo. This may motivation to participate; a lack of public number of reasons: of humanitar- or a reluctance wariness of possible reprisals; crisis information. ian agencies to share capacity building, time and resources development requires the arti- identified throughout are – and these requirements to understand and cles in this collection. One challenge is for development, to contribute to collaborative online spaces timely and above all relevant, and holistically generate share we other fundamental issues are there useful content. Yet of. also need to be aware discuss the importance of intellectual property rights when discuss the importance of intellectual property 2.0 tools for development. In this new era of using Web on the Inter- ‘social computing’, information that is shared net is usually publicly accessible. The authors describe a working with Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking communities project Intellectual property, privacy and security Intellectual property, 2.0 tools have the potential to As we have seen, Web information online. enhance the ways we interact and share Issues such as who is required. of caution a word However, consid- has access to the information generated need careful eration. It is also important to consider issues of safety in the Is the information being uploaded culturally sensi- process. the implications of making this information tive? What are audience? Who may be put at risk by available to a broader sharing this information? Who is using this information without your knowledge – and for what purposes? brand images. Often, social marketing and to promote people concede their privacy and/or intellectual property without rights over information to online service providers it, for example when content is uploaded to realising or location-specific data websites like Facebook or YouTube Corbett on Google Maps. Jon is entered “Building and maintaining vibrant “Building and for development online communities time and building, capacity requires resources.” Duncan 17 Members of the interna- 16 describes the development of the Forest Connect describes the development of the Forest Because the tools are easy to use and accessible, Web 2.0 use and accessible, Web easy to Because the tools are established with the best of 2.0 websites are Many Web Online social networking websites are another phenome- websites are Online social networking See www.forestconnect.ning.com. and RSS to social networking, social bookmarks See also our short introductions tional Forest Connect Alliance had expressed a strong demand a strong had expressed Connect Alliance tional Forest about state-of-the-art prac- information-sharing for greater enterprises. Since its tice in small and medium-sized forest has attracted an increasing the online social network creation, addition, the website number of genuinely active members. In and RSS feeds to utilises the power of social bookmarking able to categorise, find enhance the ways in which people are information via the website itself. relevant and share tools can quickly fulfil a need, e.g. in response to crises or an tools can quickly fulfil a need, e.g. in response however useful the urgent or clear need for information. But participate in using tools, people still need to be motivated to development agencies, donors, them – whether they are community organisations or individuals. Simply making these – and also need to create tools available is not enough. We learn of information-sharing. The appli- – a culture to value cation of these tools needs to have a clear utility and purpose and demand-driven. For example, that is both appropriate has conference of organising the Web2forDev the process contributed to building a community of practice (Barth and the organisers also faced chal- Rambaldi, this issue). However, new tools, choosing from lenges such as hesitancy to explore 2.0 applications available, and the steep learn-the many Web ing curve involved in testing and adopting them. kept perti- needs to be taken that they are intentions, yet care and moderated. Good intentions and the nent, resourced to in themselves not sufficient low cost of establishment are of the services the long-term upkeep and relevance ensure to blogging, ‘Atten- emphasises in relation As Kreutz offered. need to persevere not guaranteed. You tion and visitors are to find the audience or help the audience find you.’ This is also echoed by Corbett and Kulchyski (this issue). In their non that development practitioners are recognising as increas- recognising practitioners are non that development of a new generation social networks are ingly useful. Online but offer similar to websites which are community platforms and tools. An online social specific interactive features them to find network brings people together and enables and/or activities and who common interests others who share about each other and what in learning interested more are or enhance create they do. They can be used to target, example, networks or communities of practice. For Macqueen online social networking website. feeds, Tips for trainers, this issue.. 16 17 18 THEME SECTION 1 Holly Ashley, JonCorbett, DaveJones, BenGarsideandGiacomoRambaldi 20 19 18 their ownprofile page.SeealsoSocialnetworking,thisissue. permanent archive ofallmaterialuploaded–evenafterdeletedbythemember from uploaded bymembers.Inaddition,somewebsites suchasFacebookretain a party platforms. own serverspacemaybemore appropriate thanusingthird content managementsystem(CMS)thatcanberunonyour securing dataisamajorissue,usingmore sophisticated community, youcannot‘backup’asocial network.Soif online socialnetworkingplatformscancreate avibrantonline what happenstotheirinformation.Andwhilethird party pear –insuchinstances,subscribersare notincontrol of tions andservices,theservicemayalter, malfunction ordisap- there. Inaddition,whensubscribing tothird partyapplica- trust thatinformationyouhaveuploadedonlinewillremain ‘backed up’)somewhere else offline –itisnotadvisableto tice isthatdigitaldatashouldalwaysbesafelystored (or recall/delete yourdata. terms ofusingyourdataandwhatrightsyouhaveto permission. Findoutwhatrightstheserviceprovider hasin providers retain therighttouseyourmaterialwithout your service before joininganonlinenetwork–someservice uploading personalinformation.Alwayscheckthetermsof alwaysbecarefuland aswithanythingontheInternet about that weenteranduploadonoursocialnetworkingwebsites outside oftheHul’q’umi’num’communities. limited accesstotheseimportantculturalresources forpeople was limitedtoregistered usersonly. Inthisway, theproject sharing websites.Inaddition,accesstothecommunity'sblog selected videosegmentswere uploadedonpublicvideo- knowledge withintheirowncommunities.Forexample,only strategically chosetoretain muchoftheirvaluablecultural Here, theauthorsdescribehowproject participants Web materials. 2.0tools–todeveloplanguagelearning a rangeofapproaches –includingparticipatoryvideoand based inCanadatorevitalise theirlanguage.Theproject used tries forpromoting criticismofauthorities. states havealsobannedtheuseofFacebookintheircoun- (seee.g.Lee,2007;Mishra,2009).Some without warning shut theaccountsofparticularindividualsoronlinegroups addition, there havebeeninstanceswhere suchservices have imprisoned asaresult ofinformationtheyhavepublished.In – peoplehavebeenblacklisted,losttheirjobsandeven social networksasameansofsurveillanceanddatamining expressed regarding the useofFacebookandmanyother For more informationaboutCMSseeSocialnetworking, p.112(thisissue). For more discussion,seehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Facebook For example,FacebookandYouTube retain therights touseanyinformation There isalsotheissueofbackingupyourdata.Bestprac- We needtobeclearaboutwhoownstheinformation 20 18 There havealsobeensomeconcerns 19 from thesetools andinwhatway?Forexample, whatare at outcomesratherthanjust outputs –whohasbenefited Analytics. and third partywebsitestatisticsproviders suchasGoogle tools (uniquevisitors,number ofdocumentdownloadsetc.) type ofmonitoringthere are arangeofwebsitestatistics to monitoroutputssuchasnumbersofusers?Forthissimple are wetryingtomonitorand evaluate–are weattempting information resource, theimportantquestionhere iswhat niques putinplacetomonitorthe‘success’oftools. ing, aslowintroduction to newtechnologies,andtech- them. Thisinvolvesastrong elementoflocalcapacitybuild- owning thecombinationsoftoolswhichare appropriate for technologies –importantlydrivenbythemdefiningand nities haveastrong, sustained interest inICTs andWeb 2.0 mobile textmessageservicesandnewsletters.ALINcommu- access,across-networkers withInternet onlinewebportal, radio anddrama,focalgroups, participatoryvideo,comput- of ICT-based andtraditionaltools,includingcommunity as ‘info-mediaries’–are available,alongwithawiderange needs. Localoutreach volunteers–whobothtrainandact empowers communitiestodrivetheirowninformation nity trustbyinvolvingexistingtraditionalsocialnetworksand (ALIN) withinEastAfrica.TheALINapproach buildscommu- ties isprovided bytheAridLandsInformationNetwork approach toadoptingWeb 2.0toolswithinlocalcommuni- and whattoolsare appropriate inindividualcontexts? projects andprocesses are key. Howdowedecidewhether approaches tointegratingWeb 2.0toolsintodevelopment participate –andwhowillbenefit.Multidisciplinary tools requires acareful considerationofwhocanorcannot ateness ofthesetoolsisfundamental.Implementing Monitoring andevaluatingtheeffectiveness andappropri- Evaluating effectiveness are key.” development projects andprocesses integrating Web 2.0toolsinto benefit. Multidisciplinaryapproaches to cannot participate–andwhowill careful consideration ofwhocanor “Implementing thesetoolsrequires a A more nuanceddefinitionof‘success’meanslooking In termsofevaluating‘success’aparticulartoolor One exampleofapeople-focused,needs-based 19

1 THEME SECTION Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development 2.0 for Web at hand: Change These frameworks are useful in approaches to in approaches useful These frameworks are 21 We should also not assume that market forces will should also not assume that market forces We In addition, many within the development community may For example see ‘Impact Assessment of ICT-for-Development Projects: A Projects: For example see ‘Impact Assessment of ICT-for-Development Compendium of Approaches’ www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/research/ Compendium of Approaches’ publications/wp/di/di_wp36.htm 21 assessing outcomes where there is direct physical access to is direct there assessing outcomes where They are tools on the ground. 2.0 communities using Web used by a network of are the tools less useful where users – such geographically dispersed and often anonymous for advocacy as an NGO using an interactive website tracking, participatory activ- the automated purposes. Here aids to infer- are ity monitoring, and survey tools mentioned ring outcomes and development impacts. Ways forward Ways to implementing develop- The most successful approaches – those that become self-sustaining are ment programmes on donor funding to become a reliance shifting away from demand-driven. This would apply equally to initiatives using 2.0 tools (Garside, 2009). As the articles in this collec- Web tion demonstrate, this can happen if the services that these as rele- perceived are 2.0 applications and tools offer Web important and up-to-date information in vant, that they offer low-cost and a way that builds on technologies that are in use (such as mobile phones), and if the impacts already and evaluated for effectiveness. monitored are the basis for supporting the development and infra- provide 2.0 for development. Privately-run Web for Web structure But we cannot assume 2.0 services may become profitable. is a need. So there that these services will extend to wherever it is still vitally important for donors to continue to support the implementation of services beyond using simplistic indi- cators such as profitability. 2.0 tools. In the broader field of ICT for development there field 2.0 tools. In the broader particularly in meas- some useful frameworks emerging, are pilot commu- on ICTs of newly introduced uring the effects nities. “The most successful approaches to approaches “The most successful development programmes implementing – those that become self-sustaining are on donor a reliance shifting away from This funding to become demand-driven. using would apply equally to initiatives 2.0 tools.” Web One promising approach that has been used within local approach One promising have been Practical techniques to perform mapping anonymous and widely When it comes to more new and 2.0 is relatively is that because Web The reality the outcomes of introducing new Web 2.0 market pricing new Web the outcomes of introducing this understand community? To tools in a local farming have knowledge of our existing (non- better it is useful to reference social network membership as a baseline 2.0) Web monitor change in and applying a range of techniques to then can be implic- outcomes (e.g. behavioural change) that itly linked to development impacts. changes is to use communities to understanding outcome a These provide tools to analyse social network structures. of information flows. Within for a ‘knowledge map’ proxy these social relationships, business communities and across distribution networks. They are act as information structures Mapping them provides of new knowledge. a trusted source 2.0 tools in a socio-culturally Web a guide for introducing who as well as a template to better measure sensitive way, benefits uses the technologies and whether development it. arise from as the Consultative Group by organisations such pioneered are And there on International (CGIAR). Agricultural Research that can be used, a host of non-ICT workshop-based activities 2007). This makes (Schiffer, such as the Net-map Toolbox practi- social network mapping accessible to development have been mapped, tioners. Once the local social networks we can better understand how changes to these social 2.0 tools (such as SMS when new Web effected networks are introduced. and web-based market pricing systems) are possibly thousands dispersed social networks with hundreds, challenging. of users, measuring outcomes is extremely evaluation needs to at the very least infer direct However, involvement (e.g. leaving comments) or else how the tagged, bookmarked, linked website content is repurposed, down the line. This helps to to, mashed-up and shared a website and socially relevant demonstrate how interesting to users of the network. A variety of and its information are user surveys, to harvesting information from approaches data, and webpage visitor patterns user profile can be from information about the network users and used to gain more 2.0 tools many Web their changing behaviours. Additionally, and rank popu- the ability to order and platforms provide instances of use or the number of times items or pages larity, linked to. are existence of infor- the mere to infer from impact is difficult formal mation networks, we have not developed mature mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the impacts of Web 20 THEME SECTION 1 Holly Ashley, JonCorbett, DaveJones, BenGarsideandGiacomoRambaldi robust monitoringandevaluationtechniques. as wellcomputerscientiststodevelopbetterandmore groups ofpractitionersthatincludesocialscientists,economists, opment work.Thismeansbringingtogethermultidisciplinary practice ifthesetoolsare tobebettermainstreamed intodevel- to demonstratethebenefitsandidentifybothbestworst academic evaluationofsuchfindings.’Furtherworkisneeded Web 2.0usagewithinthecommunity, andthecomparative evidence tosupportwhattheyseeastheimpactofICTand is agapbetweenwhatcommunitymembersconsidervalid change.AsCorbett,Singleton andMuirwrite,‘Thereto harness still needfurtherconvincingaboutthepowerofWeb 2.0tools [email protected]. Email: [email protected] The Netherlands Wageningen Cooperation EU-ACP(CTA) Technical Centre forAgriculturalandRural Giacomo Rambaldi Email: [email protected] UK London, WC1H0DD 3 EndsleighStreet, Development (IIED) InstituteforEnvironmentInternational and Sustainable MarketsGroup Ben Garside Email: [email protected] Independent mediaconsultant Dave Jones Email: [email protected] Canada University ofBritishColumbiaOkanagan Community Culture andGlobalStudies Jon Corbett Email: [email protected] UK London, WC1H0DD 3 EndsleighStreet Development (IIED) InstituteforEnvironmentInternational and LearningandAction Participatory Holly Ashley CONTACT DETAILS series Web2fordev http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Wikipedia: http://tinyurl.com/oecdWeb2 social networking.OECD.Online: and User-Created Content:Web 2.0,wikisand Vickery, G.and Wunch-Vincent, S.(2007) Brighton presented toDSAAnnualConference 2007, Studies: Towards Development2.0.’Paper Thompson M.(2007)‘ICTandDevelopment See: http://netmap.wordpress.com FoodPolicyResearchInternational Institute. mapping ofsocialnetworks. Schiffer, E.(2007)Net-mapToolbox: Influence facebook-on-digiactive DigiActive.org. See:http://tinyurl.com/ hackers.’ Blogarticle,17thApril2009. Activism: walledgardens, serialactivistsand Mishra, G.(2009)‘ThePerilsofFacebook (1.6 MB) www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-ict-web.pdf rural areas.GTZ:Germany. Online: Web:Participatory NewpotentialsofICTin Matthess, A.andKreutz, C.(2008)The buzzwords_faceb.html www.ericlee.info/2007/11/bandwagons_and_ Buzzwords.’ EricLeeblog.Online: Lee, E.(2007)‘Laborstart:Bandwagonsand http://wiki.kabissa.org/web_2.0/start Attribution-Share Alike3.0License.Online: licensed underaCreative Commons Lindenberg Center. is ThecontentofthisWiki Civil Society.’ Areport prepared fortheMarc Kabissa wiki(Ongoing)‘Web 2.0inAfrican http://tinyurl.com/IIED-ICTbriefing Briefing Papers.IIED:London.Online: inclusive informationtechnologies.IIED Garside, B.(2009).Village voice:towards REFERENCES and waysforward. potential aswellcriticalreflections onthechallenges collection ofarticleswilldemonstrateboththewider spread withindevelopmentcircles –butwehopethatthis the useofWeb 2.0toolsfordevelopmentisnotyetwide- ence are more mature thanothers.Whatisclearthat tice, lessonsareSomeareas stillbeinglearnt. ofexperi- new. Aswithanynewandemergingcommunityofprac- using Web 2.0toolsfordevelopmentare stillrelatively apparent isthatformanyofthem,theirexperiences to create thiscollectionofarticles,whathasbecome CGIAR/ In fact,from ourexperienceinworkingwithauthors Web

THEME SECTION 21

is a page or collection 2 First, we find ourselves with a left hand full of Web 2.0 tools: Web we find ourselves with a left hand full of First, if we do not use these tools are no use for development However, It contains regular commentary, descriptions of events, or commentary, It contains regular ‘blog’ means to other material such as photos or videos. To maintain or add content to a blog. and social networks: theseWikis used to jointly tools are develop and exchange ideas. A wiki of web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content. Wikis often used to are collaborative websites and to power community create Box 1: The two hands of Web2forDev The two hands of 1: Box The topic of Web 2.0 for Development is like the fingers of two hands. 2.0 for Development is like Web topic of The When work. Each finger represents one component of development we need to consider the interaction 2.0 tools, Web working with between each finger of each hand. • Blogging Wikis and social networks • and social bookmarking Tagging • • Feeds • Mash-ups approaches were provided by a These our right hand of approaches. number of conference participants: • People • Access • Participation • Content • Impact • 2 (short for The left hand blog 1 ) is a website, usually maintained by an individual.

In every training event since, I still find myself using the : blogs and video blogs are used to publish our Blogging: blogs and video blogs are speech or images. A own content in words, Web log This article is based on the comments and observations of the conference Pete Cranston explains the five tools at http://blip.tv/file/406897/ 2 1 participants, which were brought together during the final plenary session. For brought participants, which were p.8 and also Barth and see the overview, information about the conference, more Rambaldi, p.95 (this issue). • At the Web2forDev conference, Pete Cranston of Oxfam conference, At the Web2forDev about the conference a previous a useful story from provided 2.0. need to know five key tools to understand Web Left hand of Web2forDev: five key Web 2.0 tools Web five key Web2forDev: Left hand of It is not often when summing up at a conference that you It is not often when summing up at a conference find yourself with a summary which becomes a useful this was the mnemonic for day-to-day work in the field. Yet in 2007. A complicated conference case at the Web2forDev was summarised by two hands. conference Introduction by CHRIS ADDISON by CHRIS

a conference summary a conference The two hands of Web2forDev: hands The two represents the tools needed in Web 2.0. The right hand the tools needed in Web represents to in our approach the issues we need to address represents how we use them. 2.0 to the development sector (see two hands to explain Web Box 1). 2 22 THEME SECTION Chris Addison Development Seedsintheirdescription ofthesystemsthey wikis magi andNakirya,thisissue). Working togetherthrough communicating developmentissues(seeDehandalsoKara- ging andvideoblogging( Ghana andEdnahKaramagiinUganda–abouthowblog- • • • a free online encyclopaediathatanyonecanedit. See:http://en.wikipedia.org 4 3 The descriptionsfortheseWeb 2.0toolsare adaptedfrom entriesinWikipedia, For adefinitionof‘folksonomy’seeglossary, p.121(thisissue). Feeds: sonomy’. online user-generated tagsisoften referred toasa‘folk- browsing orsearching usingthatkeyword. Acollectionof help describeanitemandallowittobefoundagainby information. Tags are choseninformallyandpersonally. Tags thoughts. Atag Tagging: wealsousetagsandbookmarkstoorder our ties. communities ofpeoplewhoshare interests and/oractivi- websites. and audiofiles. into asingleintegratedtool,e.g.usingtext,photos,videos application thatcombinesdatafrom more thanonesource together forourselvesandothers.Amash-upisaweb Mash-ups: mash-upshelptobringaviewoftheweb ally ontheInternet. published, withoutyouhavingtosearch forthemmanu- headlines andarticlesinoneplace,assoontheyare content. RSSfeedsaggregate linkstonewcontente.g. RSS feedsallowyoutoseewhenwebsitesaddnew spread theword tootherwebsitesandacross theInternet. During theconference, we heard from PrinceDehin and RSS (ReallySimpleSyndication) social networkingplatforms 3 Social networkingtools 4 is akeyword ortermassignedtoapieceof vlogging) couldplaytheirrole in focus onbuildingonline was presented by feeds are usedto platforms they reachaudiencesthrough northern thesocialnetworking had builtfordevelopmentagencies.Oxfamshowedhow 6 5 we measure impact? ing toapositivechangeofprogress andinnovation?Howdo while withoutmeasuringimpact. Are thesetoolscontribut- • whom? Forwhatpurposes? media andtype).Whatinformationisbeingshared? With • Who canorcannotparticipate,andwhy? consider motivations.Howdowefacilitateparticipation? • information youwanttoshare usingthesetools? access tothetools?Whocanorcannotread orlistentothe connectivity andlanguage.Whodoesnothave • priate? with andfor, consideringtheirneeds.Are thetoolsappro- • we donotuseourrighthandofapproaches: However, theseWeb 2.0toolsare nousefordevelopmentif Right handof Web2forDev: fivekey approaches produce GlobalVoices (seealsoZuckerman,thisissue). ent perspectivesfrom around theworldintoonewebsite, to explained howRSSfeeds the by Euforicinthewaytheyhadbuiltanentire websitearound See: http://delicious.com See: www.myspace.com andwww.facebook.com Impact: lastly–andmostimportantlynoneofthisisworth Content: itisimportanttoconsiderissuesofcontent(style, People: weneedtolookatthepeopleusetools Access: itisimportanttoremember issuesofaccess, Participation: weneedtosupportparticipationand social bookmarking MySpace andFacebook. tool Delicious. were usedtobringtogetherdiffer- for thefinalplenarysession. conferencethe Web2forDev created byJon Corbettduring The ‘two hands’image, 5 Tagging 6 Ethan Zuckerman was described 23

2 THEME SECTION Photo: P. Pirani, Euforic Pirani, P. Photo: The two hands of Web2forDev: a conference summary a conference Web2forDev: of two hands The Tags Participants’ observations on tagging materials on the web This limited than on other tools and approaches. more were few of the participants were where still seemed to be an area thing was to see how the interesting working. However, Blogs as blogs allow you to reach For many at the conference, and use them to many people as possible with your ideas this issue). Because also Kreutz, material (see highlight unread websites, and bloggers like to link between each others’ blog entries, blogs because authors tag their comments and websites. Video useful networks between related create blogging, or vlogging, seemed particularly useful to civil society organisations because of its immediate visual appeal (see Deh this issue). Wikis our thoughts a way to structure wiki provided The conference an annotated sched- to provide the conference, in preparing after the and to form a report ule during the conference (see also Barth and Rambaldi, this issue). The conference showed the conference session the day before introductory many how to use this useful tool for the first time. Perhaps the wiki was not used as much as expected by participants to add content, but it certainly became an important reference point. One participant commented that they found the wiki to be ‘exciting, immediate, and empowering – everyone has a say’. A snapshot of participants’ comments on one of the the at Walls Democracy conference. Web2forDev Anriette 9 58 ‘Democracy PLA Using these and other comments made in Using these and other comments made 8 7 Throughout the conference participants emphasised how participants the conference Throughout Flickr is a free to use image and video hosting website and online community to use image and video hosting website and online Flickr is a free DGroups is an online platform offering tools and services for groups and tools and services for groups is an online platform offering DGroups people can post their ideas open space where A democracy wall is a structured Esterhuysen (this issue) talked about the trade-offs and Esterhuysen (this issue) talked about the trade-offs a devel- 2.0 for entertainment. From benefits of using Web access to them opment perspective, those with sufficient can use the tools to facilitate livelihood benefits. But equally, factor. an interest ‘fun’ draws users in and provides One participant observed that while a lot of Web 2.0 tools of Web One participant observed that while a lot they can also be used thought to be for entertainment, were made the point for business. Ethan Zuckerman (this issue) in mass use they are 2.0 tools are that because many Web to ban. Because so many Internetdifficult users want to use social purposes, mainstream these tools for uncontroversial, to block access to them. For reluctant authorities are example, Ethan Zuckerman (this issue) spoke about how the popular photo-sharing website Flickr allows anyone to put with others – but this also captions on their photos to share means that Internet users can use these captions to post politically sensitive texts online, which some governments Internet access to. might otherwise block people’s Why use Web 2.0 for development? Web Why use The final session drew out some lessons learnt partici- out some from The final session drew had been encouraged Participants pants at the conference. on the conference to write their thoughts and observations democracy walls. Matching the left and right hands: tools in action at Matching the left and right hands: Web2forDev important it is not just to promote the tools but to start with the tools but to to promote important it is not just relevant – and to decide which tools are the people involved how certain tools were repeatedly heard We and necessary. of people. groups better matched than others to different by some as One of the most successful tools – considered with over 100,000 2.0’ – is DGroups, Web 2.0 before ‘Web was not because it was the latest soft- users. This registered tool – but because it matched and most sophisticated ware its users’ needs. the final workshop, their comments were then summarised the final workshop, their comments were of the two hands and matched against the components model. 9 7 8 platform, where users can upload, view and share images and video clips. See users can upload, view and share platform, where http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flickr Source: www.flickr.com. communities interested in international development. See: www.dgroups.org in internationalcommunities interested development. See: www.dgroups.org See focused and concise manner. and opinions in a free, walls’ Tips for Trainers (Rambaldi, 2008). Read free online: (Rambaldi, 2008). Read free walls’ Tips for Trainers http://tinyurl.com/c8gkn3 2 24 THEME SECTION Chris Addison ‘Web2forDev’. the conferenceas whichtheyuploadedontotheInternet retrieving information. navigation whilstkeywords andtaxonomyhaveemergedfor with particularkeywords, ortags.Tagging isoftenusedfor any onlinecommunitythatactivelyseekscontenttagged and allowstheircontenttobefeatured onotherwebsitesby the authortoorganisetheirarticles,structure theminablog, 11 10 content away. bring newaudiencestoyourwebsite.Theydonotjustgive ‘feeding’ themtootherinterestedusers,thishelps Internet because bygatheringtogetherlinkstonewcontentand are aformofmarketingand advertiseyourcontenttoothers, standing ofwhat–andhowfeedsshare information.Feeds share newcontent–andthat thiswasduetoamisunder- that manyorganisationswere resisting usingRSSfeedsto to unlockvaluablenewcontentfrom websites.Theyalsofelt Many participantsfeltthere wasaneedtomoveRSSfeeds you havingtosearch forthemmanuallyontheInternet. headlines andarticles,assoontheyare published,without online. Theyaggregate linkstonewcontentinoneplacee.g. RSS feedshelptofilterthesheervolumeofcontentavailable Feeds lines todecidethebestwaytagcouldbeused. this issue).Theonlyissuewithwastheneedforguide- opinions around themeeting(seealsoBarthandRambaldi, and provide astructured methodofretrieval. developed toassistclassification,avoidambiguityofitems normally derivedtoserveabroader communityandhas other searchers whousethosekeywords.’ Taxonomy is have asocialdimension,organisinginformationbetterfor keywords usedbyotherstodescribesimilarcontent. and starttousepopular they uploadtotheInternet, words are usedoverandagainaspeople‘tag’material of populartaggingkeywords, emergeascommonly-used hierarchical folksonomies.Thesefolksonomies,orcollections Christian Kreutz explainedhowtaggingisusedtocreate non- usersusetaggingindifferentInternet ways.Forexample, (this issue). http://blog.web2fordev.net andwww.crisscrossed.net. SeealsoTagging, p.117 they hadwrittenabouttheconference whenwritingpostsonblogs suchas Wikipedia. particular classificationarrangedinahierarchical structure. Adaptedfrom source: For example,conference participantswere encouragedtotaganycomments Taxonomy isthepracticeandscienceofclassification. Ataxonomyisa Participants were encouragedtotagallitemsrelated to Another emphasisedtheopportunitiesforsharing.‘Tags 11 This ledtoavastrepository ofideasand 10 Tagging allows 13 12 www.netvibes.com. or Netvibes.See:www.google.co.uk/ig; www.pageflakes.com; feeds, seethepageopposite. from blogs,wikisandtaggeddocumentsthrough the useof our trainingcourses. website start-page.iGoogleisanexampleweoftenuseon cal knowledge.Anexampleofthisisauser’s personal own viewofcontentwithouttheneedforin-depthtechni- key pointforthefuture ishowindividuals‘mash-up’their restructured inwaysthatallowfornovelformsofreuse.’ The mation andpresentation are beingseparatedandthen [these] are allfacetsofthesamephenomenon:thatinfor- participant madeaninteresting observation.‘Inmymind intriguing examplesrangingfrom websitestomaps.One combining mapswithtext,photos,and/orvideos. from different sources –thatare already available online,such restructure andreuse different typesofinformation–and Using Web 2.0tools,‘mash-ups’allowuserstocombine, Mash-ups skills ofhowtoencourageparticipation andbuildcapacity where accesswaspossible,peoplewere lookingforthekey Web 2.0toolsavailableinlanguages otherthanEnglish.Even about otherkeyconstraintssuchaslanguage,withsofew and howbothare affected bybusinessandpolitics.We heard connectivity across Africaand unreliable powersupplies– andagain, weheard aboutvariableInternet ent ways.Time matter howusefultheyare. Accesswasillustratedindiffer- However, youstillneedaccesstothetools tousethem–no Access benefits tobothlivesandlivelihoods. that whencombinedwiththerightapproaches canfacilitate tion technologies(ICTs) ingeneral,are simplysetsoftools is meaningless.Web 2.0toolsandinformationcommunica- content itselfandmeansofsharingthiscontent/knowledge thepeopletogeneratecontent,both Without should notgetlostinthehypeovernewtechnologies. from twoparticipantsinthefinalwrappingupsession. The people-centred approach wasemphasisedbycomments People connected bythesetools. It’s notaboutthetools–it’s aboutthepeoplewhoare iGoogle isapersonalisedwebstart-page. SimiliarplatformsincludePageflakes For more informationonmash-ups,seeglossary, p.122(thisissue). Again andagainweheard, ‘It’s allaboutpeople’.We 13 For anexampleofthecombinedinput 12 We saw We 25

2 THEME SECTION The two hands of Web2forDev: a conference summary a conference Web2forDev: of two hands The Content the same concerns about Whatever the new technology, concerned Some were about how northerncontent remain. 2.0 services. information continues to dominate new Web capture, readily Others saw the new tools as a way to more local content (see e.g. Karam- generate, validate and share agi and Nakirya; and Corbett et al., this issue). This worked literacy particularly well for audio and video materials where 2.0 was less of an impediment to their use. In addition, Web coming into their own, helping to tools such as RSS feeds are filter the sheer volume of content available. But the same by who – concerns what content, made and shared remain: content will depend so and who with? The way we present The new tools trying to reach. much on the audience we are way of working, for example a completely different provide allowing many people to work on a document at one time, the review still times we still need to structure are but there and clarity will relevance Quality, and final editing process. used, of the process still need to be maintained, regardless 2.0 tools. whether using a pencil or Web An example of a ‘mash-up’ of a An example using iGoogle mash-up RSS feeds It uses software. to to gather together links content new and existing different many from See websites in one place. www.google.com/ig While Web 2.0 is also known as ‘the partic- While Web 14 A good example of a participatory online community is the Open Forum on Participation participation While many emphasised the important role that presenta- some regretted 2.0 approaches, plays in Web did not emphasise this enough. tions at the conference for it seemed as though that this was the reality However, many (although certainly not all) organisations at the time of the conference. for people to participate. One thing that became clear from that mobile phones can role was the strong the conference this access (see Samii; Okolloh; and also play in providing Karamagi and Nakirya, this issue). ipatory web’ we need to make a distinction between simply using the ‘participatory web’ and combining the use of these which generate, collect tools with participatory approaches information. and share Participatory Geographic Information Systems and Technologies – a vibrant Participatory Geographic Information Systems and Technologies international community of practice which hosts four distinct online discussion lists: Anglophone, Latin American (Spanish), Lusophone (Brazilian) and Francophone. See: www.ppgis.net 14 2 26 THEME SECTION Chris Addison Web 2.0needtobeinterdisciplinary. There wasparticularly ment sector. Andeveryonestressed thatourapproaches to people workinginmanydifferent aspectsofthedevelop- this dialoguewasessential.Theconference participantswere session oftheconference stressed thescaleofchange. So The generalconclusionsoftheparticipantsinclosing General conclusions they perceive andappreciate change. actions), whileMostSignificantChangedocumentshow captures changesinwhatpeopledodifferently (behaviours, reports, publicationsornetworks.OutcomeMapping in aproject ratherthanoutputsfrom theactivitysuch as methodologies focusingonthechangesaround thepeople Significant Change.Bothare monitoringandevaluation context were OutcomeMappingapproaches and Most done. Thetwotechniquesmostoftenmentionedinthis sought. Manyparticipantscommentedonhowthiscouldbe whether –thesetoolsare havingtheimpactthatwehave monitoring andevaluationtomeasure howwell–and just introducing newtechnologies.We needtoputin place united inacommoncause.Positivechangeisthegoal–not hoods, tobuildingsocialnetworksandonlinecommunities sharing informationandknowledgetoimprove ourliveli- impact thesetechnologiescanhaveonourlives,from ices –butwhatimpacttheinformationhashadontheirlives. visitors toawebsite,orhowmanypeopleuseWeb 2.0serv- a needtomeasure impact–notjustintermsofnumber The discussionsrunningthrough theconference focusedon Measuring impact: isitworthit? 15 www.mande.co.uk/MSC.htm www.outcomemapping.ca. ForMostSignificantChangesee: http://tinyurl.com/dz5jat. Forinformation onOutcomeMappingsee: Website: www.euforic.org Email: [email protected] Belgium Brussels 1200 Avenue debroqueville 140 Chris Addison CONTACT DETAILS See Ricardo Ramirez, ImpactofPublicAccesstoICT(IPAI) project wiki: I thinkthispointisextremely important.Itisaboutthe 15 Jon Corbettforembodyingtheideaintwo auditorium intoaworkshopenvironment, to in particularhelpingtochangethe300-seat Lucy Lamoreux asmycolleaguefacilitatorand to facilitatetheWeb2forDev conference, to Cooperation EU-ACP(CTA) fortheopportunity Technical Centre forAgriculturalandRural Many thankstoGiacomoRambaldiofThe NOTES power intheprocess.” should bebasedonconsiderations of tools –andtheirselectionuse “Web 2.0toolsare like anyothersetof two hands. ment, itisusefultoremember thetoolkitrepresented byour opment action.Sowhenexploringthenewwebfordevelop- offence. Web 2.0toolsshouldalwaysbesupportiveofa devel- tools andapproaches, butsomecombinationsmaycause cultures usedifferent gestures. Thefingersmayrepresent our the handssays,youshouldbecareful howyouusethem. but theyeachmatchaparticularneed.Andasthestoryabout a wholearrayofWeb 2.0toolsandopportunitiesavailable, which toolswere appropriate totheirsituation.There maybe resounded withme.Participantsneededtoexperimentfind were notreplaced byWeb 2.0tools.Inparticular, onepoint they hadseen–somore traditionalformsofcommunication – notingdownemailaddresses andwritingarticlesonwhat pants wouldstillbetakingpaperhomefrom theconference 2.0 approaches. Oneinteresting observationwasthat partici- tions ofpowerintheprocess. and theirselectionuseshouldbebasedonconsidera- accountability. Web 2.0toolsare likeanyothersetoftools– consideration ofprocess, inclusion,transparency and needed incombination:goodpracticerequires careful an emphasisthatoftenanthropology andtechnologywere We maymeetorgreet withourhandsanddifferent Many expressed theirenthusiasmtogethomeandtryWeb Short URL:http://tinyurl.com/web2hands Two_Hands_of_Web2forDev. Source: http://wiki.web2fordev.net/index.php/ ‘Two HandsofWeb2forDev’. article ontheWeb2forDev conference wiki, IIED forherworkonthisarticle. hands graphicalimageandtoHollyAshleyof This articlehasbeenadaptedfrom an THEME SECTION 27 social for by the Ghana for development purposes. Across the explores the potential of blogging describes the development of an online describes the development of an online describes the use of video blogging world, the mobile phone is becoming a more accessible, affordable and world, the mobile phone is becoming a more accessible, affordable convenient means of communication than the Internet and computers. Particularly in Africa, as the cost of services and handsets continue to reduce, mobile phones are increasingly becoming the preferred tool for accessing and sharing information. As the impacts of this new ‘revolution’ are starting to be assessed, Samii argues that mobile phones have the potential to become the first universally accessible information communication technology. Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (GINKS). Similar to a blog, a video blog – or ‘vlog’ for short – contains short segments of video content. Usually in the form of interviews, these vlogs help members to share information about work and experiences. Deh also considers the potentials of vlogging for advocacy purposes, as well as the challenges countries such as Ghana, where Internet 2.0 tools in inherent in using Web access is still mostly limited to urban areas. SAMII, and reflects on the rising The final article in Part II is by ROXANNA popularity of mobile telephony development. A blog enables users to engage in two-way conversations development. A blog enables users to information-sharing networks. and link to one another to form new traditional, top-down mode of Blogging represents a shift from a more and transparent’ one. While the communication to a more ‘publicly open these to gain popularity, use of blogging for development is beginning of access and literacy remain a blogs are still in limited use – and issues of the world. fundamental challenge in many parts DUNCAN MACQUEEN Connect Alliance networking website. Members of the international Forest information-sharing. The had expressed a strong demand for greater to quickly and easily access and website provided a platform for members practice in small and medium- share information about state-of-the-art the online social network has sized forest enterprises. Since its creation, attracted an increasing number of genuinely active members. Although donors still need persuasion to fund further website development, early indications are that the initiative is having a positive impact. Next, PRINCE DEH Part II: Studies of Part II: 2.0 tools Web 2.0 tools the uses of specific Web In Part II, the articles examine some of for development purposes. First, CHRISTIAN KREUTZ Theme sectionTheme 28 THEME SECTION 3 and editwebsites(seeBox1). Now, userstocreate itispossibleformostInternet content phase oftheweb,mostpeoplecouldonlyread information. from around theworldinanunforeseen way. thefirst With to haveavoiceandworldwideaudience–linkingpeople user gies nowmakeitpotentiallypossibleforeveryInternet referred toasthe‘read andwrite’web,Web 2.0 technolo- in thenewformsofparticipationitoffers. Sometimes years, notjustinitssheernumberofusers,butparticular, WebThe World haschangeddramaticallyinrecent Wide 1 villagers haveablog,where theydescribetheirdailystrug- face severe problems due topovertyandHIV/AIDS.Yet the thereOne exampleisthevillageofNata, Botswana.Villagers few meansyoucancreate anonlineplatformforyourcause. roots activistswere thefirsttotapthatpotential–withvery fingertips –andthisshiftalsoappliestodevelopment.Grass- blogging fordevelopment Exploring thepotentialsof Introduction by CHRISTIANKREUTZ For adefinitionof‘blog’, seeglossary, p.121.Seealso Bloggingp.106(thisissue). Seth Godin powerful thanideasdeliveredatanindividual. Ideas thatspreadthroughgroupsofpeoplearefarmore Commenting, editingorwritingarticlescanbeatour 1 3 2 Africa canendpoverty. Economist oftheAfricanregion, proclaims inhisblogthat lenges ofdevelopmentviablogs.ShantaDevarajan,Chief publicly openandtransparent conversationaboutthechal- multiple websiteswhere userscanparticipatebypublishing how wepublishedourowncontent online.Today, there are technicalconstraintslimited In theearlyyearsofInternet, Who blogsandwhy? ishes from volunteerengagement. One ofthesuccessfulkeyfactorsbloggingisthatitflour- down communicationisshiftingtoatwo-wayconversation. challenges onlinewithwhoeverisinterested. Slowly, top- worldwide canengageandfollowthelatestnews. gles from thisblog,supporters theirownperspectives.Via engagement.” is thatitflourishesfrom volunteer of thesuccessfulkey factors ofblogging shifting toatwo-wayconversation. One “Slowly, top-downcommunicationis See: http://endpovertyinsouthasia.worldbank.org/blogs/shanta-devarajan See: http://natavillage.typepad.com/ Even organisationsliketheWorld Bankhavejoinedthe 3 He discussesideas,solutionsand 2

29 3 THEME SECTION http://natavillage.typepad.com Source: 8 Another example 5 Through blogs, human Through 7 6 Exploring the potentials of blogging for development blogging for of the potentials Exploring Bloggers connect not only to share information, but also Bloggers connect not only to share See: http://voicesofafrica.africanews.com See: http://kisan.wordpress.com See e.g.: http://aliveinbaghdad.org See e.g.: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/publications/2008/Mapping_Irans_Online_Public. The Nata village blog is a The Nata village blog is which tool, fundraising also enables website to meet the visitors people of Nata and to learn about their stories and how they live. Or short URL: http://tinyurl.com/iran-online 5 6 7 8 rights activists connect, coordinate and publish information rights activists connect, coordinate in media. not reported or protests such as incidents of torture Much political debate has now moved to the Internet. However, this has also resulted in increased censorship in in increased this has also resulted However, is the Indian Kisan blog. Farmers can post questions to the In by other farmers or scientists. answered blog, which are the Kisan blog is contributing to sharing experiences this way, of rural farmers in India. to take action. One interesting phenomenon is that people to take action. One interesting languages. In Asia, Africa and blogging in many different are Latin America blogs have become important transmitters of blogs have become news and expertise. In the Arab region, a major tool for political activism. projects such as Voices of Africa, bloggers film interviews and of Africa, bloggers such as Voices projects the continent. around upload stories from Although blogs 4 All bloggers share the potential opportunity speak to a All bloggers share information pathways. videos and audio. videos and audio. the oldest ones – this gives them a sense of immediacy. each other’s posts and engaging in discussion. each other’s journal. The author can opt to allow other readers to interact and author can opt to allow The journal. write their own comments on the blog. any kind of topic. any kind of topic. The blogosphere is a collective term encompassing all blogs and their is a collective term encompassing all blogs and The blogosphere Blogs… • are an expression of personal opinion; and • help trigger discussions online; picking up on other ongoing conversations online. • link to other blogs, • The majority of blogs link to each other, forming new networks and majority of blogs link to each other, • The • A blog is a little publishing system, which allows you to add photos, • A blog is a little publishing system, • Unlike an online forum, blogs start with the newest posts rather than an online forum, • Unlike • This offers readers an opportunity to participate by commenting on offers readers an opportunity to participate by commenting • This • Most blogs are written by one person in the form of a diary or • Most blogs are written by one person in the form A blog, short for ‘Web’ and ‘log’, is basically just a website with articles, ‘log’, and ‘Web’ short for A blog, but with some decisive elements: write posts about • Everyone can easily create his or her own blog and Box 1: What is a blog? What is a blog? 1: Box 4 interconnections. Source: Wikipedia Source: interconnections. are mostly personal, there are blogs about all kinds of topics, are mostly personal, there are infor- sharing a hobby or political opinions, to offering from mation as an expert, campaigning for a cause, or linking co- or organisation. Bloggers can write workers within a project about their insights and opinions – and trigger a discourse or controversy. global audience. Particularly for development, previously people can tell their stories. In the short history of unheard only a minority of people has participated blogging, however, by writing or commenting. Few blogs have a large audience. Few bloggers focus on development, and the existing devel- various are still loosely linked. But there opment blogs are new ways of information fascinating examples offering blogs. exchange through Blogging in action The connectedness of blogs allows ideas and information to the Internet. quickly throughout African citizen jour- spread nalism is slowly on the rise. Equipped with mobile phones, in their stories, collaborate with others, or simply comment. their stories, collaborate with others, or shift in web recent Blogs have been synonymous with this the ‘social web’, often referred communication tools towards its own of blogs has created 2.0. A global network to as Web millions – where blogosphere – known as the public sphere of bloggers write their stories worldwide. 3 30 THEME SECTION Christian Kreutz Source: http://voicesofafrica.africanews.com 10 9 that report ontopicsfrom different partsofthe continent.See:http://afrigator.com technorati.com. Afrigatorisaportalthat aggregates manydifferent Africanblogs particularly inconflictsituations(seealsoOkolloh,thisissue). of thefew–oronlysources ofinformationavailableonline, tive filtersofinformation.They actlikefishers,whopickthe and giveorientationrelevance –andalsobecomeeffec- within networks,where bloggers aggregate information, ebb andflowofinformation.Thisformshubsornodes linking conversationsandotherexistingblogs,increasing the edge, expertiseandperspectives.Inaway, bloggingmeans list oflinkstootherblogs).Bloggersweaveawebknowl- the popularityofablog–e.g.citationsandaffiliation (i.e.a generates interactionbetweenbloggersandalsomeasures there isanewlinkfrom anotherblogtotheirownposts.It meaning. Bloggersare also notified(‘pinged’)everytime analyse andlinkinformation–intheprocess, create Compared tonormaldevelopment websites,bloggersboth Accountability andtransparency companies. ingly byInternet – areandincreas- undersurveillancebytheirgovernments such asEgypt,ChinaorIran,bloggers–andtheblogosphere (see alsoZuckerman,thisissue).Forexample,incountries bloggers imprisonedforwritingaboutpoliticalorsocialissues many countries,restricting freedom ofexpression, withsome For more information see Reporter Without Borders:For more www.rsf.org informationseeReporterWithout A goodexampleisTechnorati, thelargestworldwide bloggingdirectory. See: 9 However, blogsare oftenone is publishedonthiswebsite. videos –muchoftheirwork uploading texts, photosand Reporters gainexperience in launched inlateMay2007. Voices of Africa project was Africa MediaFoundation, the Initiated bythe Voices of examples. andworldchanging.comare good perspectives –Wikipedia user isabletolinkinformationandcanaddvalues for direct feedback.Theparadigm shiftisthateachInternet tions, disciplinesandinterests and highlightthepossibility line thestrength to heard ordiscussed.However, bloggingproponents under- blogs oftendodevelopwhere notenoughperspectivesare chamber ofmutualconfirmation.Networkssympathising other blogsorrepeat themselves, oftenendinginanecho nalists. Manysaythatmostblogs‘copyandpaste’from compared toprofessionally compiledinformationby jour- where theaddedvalueofthisgrowing contentlies – biased information.CriticssuchasAndrew Keenwonder blogger decidesthatonapersonalbasisanditmightbe overview oninteresting topics.Thedisadvantageisthata different perspectives. aggregation isimportanttofinddifferent blogpostswith ideas andinterpretations ofthemfindtheirwaytodifferent large conversation,where everyonecanparticipate.New most relevant piecesofinformationoutthenet. knowledge management. social changeand 2.0 toolsfordevelopment, technologies (ICTs)and Web communication the useofinformation of ablogwhichexplores Crisscrossed isoneexample 11 and encyclopaedia.See: en.wikipedia.org isacombinationofthewords wiki(atypeofcollaborativewebsite) ‘Wikipedia’ multilingual, Web-based, free-content encyclopaediaproject. Thename Wikipedia isafree onlineencyclopaedia thatanyonecanedit.Itisa Wikipedia The advantageoffilteringisthatthesebloggersgivean These networksofblogsandtheirreaders becomea 11 link informationfrom different connec- 10 This

Source: www.crisscrossed.net 31 3 THEME SECTION 15 Exploring the potentials of blogging for development blogging for of the potentials Exploring 14 It also has the potential to make the implicit explicit. This ‘Blogging for transparency and good governance:‘Blogging for transparency on IFIs.’ Blog post, 26th April For example in Egypt, GTZ uses a blog as an internal exchange platform. Blogs are playing an increasingly important role for Blogs are playing an increasingly important the restraints of improved governance. Blogs do not face is a planet commercial print media. The blogosphere of public institu- apart from traditional PR departments information, tions, enabling citizens to share unfiltered Blogs help expose misdeeds, and freely express views. more account- make governments and public institutions able. “These networks of blogs and their “These networks conversation, a large become readers New everyone can participate. where of them find ideas and interpretations blogs every day.” their way to different 2008. See: http://thekaufmannpost.net/blogging-for-accountability-good-governance 14 15 Blogs and organisational knowledge-sharing Blogs and organisational blog- starting to explore are Some organisations, however, ging for internal knowledge-sharing. They use blogs to keep a depart- a community of practice running or to improve management. even for project communication or ment’s few write for Contrary to the traditional Intranet, where internal and be blogs allow everyone to participate many, blogging and authors. In its informal approach, readers encourages storytelling and places an emphasis on individ- management, it can be used to ual experiences. For project history in one central place. This helps document the project perspectives and voices of a project to highlight the different horizontal communication approach. in a more organisations the opportunity to not only weave a offers web of organisational knowledge, but also communicate their blogs with externalthrough audiences. Internal blogs a good way to experiment with blogging and grasp are hidden experiences, and also put employees at the centre of internalcommunication. improve transparency. Although there are examples of are Although there transparency. improve blogs, particularly in the USA, political influence of increasing countries is still marginal. in most the political blogosphere not yet challenged The communication power of blogs has act as watchdogs. development organisations – but they can Bank Institute of the World As Daniel Kaufmann, Director writes on his blog, 13 Villagers, journalists, and aid scientists 12 Blogging can allow us to be transparent about projects. Blogging can allow us to be transparent the chance to For many organisations, blogging offers organisations Allison Fine (2006) argues that future Yet See: www.guardian.co.uk/katine See: www.guardian.co.uk/society/katineblog/2008/nov/10/one-year-on-uganda Examples in development becomes For development, this linking and exchanging key to tackling are essential. Multidisciplinary approaches Blogs have opened up problems. complex environmental One new channels for development communication. ongoing Katine newspaper’s example is the UK Guardian in Uganda. project blogs every day. Much of this kind of exchange was already Much of this kind of exchange was blogs every day. these email mailing lists. However, happening through to anyone accessible by blogging are connections made mailing list not limited to a certain thematic online: they are transparent. more and so are 12 13 It gives more space for opinions, different perspectives and different space for opinions, It gives more channels. These than traditional communication reflections the But here, can help influence the course of a project. limits of blogging also appear: one blogger made the allows reporting comment that, ‘At its best, the Guardian’s way.’ us to analyse and think about life in Katine in a careful Just blogging does not necessarily have a demonstrable impact on development. enter into an ‘authentic two-way conversation’, enabling feedback in an open manner – and more people to provide to speaking out This bottom-up approach easily than before. about social, economical or political issues has the potential in the development public sphere to engage a broader But it seems only a few organisations in the devel- sector. the potential of blogging – opment field have discovered of openness. Unfortu- this degree and not all appreciate often only many of the existing initiatives are nately, islands rather than networks. randomly linked – they are have to embrace this kind of openness and learn to improve their listening skills. For development organisations, which is a chance to and publicly-funded, there non-profit are workers are invited to write openly their perspectives about invited to write openly workers are website. It entails newspaper’s on a blog on the the project development aid, but also discussions around controversial development shows the complexity of community-driven M. the Katine blog, Richard For example, on projects. is, the need is much ‘The trouble Kavuma writes bluntly, comment budget.’ This is a direct than the project greater about the limitations of development aid. 3 32 THEME SECTION Christian Kreutz even intensify. participating. Someoftheseobstacles willremain ormight debates are inEnglishandexcludemanygroups from between them.Themajority ofonlinedevelopment languages dominateandthere are veryfewbridges tence) toengageinsuchaconversation.Also,justfew accessorthemeans(literacyandmediacompe- Internet and acertaindegree ofmedia literacy. butthereInternet, are obstacles: access,cost,time,literacy ipatory webhasopenednewwaysofinteractingonthe experience tousethistoolanditsopportunities.Thepartic- text. Butnoteverybodyisaswellconnectedorhasthe take more thanthree mouse-clicks,includingwritingthe thepublishingprocesslearn forablogpost.Itshouldnot user,For theaverage,experiencedInternet youcanquickly Issues ofaccessandliteracy help theaudiencefindyou(seeBox2). guaranteed. You needtopersevere tofindtheaudienceor active, commentingaudience.Attentionandvisitorsare not It takesskillandpatiencetoachieveavibrantblogwithan underestimate howmuchtimeandresources ablogneeds. Finding anaudienceisusuallyamajorchallenge.Manyalso discussion. Manyblogsquicklylapseorare rarely updated. huge boom.Butnotallblogsbecomevibrantspacesfor Since thecreation ofthefirstblog,wehavewitnesseda Some challengestobeaware of Box 2: Sometipsonhowtostartablog • Blogging needspatience, butcanalsobeseenasagoodprocessof • Do notunderestimatetheeffortofblogging. Writing takes time, but • An importantkey istolinkotherblogsforreference. Pickup • Write interestingcontentforreaders. Add value toexisting • Think ofatopicyouwant towriteaboutandhaveanaudiencein • Blogs caneasilybeadministeredfromsimpleweb-basedinterfaces • There areseveralfreebloggingwebsitesavailable fromwhichyou offline. self reflection, whereyoudigestthethingslearnonlineand regularly bloggingkeeps yourblogdynamic. become partofanetwork. discussions onotherblogsandlinktoyourfavourite conversations andwriteauthentically. them ifyoudonotwant tostartyourownblogrightaway. mind. Checkblogsonsimilartopicsandstartbycommenting on information. to addapplicationssuchasvideoclips, photos, orothertypesof and Blogger.com can easilycreateablog. Two ofthebiggestonesare Wordpress.com The speedatwhich innovationistransforming howwe Particularly indevelopingcountries,fewpeoplehave be texts,videosoraudiopresented onawebsite. and perspectivesarticulatedwithinagroup. Theresults can at eventsactasreporters topresent thedifferent opinions andviceversa.Participants is documentedfortheInternet offline worldissocialreporting, where knowledge-sharing big constraint.Oneapproach tobridgingtheonlineand isbreathtaking.use theInternet Evenso,bandwidthisa get richer.’ rich inknowledge,informationandconnectionsmayjust Think CharlesLeadbeater’s ‘Thosealready (2008)concern: users.Ishareahead ofnormalInternet theauthorWe- always be:howcanthispotentialtoolhelp? logical. Inthedevelopmentcontext,keyquestionmust needs. Notallcommunicationsolutionsneedtotechno- alltechnology,With abestfitapproach iskey:focuson helped toempowerpeople–itdoesnotbenefitallcauses. Although there are numerous casesofbloggingthathave sources’ inthesamewaytheywouldanewspaper. literate’ peoplemaytakeblogsasfactualand‘trusted ity withdifferent writingstylestodothis.Alsoless‘media standing. Ittakesacertainlevelofeducationandfamiliar- content andthenalsofilterittocreate theirownunder- other wonderfulWeb 2.0toolswillhavelimitedeffects. change theirmindsetstowards openness,blogsandallthese participate moreorganisations easilyand untilnorthern stage inthiswholemovement.SolongastheSouthcannot for development.Inmyopinionweare stillataveryearly is stillverylittleevidenceofbloggingmakingadifference empowerment, butneverthelessthere are limitations.There Blogging canhaveapositiveimpactoncommunicationand Conclusion 16 reporting?’ See:http://ictkm.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/what-is-social-reporting remix. Jointlivebloggingisonewayofcreating socialreports. Source: ‘What issocial sometimes asahalf-product. Thisallowsotherstojoinin,extend,adjust or resulting ‘socialreport’ ismadeaccessible,usuallyonline,assoonpossible, jointly contributetosomeformofreporting, intext,photos,imagesorvideo. The traditional communicationchannels.” perspectives andreflections than more spaceforopinions, different transparent aboutprojects. Itgives “Blogging canallowustobe Social reporting iswhere agroup ofparticipants ataneventinteractivelyand Lastly, there isalsoariskthatthefront-runners are far Reading blogsalsomeansthatthereader hastofind 16 33 3 THEME SECTION Never- 17 Exploring the potentials of blogging for development blogging for of the potentials Exploring Wiley-Joss. See It is not only about publishing, but interacting within It is not only about publishing, but interacting For example Twitter, a micro-blogging tool, has had far more networking has had far more tool, a micro-blogging For example Twitter, theless one key problem of all these initiatives is that they of all these initiatives is theless one key problem to the offline always struggle to get a spill-over effect world. this open collabo- your own networks. Enthusiasts see in development chal- where times ahead, ration promising So whether you choose to tackled collectively. lenges are it is the 2.0 tools – remember, use blogs or any other Web their exchange that people who form these networks and value, ideas and innovation. create members to interact and facilitate collaboration. Mobile members to interact you inter- letting in the same direction, social networks go you are. your mobile phone wherever act from effects and interesting real life effects than ordinary blogging. Users can send and than ordinary life effects real and interesting effects short text updates via the Internetreceive or a mobile phone. See Micro-blogging p.108 (this issue). and Twitter, 17 REFERENCES Fine, A. (2006). Momentum igniting social change in the Connected Age. also: www.momentumthebook.com Godin, S. (2007). Meatball Sundae: is your marketing out of sync? Portfolio Penguin USA Group: Keen, A. (2007). The Cult of the Amateur: Internet is killing our culture. how today’s See also: Doubleday: New York. http://thecultoftheamateur.com mass C. (2008). We-think: Leadbeater, innovation, not mass production: the power of Books: London. See: Profile mass creativity. www.charlesleadbeater.net Blogging is just one form of publishing and interacting. Blogging is just one form of publishing CONTACT DETAILS CONTACT Christian Kreutz Consulting CrissCrossed 50 Weberstraße 60318 Frankfurt Germany Email: [email protected] Blog: www.crisscrossed.net Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ckreutz be: how can this potential tool help?” be: “With all technology, a best fit approach all technology, “With Not all focus on needs. is key: solutions need to communication In the development technological. question must always the key context, Many Internet users are publishing content on wikis or on Many Internet publishing content users are which allow their social networks such as Facebook, 34 THEME SECTION 4 organisations thatsupportSMFEs. andprivatesector government non- use amonggovernment, steady increase inmembershipand Forest Connectwebsitehas seena the-art practiceinsmallforest enterprisesupport(seeBox1). quickly andeasilygetaccesstoinformationaboutstate-of- those newtothisarea ofdevelopment, itprovides awayto 1 Connect alliance networking fortheForest Web 2.0toolstopromotesocial by DUNCANMACQUEEN videos andsendpersonalmessagestoothersiteusers. access reports andpractical manuals,share photosand announcements andworkopportunities,discusskeyissues, 300 from 48countries) to uploadinformation,event growing numberofthesepractitioners (currently inexcessof The newForest Connectwebsite makesitpossiblefora supporters ofsmallandmediumforest enterprises(SMFEs). to share newapproaches andtactics,currently usedby been. Describedhere istheuseofanewWeb 2.0platform a socialnetworkwasdevelopedandhoweffective ithas world isthethemeofthisarticle.Theaimtoexplore how Connecting practitionersworkingonsimilarissuesacross the Introduction See: http://forestconnect.ning.com Launched inJanuary2008,the 1 For environmental, socialandeconomicterms isincreasingly seen estation andreduce poverty, making SMFEssustainablein thetwofoldclamourtoavoidclimate-threatening defor- With ally, theyadd valuetoanestimatedUS$130billionperyear. laws, itcanbethatSMFEsdominate forest outcomes.Glob- formal businessregistration oroutsidelegalforest licensing non-timber forest product enterpriseswhichoperatewithout enterprises are factored in,forexamplethemanytimberor (Macqueen, 2008).Ifthemuchmore numerous informal forest sectoremployment in mostdevelopingcountries up 80-90%offorest enterprise numbersand50%offormal case. SMFEs(forest enterprises with10-100employees)make The globalcontextprovides hintsastowhythismightbethe comments ontheForest Connectnetworkingwebsite ANSAB, theForest ConnectcountrypartnerforNepal) Network forSustainable Agriculture andBioresources, Box 1. RamSubedi(EnterpriseandMarketingadviser, Asia Forest Connectmembersaroundtheworld. web portalwhereeveryonecanshare/exchangetheirideaswithother Organisation oftheUnitedNations(FAO) havedevelopedadynamic for EnvironmentandDevelopment(IIED)theFood and Agriculture countries. Amongst various otheractivities, theInternationalInstitute enterprises withmarkets, serviceprovidersandgovernmentinseveral insufficient businessknow-how. Forest Connectmembers linkthese information, inadequatetechnology, poorinfrastructure, and unstable policiesandregulations, pooraccesstocredit, poormarket SMFEs faceanumberofproblemssuchasexcessivebureaucracy, 35

4 THEME SECTION Early Forest Connect activities included diagnostics to Early Forest discussions, IIED and the Community-Based Forest Enterprise discussions, IIED and the Community-Based Forest developed a (CBED) of FAO Development Programme various country partners, with inputs from Together response. Connect dedicated they developed an alliance called Forest the isolation of SMFEs. The aim was to to addressing the capacity of national partners to facilitate strengthen better linkages between SMFEs, markets, service providers activities began in early and decision makers. Funded project Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guatemala, 2007 with partners from Guyana, Mozambique and Nepal. By 2008 in-country demand had led to the addition of China, Ethiopia, India, Mali and Laos. of small forest of the extent and nature raise awareness enterprises in each context. Financial and business service have been mapped and in some cases, bench- providers marked. Communication platforms, hosted by Forest Connect partners, that aim to maintain contact with SMFEs being established using newsletters, now active or are are trade fairs, mobile telephone price and bulletin boards, payment services and the Internet to facilitate better links enterprise associations, markets, service between small forest and policy makers. Specific training courses to providers Web 2.0 tools to promote social networking for the Forest Connect alliance Connect the Forest for social networking promote 2.0 tools to Web Sharing information about Ethiopian SMFE business training events with Forest Connect partners the website. through

Diagnostic work on SMFEs highlights their dominance in the sector and the challenges they face (Kozak, 2007). forest isolation Principle among these challenges is the widespread of actors: other enterprises with four groups of SMFEs from and bargaining power, whom to pursue scale efficiencies markets, business development and financial service and decision makers who determine the business providers, (Macqueen, 2007). This isolation was identified environment SMFE managers and support organisations at by numerous an international Enter- meeting on Small and Medium Forest prise Development for Poverty Reduction at the The Tropical and Higher Education Center (CATIE), Agricultural Research of these May 2006. As a result 23rd–25th Costa Rica from Background Background as a priority. As a result, new SMFE initiatives are springing new SMFE initiatives are As a result, as a priority. up all over the world. With them comes the need to develop the capacity of practitioners working to support SMFEs who come to the theme of enterprise and markets frequently often without any vocational training beyond a tech- fresh, It is understandable therefore in forestry. nical background that new practitioners would seek out a website that can of practice. bring them up to speed on this area Photo: Duncan MacQueen Duncan Photo: 4 36 THEME SECTION Duncan Macqueen Delicious.com. through alinktoanotheruseful socialbookmarkingwebsite, capacity tocreate avirtual libraryofusefuldocuments dedicated documentrepository facility, thewebsitehas individual memberprofiles). Althoughitdoesnothavea another (albeitinawaythatotherscanseeiftheylookat tool allowsmemberstocommunicatedirectly withone a meanstopubliclyaddwrittentext,whilethemessaging tional website.Thebloganddiscussionforumtoolsprovide lenged couldclickanddragtomakeapresentable andfunc- video- andphoto-sharing)thateventheelectronically chal- ing betweenmembers,textboxes,blogs,discussionforums, had pre-designed modules(e.g.formemberprofiles, messag- most useful,Ning.com.TheadvantageofNingwasthatit then selectedonesocialnetworkingplatformthatappeared video-sharing websites,wikisandblogs.IIEDreviewed and ties andhostedservices,suchassocialnetworkingwebsites, to thedevelopmentandevolutionofweb-basedcommuni- communication betweenusers.Web 2.0conceptshaveled collaboration withoptionsforbothpublicandprivate and webdesignthatallowgreater informationsharingand Web2.0 isatermdescribingnewWorld technologies Wide emerged through developmentsofWeb 2.0platforms. Web The potentialtobemore creative innetworkingpartners has Methods andprocesses (NORAD). ation (SDC)andtheNorwegiangovernment Affairs (DANIDA),SwissAgencyforDevelopmentandCooper- Development(DfID),DanishMinistryofForeignInternational mation more easily. Fundingcamefrom theUKDepartmentfor would enablepartnersandotherinterested partiestoshare infor- a socialnetworkingwebsitewithregistration opentoallthat to exploreplatformdevelop thepotentialofusinganInternet unable toprovide financialsupportto.Inearly2008,IIEDdecided support SMFEsincountriesthattheForest Connectallianceis what eachotherwasdoing,andbynumerous practitionerswho ings, bothbyForest Connectpartnerswhowantedtoknow knowledge. Thisdemandwasarticulatedinemailsandatmeet- become clearthatthere isstrong demandforgreater sharingof been carriedout. improve forest product designandbusinesspracticehave bookmarking, p.119 (thisissue). particular topicorregion tofindinformationmore easily. SeealsoSocial or acountrynamesuchas‘Guatemala’ to allowwebsiteusersinterested ina users. Forexample,adocumentmightbe taggedwithwords such as‘manual’ explanatory termsorkeywords. Thesetagscanthenserveasanindex forother a listofdocumentsalready andtageachonewith availableontheInternet 2 Social bookmarkingwebsiteDeliciousallows usersofaNingwebsitetocreate While stillinitsearlyphaseofdevelopment,ithasquickly 2 of contacts’and thosewhofoundthewebsite independently rapidly broadened outtoincludedistantchainsof‘contacts Forest Connectlinksandrelationships, butthisdynamic two weeksmembershipcame primarilythrough existing after nineweeks–andanother 50after20weeks.Inthefirst new membershadregistered, followedbyafurther50more word tootherswhomight findituseful.Intwoweeks100 received awelcomemessage toencouragethemspread persons were invitedtojoin thewebsite.Allnewmembers a widergroup ofSMFEpractitioners andknownresource received from theseinitialForest Connectcountrypartners, the IIEDandFAO co-managers.Onceinitialfeedbackwas useful nationalinformationonSMFEsinconsultationwith which hadbeendrivenbyin-countrydecisionsonthemost existing websitesofForest Connect partners,thecontentof late January2008.Inaddition,linkswere madetoseveral Forest Connectcountrypartners were theninvitedtojoinin discussion topics,photosandvideostostimulateinterest. useful reports andmanualsonSMFEs,exampleblogs IIED Forest Connectco-managerstockingthesitewithafew team memberdevelopingthemainframeworkandthen that designintoreality tooklessthanaday, withoneIIED and whatitwouldlooklike.Theactualprocess ofconverting held todeterminewhatfeatures thewebsiteshouldcontain developed asdescribedabove. accessible countrycommunicationplatformshavebeen needs are more context-specific.ForSMFEsthemselves, more access,andwhose many ofwhomdonothaveInternet not deemedappropriate forSMFEmanagersthemselves, as nationalsummariesofSMFEactivities.Thewebsitewas ance onapproaches andtacticstosupportingSMFEs,aswell to buildcapacityofthoseorganisationsbyproviding guid- acted tosupportSMFEdevelopment.Contentwasdesigned who departments andprivatesectorrepresentative bodies – a particularaudience–civilsocietygroups, government more easily.” interested partiestoshare information that wouldenablepartners andother website withregistration opentoall platform todevelopasocialnetworking the potentialofusinganInternet “In early2008, IIEDdecidedtoexplore Initial discussionswithintheco-managementteamwere The co-managersoftheForest Connectalliancetargeted 37

4 THEME SECTION A number of lessons have been learnt through this A number of lessons have been learnt through form has been useful (in common with other document existing platform is not fully search- the However, archives). use of the tags described in the a careful able and requires easily available. With footnote to make resources previous hindsight it would have been useful to have given careful thought to the most useful category tags in advance. For docu- example, it now seems best to have a few broad ‘case study’ ment tag categories such as ‘manual’, ‘report’, helped to assemble a membership that is genuinely active in helped to assemble a membership that is this field with useful experience to share. taken considerable energy Connect) has manager of Forest Connect Forest and time (at least one day per month). The to a response alliance has evolved very much as an organic issues, with funding raised set of partner country perceived rather than as a top-down and pre-designed along the way, understanding of how Given the retrospective project. useful to budget useful this activity has been, it would be Connect alliance time for website management into a Forest palatable to donors. but this has not yet proved project, and chased to do so. The material unless actively promoted of SMFEs IIED site managers suspect that many supporters of their ideas and materi- wider exposure would appreciate inevitably time-constrained. While it may be als, but are for to build in contractual requirements possible in future their materials on Connect partners to share funded Forest the this website, beyond this small contractual group of – and time to pursue – the knowledge website manager’s future main actors in the field will be critical to broadening contributions. use and odic updates to members has encouraged greater to seems to relate interest information sharing. The greatest practical manuals and announcements new country reports, of financial or consultancy opportunities – these can help to visits. attract repeat “The potential to be more creative in creative to be more “The potential has emerged networking partners 2.0 Web developments of through platforms.” process, which others with similar visions might find useful: which others with similar process, content and audience clear has Keeping the confines of • network (by the co- IIED management of this online social • in uploading role have taken on a proactive Few members • with new information and peri- Keeping the website fresh • • the Delicious plat- The document library available through Web 2.0 tools to promote social networking for the Forest Connect alliance Connect the Forest for social networking promote 2.0 tools to Web The IIED co-manager of Forest Connect and IIED website of Forest The IIED co-manager The Forest Connect network site is a very useful hub site that allows Forest The date on important developments amongst the other up to one to keep partners without having to necessarily visit all Connect project Forest I also particularly appreciate the the separate project websites. On different resources that members of the network put up on the site. having photos of members that rotate on the home relational aspects, page of the site creates a greater sense of a shared community especially when you start recognising some of the faces. Box 2. Yarri Kamara (Enterprise support manager for Kamara Yarri 2. Box Connect country partner the Forest Africa, West TreeAid Connect comments on the Forest for Burkina Faso) networking site Lessons learnt, critical reflections and analysis critical reflections Lessons learnt, Connect social networking website 2009 the Forest By March of whom visit the had in excess of 300 members, many (or at least occasionally following the website regularly bimonthly digests). Members have started to add blog posts or to post or participate in discussions. with useful reports, Many also use the website to send individual messages to other members. Some post messages announcing financial or consultancy opportunities. Many have added photos of their or manuals from work. A number have downloaded reports Comments, such as those in Boxes 1- the document library. 3 indicate that at least some members find the website useful. using Internet search engines when looking for relevant using Internet search material on SMFEs. who had developed it without any prior administrator at IIED, visits that repeat training, noticed after the first few weeks visits and new to encourage repeat limited. In order were a was adopted. Firstly, strategy members alike, a threefold the IIED co-manager of Forest was made by concerted effort of useful new informa- stream Connect to upload a regular other institutional websites the many tion drawn from developments the project dealing with SMFEs. Secondly, edited by the IIED were Connect alliance within the Forest (e.g. work- into news features Connect co-manager of Forest and managerial country developments shop proceedings, decisions such as the election of an international steering a short bimonthly email digest was initi- committee). Thirdly, additions and ated to inform existing members of recent news, resources, developments, under the headings of: By highlighting discussions, blog posts, photos and videos. by members have greatly visits such contributions, repeat improved. 4 38 THEME SECTION Duncan Macqueen • It isachallengetoprovide thenecessaryguidance onhowto • • While oneortwodocumentshavebeenmadeavailablein comings ofthewebsiteare obvious. membersfrom 48countries,thelinguisticshort- With from uploadingdocumentsintheirownlanguagestodate. this, buthaveneitherencouraged nordiscouragedusers lated content.Administrators are currently fundraisingfor and thelackofaneasyformatinwhichtoprovide trans- – primarilybecauseoflackfundstopayfortranslation Spanish andFrench, thewebsite itselfisentirely inEnglish laboriously. later on,aprocess which is currently happening,rather have avoidedtheneedtoretag numerous documents etc. Settingupsuchahierarchy carefully inadvancewould tags suchas‘finance’,‘marketing’,‘businessdevelopment’ tags suchas‘Ethiopia’,‘BurkinaFaso’orcontent-specific ‘review’ supplementedby more specificgeographical networking website. Forest Connectsocial A screen shotofthe back forthosewishing toidentifypotentialcontacts indiffer- by countryorinstitutiononNing websitesisamajordraw- • There have beenafewinstancesofmistakenuploadsor manual asafeatured publication (seeBox3). time-permitting, byaddinga‘howtousethiswebsite’ website abitdifficult tonavigate, whichcouldbeaddressed, files tothewebsiteadministratorsupload.Othersfind taken usingslowerconnectionspeeds,optinginsteadtosend tried andgaveup,eitherthrough lackoffamiliarityortime to thewebsite,bloganddiscussiontools.Severalmembers use thetwomainavenuesforcontributingwrittenmaterials mutually agreed deletionofunwantedcontent. clog thesitewithinappropriate material–followedby toindicatewhycertaintypesofusemight those concerned these caneasilybedealtwiththrough privatemessagesto deliberate attemptsatselforinstitutionalpromotion, but The inabilitytosearch orsortmembersalphabetically

Image: Forest Connect Alliance. 39

4 THEME SECTION 58 (228): Macqueen, D.J. (2007). ‘Connecting small enterprises in ways that enhance the lives of people.’ Unasylva forest-dependent 26-30 Macqueen, D.J. (2008) ‘Supporting small forest of best review enterprises: A cross-sectoral practice.’ Small and medium forest enterprise series, issue 23. International Institute for Envi- and Development: London, UK. ronment I found the Forest Connect website a useful source of information on Connect website a useful source of information I found the Forest the website is structured is way The SMFEs and sector development. a quick I can already make Only in one minute, very much user-friendly. scan on what is new and what is interesting for me. Box 4. Phuong Thao (Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Phuong 4. Box the Promotion, Trade and Department of Production comments on Connect country partner in Lao PDR) Forest Connect networking website the Forest Conclusion Connect networking website has allowed institu- The Forest useful information pertinent tions supporting SMFEs to share to their field of work. It has put members in touch with one of resources a virtual archive another and helped to create and ideas for practitioners. The technology involved could of practitioners hoping to achieve similar help other groups Finding the easy. aims. Launching such websites is relatively time, budget, and incentives for participating users to of a challenge! contribute and keep them going is more “Fundraising for time to develop the for time to develop “Fundraising is an obvious priority – for website further for better guidance providing example, and chasing translations doing more users, contributors.” up potential resource diary organisations rather than local community or private diary organisations rather than local community others be welcome from Feedback would sector groups. some might provide using alternative 2.0 platforms that Web the utility of Ning. of the functionality that constrains sites is an important Budgeting the time for managing such consideration. ODI Natural Resource Web 2.0 tools to promote social networking for the Forest Connect alliance Connect the Forest for social networking promote 2.0 tools to Web 104, Overseas Development Insti- REFERENCES Donovan, J., Stoian, D., Macqueen, D., and S. (2006) ‘The business side of Grouwels, management: Small and sustainable forest enterprise development for medium forest poverty reduction.’ Perspectives tute: London, UK. Kozak, R. (2007) ‘Small and medium forest enterprises: instruments of change in a devel- oping world.’ Rights and Resources Initiative: USA. Washington, The limited experience of managing this networking I have found the website to be very useful in terms of the practical I have found the website to be very useful in terms forest literature and manuals on support to small and medium need to spend an means that many countries don’t This enterprises. manuals for training enormous amount of resources to recreate these maybe minor tweaks just need They and other capacity building efforts. the literature adaptive to particular countries and targeted to make I am navigating in a maze – it is bit cluttered and I do feel like groups. confusing – however I do eventually get through. Box 3. Sharon Ousman (Researcher at Iwokrama Ousman (Researcher Sharon 3. Box Conservation and Forest for Rain International Centre Connect country partner in Forest the Development, Connect website on the Forest Guyana) comments CONTACT DETAILS CONTACT Duncan Macqueen Group Natural Resources International and Institute for Environment Development (IIED) 3 Endsleigh Street London WC1H 0DD, UK. Email: [email protected] http://forestconnect.ning.com Website: Fundraising for time to develop the website further is an Fundraising for time to develop the website better guidance for obvious priority – for example, providing and chasing up potential translations users, doing more would help move the website beyond contributors resource the true social network that is towards an information source possible it might prove In addition still embryonic at present. of Forest the terms of reference into to build in responsibilities uploading regional Connect alliance partners for scanning and sharing broader documents. This too might help to encourage plans to experiment with are of information. In addition, there opinionated discussion starters to try and invoke more more active debate on the website. While the website has not been this would potentially be used for any formal e-conference, discussion topics and possible using a set of considered summaries to which participants could respond. website to date suggests that the technology could poten- tially be used by other ‘communities of practitioners’ in other to well-connected interme- fields. It seems most appropriate ent institutions or countries. Presently, a search involves page involves a search ent institutions or countries. Presently, of members. many hundreds through by page scrolling Ideas for ways forward 40 THEME SECTION 5 ‘vlog’, seeglossary, p.121.SeealsoBloggingp.106(thisissue). 3 2 1 development inGhana. ging asaninformation-sharingandadvocacytoolfor the Internet withtheintentionofsharinginformation.Like the Internet reach awideraudiencewith minimalcost. low-cost Webwiththepotentialto 2.0toolson the Internet, promote information-and knowledge-sharingusingfree or Ghana andelsewhere because ofhowthetoolcanhelp GINKS hasbeenpopularisingtheconceptofvloggingin mation andknowledgewithitsmembershipaudience. and Web 2.0technologies asaleveragetooltoshare infor- (GINKS) usesinformationcommunicationtechnologies(ICTs) cation. as avlogforshort–isonesuchnext-generationwebappli- people ofallracesandidentities.Avideoblog–alsoknow now beingusedinnewanddifferent waystoreach outto in Ghanausingvideoblogging Promoting information-sharing 2.0 tools. A newwaveofopportunitieshasbeenpresented byWeb Introduction by PRINCEDEH Visit ourvlogonline:www.ginks.blogspot.com Here, videoblogsare referred toas‘vlogs’.Foradefinitionofboth ‘blog’and For adefinitionofWeb 2.0,seeglossary, p.123andoverview, p.8(thisissue). Vlogging isaprocess ofmakingandpublishingvideoson The GhanaInformationNetworkforKnowledgeSharing 2 This articlereflects someexperiencesofusingvlog- 1 Websites havebeentransformedandthewebis 3 about particularissues.” share informationandtriggerdebates short discussionpieces, whichaimto “Like blogs, videoentriesare relatively least oneofthe stakeholdersofournetwork. ICT4D theywanttoshare andwhichwethinkwillbenefit at people andgroups whohaveideasaboutgoodpractice of work.Mostthevideoswe record are interviews with tion andreflections ongoodpracticeintheirdifferent areas videos thatourmemberscontribute includesharinginforma- sible, particularlyifthestoryisshortandinteresting. The simple andattractiveformat,makinginformationmore acces- written blogs.Vlogscanhelptopresent storiesinarelatively required. However, vloggingrelies lessontheseskillsthan technologies, soalevelofliteracyandlanguageskillsare do. Itdoesrequire theuseofcomputer, andvideo Internet which makesitrelativelyhowto easy forbeginnerstolearn online andcreating newconversations. their ideas,storiesandinformation,linkingtootherbloggers order, where peoplecancommentonthevideosandshare particular issues.Entriesare displayedinreverse chronological which aimtoshare informationandtriggerdebatesabout blogs, videoentriesare relatively shortdiscussionpieces, The vloggingprocess requires littlespecialisedexpertise, 41

5 THEME SECTION We also encour- We 6 newsletter, which newsletter, Cyber Series. The GINKS regularly receives GINKS regularly 4 iConnectGhana In partnership with BusyInternet (a cyber cafe and 5 Promoting information-sharing in Ghana using video blogging using video in Ghana information-sharing Promoting The GINKS website is used to share information on ICT4D The GINKS website is used to share In recent years, the technology required to produce a vlog to produce years, the technology required In recent The network is a diverse group of people with different The network is a diverse group For example, the GINKS-Tech Forum focuses on technical issues and GINKS- For example, the GINKS-Tech See: www.ginks.org in and communities interested is an online home for groups DGroups “Asking someone to give you someone “Asking can help to make constructive feedback informative that the video is clear, sure and interesting.” 4 5 6 Women&ICT4D focuses on gender issues related to ICT4D. focuses on gender issues related Women&ICT4D international development. See: www.dgroups.org feedback and comments from its members on how benefi- feedback and comments from in this way. cial they find the information shared in Ghana. Internet Service Provider in Ghana), GINKS also publishes a Internet in Ghana), GINKS Service Provider monthly newsletter about ICT4D called network also publishes the How do you make a video blog? How do you make a vlog about a particular issue or topic, vlog- When creating gers need to consider what type of information they want to video segments are it. Recorded and how to present share normally five minutes or less – similar to the length of written text you might find on a blog. This helps to keep the videos to watch. It also helps to keep video concise and interesting file sizes small and manageable, both to upload and view an indi- online. In our experience, a good format is to record or illustrating their e.g. telling a story interview, vidual or group working practice for a particular issue. backgrounds, who use the information shared by the network shared who use the information backgrounds, and livelihoods. Members range from productivity to improve rural development, environ- stakeholders in the ICT industry, health, gender and youth. agriculture, mental protection, discussions to Though an open forum, it encourages targeted Thematic forums create meet the needs of particular groups. to common interest specialised spaces for members with a the country. experiences across share age our members to share their experiences of development age our members to share short video blogs which work with the network by producing then uploaded to our online blog. are remains the topmost media devoted to news on ICT4D in the topmost media remains mailing email is a GINKS DGroups there Ghana. Additionally, a platform for list with over 430 subscribers, which offers of physical location. engagement irrespective Examples of interviews uploaded on the GINKS video blog. The GINKS network is an open forum, which helps to About the GINKS network of 15 organisations in The network was founded by a group partnership with the International Institute for Communication a platform for and Development (IICD). GINKS aims to create expe- dialogue and share institutions and individuals to promote to help maximise the potential of ICT tools for riences in order this, ICT professionals, socioeconomic development. Before decision makers and advocates in Ghana had very few options information about for linking up with other colleagues to share best practice and lessons learnt, or to network and discuss issues to the evolving ICT industry in Ghana. that related in interested who are bring together individuals and groups information and communication technologies for develop- launch in October 2003, ment (ICT4D). Since its official 200 to over 500 approximately membership has doubled from innovative ways for information and members. GINKS offers and decision knowledge-sharing among ICT professionals Its aim is to fill the knowl- the country. makers on ICT4D across both online and offline edge-sharing vacuum by creating discussions can be held, lessons can be shared spaces where ICT for develop- to promote and best practices transferred ment in Ghana. 5 42 THEME SECTION Prince Deh http://video.google.com. can upload,viewandshare videoclips.Seewww.youtube.com, http://blip.tv, and in camcorder. 10 9 8 7 information andknowledge.Where there isaccess,ittoo oping world,thisisoneofthemainhindrancestosharing Inthedevel- lenge isconnectivityandaccesstotheInternet. The challengesofvloggingare interlocked.Themajorchal- Challenges forvloggers • avideocamera/camcorder you needtomakeavlogare: comparatively lessresources andtraining.Theminimum tools has becomesimplertouseandmore affordable, requiring GINKS blog. space from where weshare thevideobylinkingitto hosting websiteontheInternet. upload thistexttoaccompanythevideoversion. the audiospeechintotextbefore youuploaditandtoalso clear, informativeandinteresting. Itisalsousefultotranscribe constructive feedbackcanhelptomakesure thatthevideois ask someoneelsetowatchit.Askinggiveyou posting avideotoyourvlogwebsite,itisalsoimportant which are eitherfree orlow-costandalsoeasytouse. edited usingvariousvideo-editingsoftware programmes, then downloadedontoalaptopordesktopcomputerand • anonlinevideoaccount/space. • ablogaccount/space;and connection; • anInternet • acomputerwithvideo-editingsoftware; feature formemberstocomment andshare ideas. network. Likeanyotherblog,theGINKSvlogalsohasa the public.We announce newvideolinkstotheGINKS Ghanaian cities.” wider andbeyondthescopeof the benefitsof Web 2.0toolsmuch The questionremains ofhowtoextend advocacy andinformation-sharingtool. the potentialtobecomeanimportant “Web 2.0toolssuchasvlogginghave YouTube, are BlipTVand Google Video all video-sharingwebsitewhere users We haveusede.g.Apple’s Movie Maker. iMovie,FinalCutPro andWindows At GINKS,weuseadigitalcameraandalso mobilephoneswhichhaveabuilt- See: www.ginks.blogspot.com After editingthevideo,itisthenuploadedontoavideo- Once theinterviewshavebeenrecorded, therawvideo is 10 From here, youcanthenshare yourvideoswith 7 ; 9 We usetheGINKSBlipTV 8 Before able information andknowledge.We need todevelopways to andusethem. facilities inpracticeandhowpractical itisforpeopletotravel how manypeoplewillbeable toaccessandusetheCICs thereand theInternet, are stillchallengestoconsider, suchas Although thiswillimprove access toboththetechnologies of thecountryisexpectedtobeprovided withoneCIC. computers, printers,scannersandfaxmachines.Everydistrict connection,atleastfive will beequippedwithanInternet help extendconnectivitytoallpartsofGhana.Thesecentres with UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme (UNDP)to CIC projectinpartnership wasinitiatedby thegovernment accesstoGhanaiansthroughoutInternet thecountry. The in bridgingtherural-urbandigitaldivideandprovide better Community InformationCentre (CIC)project maywellhelp connectivity neededtovlog.However, theproposed left inthehandsofthosethathaveresources and nities havenotthemselvesstartedvlogging.Itisstillatool development contexts.Yet itmustbesaidthatthesecommu- network tousewhenworkingwithcommunitiesinrural technical skills,wehavefounditisausefultoolforthe in future (seealsoSamii;KaramagiandNakirya,thisissue). are becomingmore affordable, thismaybelessofanissue phones issteadilyrising.Asboththehandsetsandcalltariffs living inruralareas toafford –however, theuseofmobile areconnect totheInternet stilltooexpensiveforGhanaians of cybercafesinGhana.Mobilephoneswhichallowyouto in Ghana’s bigcities.Accraaloneaccountsforabout60% usingcybercafes,butthesecanonlybelocated the Internet expensive fortheordinary citizentobuy. Peoplecanaccess Box 1: Vlogging –anexamplefrom practice refurbish. information andresourcecentreinthevillagethatGINKShelped copies madeavailable toothermembersofthecommunityatan from withinandoutsidetheirlocalarea. These videoswereeditedand process theendproductsandhowtofindcustomersfortheir stories, astheytalked abouthowtocultivate various foodcrops, rural womenfarmerstousevideodocumentandcapturetheir acceptable ICTformats. and disseminaterelevant localcontentusingappropriateand communities inGhanabydefiningmechanismsandtoolstogenerate enhance information-andknowledge-sharingamongunderprivileged Development andResearchCentre(IDRC). The projectexploredhowto community inruralGhanacollaborationwiththeInternational from atwo-yearresearchprojectthatthenetworkundertookwith The GINKShasusedvlogstocapturesomeinteresting experiences As animportantcomponentoftheresearch, GINKS worked with There isalsothechallengeofgettingpeopletoshare valu- Because producing videobloggingrequires minimum 43

5 THEME SECTION Promoting information-sharing in Ghana using video blogging using video in Ghana information-sharing Promoting However, it is important to remember that the benefit of it is important to remember However, can be used as an effective do believe that vlogging We tool. The question remains of how to extend the benefits of of how to extend the tool. The question remains of Ghana- tools much wider and beyond the scope 2.0 Web – and it is is only one approach ian cities. The CIC example to imperative that governmentmakes conscious efforts onto the information highway. that our rural folk get ensure to the rural poor – who form 2.0 tools this and other Web on the issues of the majority in Ghana – depends largely better able to access connectivity and access. If people are and by other information elsewhere relevant and share appropriate more likely to use other, more means, they are use a combination solutions instead. So it is important to both online and to sharing information, of approaches offline. and amplify the voices of advocacy tool, helping to project achieving also continue to work towards We the rural poor. to all – and our aim of bringing information and knowledge with the have stories to share rural communities many more of making an larger public. Vlogging has the potential clarity in the message being is impact on policy – if there media. conveyed to both policy makers and the Lastly, the equipment used for vlogging is still a luxury for Lastly, CONTACT DETAILS CONTACT Prince Deh Email: [email protected] The future of vlogging The future have the potential to 2.0 tools such as vlogging Web become an important advocacy and information-sharing of demonstrating the social, political and cultural benefits of of demonstrating the the culture have simply not mastered We sharing information. people in Ghana. Maybe practices here of documenting best chang- how important it is. This is gradually have not realised As technologies. affordable more ing with the influx of new, continues to the use of the tools for development purposes as a regarded and more sharing information is more grow, tool for nation-building. not common to see most people in our part of the world. It is do may not have people with digital cameras – and those who What makes the Internet access to be able to vlog successfully. of Internet 2.0 tools thrive is the availability connectivity. Web 2.0 – and video blogs – simply In the absence of that, Web to continue cannot exist for those without. So it is important and techniques, to use low-tech communication methods to those who do not have access accessible more which are to the technologies. 44 THEME SECTION 6 publications/world/world.html Technology (ICT)penetration,accessibilityand use.See:www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/ the mostcomprehensive rangeofstatisticsonInformationandCommunication 1 to bridgethedigitaldivide? Mobile phones:thesilverbullet by ROXANNA SAMII wide. that there are 3.3billionmobilephonesubscribersworld- TelecommunicationThe International Union(ITU)estimates Introduction in avillagehasmobilephone otherscanuseit–amobile why prepaid servicesare sopopularinAfrica.Ifoneperson cost betweenUS$40-50.Airtimeisalsoaffordable –thisis because offlexibleanddifferent pricingmodels.Handsets reasonably lowcost.They are becomingmore affordable, their families.Theyprovide awiderangeofservicesat achieve socioeconomicgoalsandprovide foodsecurityto Mobile phonesare paving the wayformenandwomento is affordable, scalable,self-sustainingandempowering. involving theminviableeconomicactivities.Mobiletelephony lives ofmillionsurbanandruralpoorbyconnecting and sistersindevelopingcountries.Ithasrevolutionised the photos, musicandevenallowustoaccesstheInternet. contain ourdailyappointments,address book,emails, uitous mobilephone.Theselittlehand-helddevicescan ITU isaUnitedNationsspecialisedagency fortelecommunications.ITUcollects The mobilephoneisequallyimportantforourbrothers 1 The vastmajorityofusersneverpartfrom theirubiq- initiatives liketelecentres (seeBox1).And theyare theonly phones are amore appealing andviabletoolthanprevious computers didnotmanageto achieve.Formany, mobile information communication technologies(ICTs) suchas tively toreducing thedigitaldivide–somethingother nication indevelopingcountries. Ithascontributedsubstan- phone isnotnecessarilyconfinedjusttooneperson. Box 1: Mobilephonesandthedemiseoftelecentres connect totheInternet. simultaneously bypassedthelandline, thelaptopandneedto walk toremotetelecentres accessICTs. Instead, theyhave handsets, orrechargingbattery services. opportunities, suchasselling pre-paidairtimecards, rentingout telecentres didnotpromoteentrepreneurshipgrowthandemployment shacks withbroken and/orobsoleteequipment. Unlike mobilephones, Usually, whenfundingended, telecentresgraduallyturnedintoshabby broken equipmentbecauseoftheremotelocations. infrastructure andconnectivitywas costlyanditwas hardto service Villagers usuallyhadalongwalk toreach them. ProvidingbasicICT in isolatedandremoteareastoserveanentirevillageorcommunity. the visionofbridgingdigitaldivide. Internet services. A numberofdonorsfundedtelecentreprojectswith access forpeopleindevelopingcountriestoICTs, computingand The telecentremovementinthelate20thCenturyaimedtoprovide Mobile telephonyisthepredominant modeofcommu- With mobilehandsets, poor ruralwomenandmendonotneedto However, financialsustainabilityposedthebiggestchallenge. Telecentres facedanumberofchallenges. They weremostlylocated 45

6 THEME SECTION 2008). et al., on inclusion, but relies people who are excluded and may even be worse people who are Mobile phones: the silver bullet to bridge the digital divide? bridge the bullet to the silver phones: Mobile are I had not seen any mobile phone signal transmitter towers on the I had not seen any mobile phone signal transmitter A recent World Bank study states that ‘there is a myth Bank study states that ‘there World A recent In Africa, many countries have completely skipped the In Africa, many countries have completely how those previ- The anecdotal example in Box 2 shows In November 2008 I visited a remote and isolated irrigation site in the In November 2008 I visited Agricultural Fund for part of the International Gash Barka region, Agricultural Gash Barka Livestock and Development (IFAD)-funded During the field visit I stood in awe when Development programme. and a herder started the mobile phones of the extension worker ringing. reception and both the herder and there was However, there. way extension worker The were able to communicate. extension worker and the herder imparted some technical information to his colleague Asmara livestock inquired about the possibility of taking cattle to the on Monday. market Box 2: Out of the blue in Eritrea… Out of the blue in 2: Box off because market access now off in inclusion. The herder more mobile telephony has brought my personal example does not have access to a fixed tele- he was excluded. Today, previously phone line, therefore still thanks to mobile telephony he is not. Although we are observing indicates lacking empirical evidence, what we are does not (and will not) that mobile telephony most probably and easy to use. exclusion because it is affordable create Rural connectivity: a revolution within a revolution within a revolution a revolution connectivity: Rural The mobile phone can catalyse development and help erad- Seventy-five per cent of the world’s icate rural poverty. and men – live people – 1.05 billion women, children poorest activities and related and depend on agriculture in rural areas may think that for them a mobile for their livelihoods. We wrong! are But guess what? We phone is a luxury. not able or not willing to pay for that the rural poor are mobile telecommunication services’ (Bhavnan that mobile phone accessibility Observations in the field are population) are mobile subscribers against 1.3 billion Inter- mobile subscribers population) are of total global telephone 72% net users. Approximately Recent estimates show mobile subscribers. subscribers are Internet users, while that in Africa, only 6.5% of people are mobile subscribers. nearly 281 million people (30%) are to mobile teleph- telephone landline and have moved directly One could argue that this makes mobile technology the ony. in this conti- first modern telecommunications infrastructure nent (see Box 2). can now take ously excluded because of lack of infrastructure their livelihoods thanks to the an active part in improving of mobile services. pricing schemes and different affordable There Mobile phones are now integrated platforms Mobile phones are 2 Mobile telephony is providing timely, localised and rele- timely, Mobile telephony is providing Some argue that new ICTs such as mobile telephony Some argue that new ICTs or sub-region. and social benefits. marginalised and less advantaged. sible to those who are even exist. offering both content and telecommunication services. offering Some models also incorporate cameras and can record videos etc. Every needs a new revolution. generation Thomas Jefferson A mash-up is a derivative work consisting of two pieces of media joined to reducing the digital divide.” the to reducing “Mobile telephony is the predominant “Mobile telephony in developing mode of communication countries. contributed substantively It has 2 Mobile phone revolution: the numbers speak for the numbers Mobile phone revolution: themselves ICT sector where developing countries are catching up with countries are developing ICT sector where countries. – and in some cases – overtaking developed produc- reduce vant access to information, which has helped poor rural people tion and transaction costs. For example, commodity price informa- use mobile telephony to receive or Short Message tion via mobile phone text messages, so that they can Service (SMS), to gather market intelligence and transportation make targeted trips and save on travel medical being used to provide also costs. Mobile phones are patients of medical services such as using SMS to remind informa- appointments and vaccinations or to disseminate and to monitor tion about sexually transmitted diseases patients. together. Source: Wikipedia. See also glossary, p.122 (this issue). Wikipedia. Source: See also glossary, together. The mobile phone revolution is our generation’s revolution. is our generation’s The mobile phone revolution and social and political economy, It has changed our culture, to become the first universally accessible ICT. lives. It promises And it is a unique revolution. region • It is truly global and not limited to a specific country, global economic It has been a catalyst for unprecedented • • acces- more Because it is global, it is becoming increasingly • mash-up when this term did not It is an early example of a increase the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. Yet increase ITU statistics show that 3.3 billion people (50% of the world 6 46 THEME SECTION Roxanna Samii Photo: Alex Price a percentage) withinaspecificpopulation. increasing. highlights howexpenditure onICTs andmobiletelephonyare consistently having apointofcontact,whichpreviously wasaluxury. accessible information–suchasweather reports orcommodityprices –orsimply 5 4 3 telephony (Hammondetal.,2007). households nowspend4–8%oftheirincomeonmobile market tocompetition.Thishasencouragedprivatesector supported bysoundregulatory mechanismshasopenedthe the popularityofmobilephone. tion costs.Allthesefactorshavecontributedtotheriseof private/public sectorinvestorsandfarmerslowinstalla- There are shorterpaybackperiodsoninvestmentbothforthe service providers toinvestin newareas toincrease business. email. Previously lowpenetration rateshaveencouraged andapplicationslike media literacyskills,unliketheInternet to use.Theyrequire littleornospecialisedcomputerand rural areas ofdevelopingcountries. expansion andpopularityofmobiletelephony, especiallyin cations sectorandprepaid serviceshavecontributedtothe tions suchaseaseofuse,liberalisationthetelecommuni- A numberofenablingsocio-economicandpoliticalcondi- Mobile phonegrowth drivers: auniquebusinessmodel illiterates withnoaccesstobasicservices. herders, fishers,small-scalefarmers,indigenouspeoplesand communities andbeyond,suchaswomen,landlessworkers, a more activepartintheeconomicandsocialspheres oftheir is helpingtofacilitatepreviously marginalisedgroups to take Penetration ratesrefer tothenumberofactivemobilephonenumbers (usuallyas The Next4Billion For example,keepingintouchwithfamily andfriends,accessingpreviously less The Compared tocomputers,mobilephonesare mucheasier liberalisation ofthetelecommunicationssector shows that‘low-income’doesnotmean ‘no income’.It 4 3 latest maizeprices. SMS tofindoutthe Chikusu sendan and Elizabeth Farmers DinaLungu Many poorrural 5 nomic impactofthemobilerevolution. but theyare equallystruggling tocalculatethemacroeco- understanding thefullimpactofcurrent financialcrisis, infrastructure.modernise World economistsmaybebusy opportunities forpublicandprivatesectorstoinvest gence, providing employment opportunitiesandcreating small entrepreneurs tohavedirect accesstomarketintelli- represents aviablewayforimproving theirlives.Itisenabling people livingonUS$1.25adayorless,themobilephone perity topoorruralpeople.Forthe1.05billion and elsewhere, occasionallabourers putupadvertsinvillage services suchasreading andsendingSMSmessages.InAfrica prepaid cards, renting outphonesand/orairtimeand other These includerecharging mobilephonebatteries,selling vative income-generatingactivitiesforsmallbusinesses. Mobile phoneshavespearheadedahostofnewandinno- Mobile phonesandsmallbusinesses prepaid servicereaches outtothe‘unbankable’. importantly there isnoneedtopresent acredit history, asthe costs, especiallywhensavingsandincomesare low. Most to submitfinancialandphysicaldatas/hecancontrol no formalregistration orwaitinglists.Theuserdoesnotneed offers numerous advantagestopoorruralpeople.There is mobile subscriptions.The‘payasyouuse’businessmodel benefiting from betterservicesatrates. tion amongdifferent operators.Asaresult, consumersare investment indevelopingcountries,andincreased competi- many inruralpopulations. 6 their produce. the bestpossiblepricesfor phone tohelpfarmers get Mchome useshismobile Market investigatorStanley i.e. thosewhowithouttheprerequisites toopenabankaccount,whichmeans Innovative use In Africaprepaid subscriptions of mobiletelephonybringseconomicpros- accounts for95%oftotal 6

Photo: M. Millinga 47

6 THEME SECTION Mobile phones: the silver bullet to bridge the digital divide? bridge the bullet to the silver phones: Mobile Tradenet.biz uses markets as a venue to raise awareness about its as a venue to raise awareness uses markets Tradenet.biz which allows technology, also uses new peer-to-peer Tradnet.biz The relatively affordable airtime of mobile phones has affordable The relatively Increasingly, private sector companies are providing market private Increasingly, Although such enterprise. is one Tradenet.biz information to farmers. It is covers 15 countries and 500 markets. it already still in its infancy, It offers a range of key to users anywhere in the world. available processors and others working along the information to producers, trading offers, transport, harvests, from price updates, supply chain: weather and more. disease outbreaks, information agents set up kiosks and offer market Tradenet services. register people for the service and configure alerts on people’s advice, mobile phones. – via mobile users to share their resources – in this case information and growing database It also links the vast phones to create a service. www.tradenet.biz See: information to cellular networks. of market On the island of Mauritius, the fishers of the Tamarin community under Tamarin the fishers of the On the island of Mauritius, Rural Diversification Programme do not have direct the IFAD-funded they However, they are excluded. As a result, access to the fish market. daily catch and to use their mobile phones to inform buyers of their they do not over fish and are sure that they will way This orders. take economic efficiencies and also has increased This sell their daily catch. impact on the helps to protect fish stock – which in turn has a positive lagoon ecosystem. Box 3: How new technology can strengthen rural markets rural can strengthen How new technology 3: Box Box 4: Mobile phones open up markets for fishermen Mobile phones open up markets for 4: Box Cellular banking: the bank of the ‘unbankables’ the bank of the Cellular banking: to ‘cellular banking’ now providing Mobile phones are ‘unbankable’ clients. For example, millions of poor rural people now use their mobile phones to send money home no banking are there loans where and to deliver microcredit facilities. market information, poor transportation infrastructure and market information, poor transportation infrastructure vulnerable to unscrupulous are competition. Small producers traders and middle-men giving them prices at below-market to diversify into different may be reluctant rates. Producers market for their for fear of not finding a profitable products output. Informa- made transfer and exchange of information easier. serv- structured tion dissemination happens either through and Zambia SMS ices and subscriptions such as Tradenet.biz and unstructured Market Information Service or through informal use of mobile phones – and by blending formal and informal services. People can use their mobile phone both to communicate with buyers and also to access directly commodity prices via SMS (see Box 4). Twaha-Abdallah communicating commodity prices. A 2005 London Business School study found that ‘for A 2005 London Business School study people showed that more than 85% rely solely on mobile than 85% rely people showed that more phones for telecommunications. Of these, 15% previously Over the last decade the had no access to telephony. number of businesses using mobile phones in South Africa by nearly 125%. has increased exclusively on manufacturing and service activities) relies mobile telephony. in profits. said mobile use was linked to an increase a mobile phone, while just 28% could access a landline phone.

For producers, access to reliable market information increases access to reliable For producers, on governments income (see Box 3). In the past they relied market information. In addition, transaction chains to provide often small and of varied long, volumes of goods are are highly unstable. For example, small and prices are quality, in Africa face enormous chal- trading in rural areas producers and up-to-date lenges such as lack of access to reliable Mobile phones and access to market information Mobile phones and access to market centres with a mobile phone number to offer services, or number to offer with a mobile phone centres unemployment via SMS from job alerts subscribe to receive minimise travel costs allow- Mobile phones can also centres. economic is a concrete ing people to move when there opportunity. per 100 people, a every additional 10 mobile phones 0.5 percent’ (GDP) rises domestic product gross country’s to the study: et al., 2005). According (Waverman In South Africa, a survey of small businesses run by black • • In Egypt, 90% of the informal sector (including small retail, (and in Egypt, 59%) In South Africa, 62% of businesses • surveyed said they could access 97% of people • In Tanzania, Photo: M. Millinga M. Photo: 6 48 THEME SECTION Roxanna Samii Photo: Roxanna Samii creating ‘branchlessbankingchannelsusingmobilephones’. evidence tounleashthepotentialofcellularbankingandstart Microcredit andmicrofinance institutionshaveenough cash machinesorpoint-of-sale,cuttingcostsbyupto50%. provide tobankingviatheInternet, alow-costalternative ices. CGAParguesthatthemobilephonecouldpotentially fewer optionstotransfermoneyandaccessbankingserv- ices. countries havelittleorlimitedaccesstoformalfinancialserv- (CGAP), approximately 1.5billionmobileusersindeveloping and inventivenessofpoorruralpeople. struggling tomakemoneybyworkingaround theingenuity alert someoneelsetocallthem.Mobileproviders are equally nisms suchas‘beeping’,‘bipage’or‘flashing’codesto mobile usersindevelopingcountrieshaveinventedmecha- pologists likeDrMirjamdeBruijnare intriguedbytheway allowed familiesandthediasporatokeepintouch.Anthro- also hadapositivepsychologicalimpact.Connectivityhas reading andwritingtextmessage services. handset andrent ittoother communitymembersalongwith for onepersonoragroup ofpeopletoownamobilephone In ruralcommunitiesindevelopingcountries,itiscommon Social cohesivenessandsenseofcommunity be appropriate, sensibleandmeettherequirements ofpoor The focusmustbeonpeople andtheirneeds.ICTs needto How canICTshelppoorrural people? 7 See: www.cgap.org According totheConsultativeGroup toAssistthePoor From asocialnetworkingperspective mobilephoneshave 7 With limitedformalbankinginfrastructure thereWith are with satellitedish. electricity, equipped water andstable region lackingrunning Eritrean Gasha-Barka Remote villagein engagements for farmers,traders,processors, buyersand a codeofconductoutlining the expectationsandrulesof equitable, fairandtransparent services,theZNFUdeveloped Information Service.To ensure andprovide goodgovernance tive waytoaccesscommodity prices,usinganSMSMarket programme introduced an innovative,simpleandcost-effec- provide marketintelligence tofarmers.InAugust2006,the National FarmersUnion(ZNFU),itidentifiedtheneedto Programme (SHEMP)inZambia . Working withtheZambia IFAD supportstheSmallholderEnterpriseandMarketing SMS Market InformationService, Zambia projects andactivities. but alsototakeresponsibility inimplementingthevarious allowed farmerstoactivelytakepartnotonlyinthedesign the powerofmobilephones.Thisparticipatoryapproach and otherstakeholderstodevelopmechanismsharness in identifyinganddefiningtheirneeds,workingwithdonors The followingexamplesshowhowfarmershaveparticipated Examples ofmobiletelephonyinaction • there isablendingofoldandnewtechnologytocreate a • there isacommitmenttobuildthecapacityofcommuni- national povertyreduction strategiessystematicallyinclude • • we useparticipatory approaches, asoutlinedintheexam- to contributefurtherdevelopmentif: needs ofbeneficiaries. only besuccessfulifitisdemand-drivenandresponds tothe ing andpurchasing power. Theuptakeoftechnologycan rural peoplesothat,asatool,ICTs canincrease theirbargain- infrastructure inthiscontinent.” modern telecommunications this makes mobiletechnologythefirst mobile telephony. Onecouldargue that landline andhavemoveddirectly to completely skippedthetelephone “In Africa, manycountrieshave three-tier systemofpublic,privateandcommunity. appropriation; and ties andlocalorganisationstoleadowntheprocess of adoption ofappropriate ICTs; lenges ofpoorruralpeople; ples below, tofindoutandunderstand theneedsandchal- ICTs andmore specificallymobiletelephonycancontinue 49

6 THEME SECTION – shu shu shus under the First Mile Project under the First Mile Tanzania in Tanzania Market ‘spies’ – known locally as 9 Mobile phones: the silver bullet to bridge the digital divide? bridge the bullet to the silver phones: Mobile By now, policy makers and development agencies should policy By now, the first universal access truly make mobile telephony To ment, civil society, private sector actors and consumers; ment, civil society, and disadvantaged areas; ers’ organisations to better exploit the potential of mobile phones; information systems; peer-to-peer mobile services to thrive and expand. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. A journey of a thousand miles begins with long as you do It does not matter how slowly you go, so not stop. Confucius The First Mile Project is supported by the GovernmentThe First Mile Project of Switzerland and 9 implemented in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania’s and the IFAD- implemented in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania’s (AMSDP). funded Agricultural Marketing Systems Development Programme investigate prices and what is selling at local markets, and investigate prices and what is selling at back to their villages. The use their mobile phones to report transcribed on village notice then commodity prices are on radio. In partnership with and also broadcast boards they will soon be using mobile phones to Tradenet.biz This blend of old and market information. access even more better and more new technology is helping farmers build to consumer. producer collaborative market chains from Making mobile phones universally accessible Making mobile phones universally Shu shu shus has spearheaded another phenom- Farmers’ inventiveness in enon. Poor farmers in mobile phones to access market information using are time. real have enough evidence that of all ICTs, mobile phones have have enough evidence that of all ICTs, in developing coun- the best potential to stimulate growth can contribute to tries – and that investing in mobile services both economic and social development. Phone manufactur- that the poorest should recognise ers and service providers people have turned out to be one of their biggest markets. Mobile telephony has not only helped bridge the digital divide but has been a catalyst to eradicate rural poverty and the livelihoods of the marginalised and poor. improve is a need to: ICT there • with govern-put in place sound ICT policy in collaboration and services in rural • in mobile infrastructures invest more and farm- the capacity of rural entrepreneurs • strengthen develop and timely content and further deliver relevant • both airtime and handset prices; and • reduce to allow put in place better and enabling regulations • 8 The SMS system is simple to use. To obtain the best prices The SMS system is simple to use. To with the The farmers then send a second SMS message This market intelligence system is continuously gaining now providing are Over 100 traders and processors See: www.farmprices.co.zm 8 countries.” “By now, policy makers and policy makers “By now, agencies should have development mobile that of all ICTs, enough evidence to phones have the best potential in developing stimulate growth ZNFU agents. It also provides detailed contact information to ZNFU agents. It also provides weather informa- The service provides irregularities. report prices, and lists tion, business news, up-to-date market accessi- buyers for 14 major commodities in a cost-effective, addi- Extension workers also provide manner. ble and reliable those with Internettional training and capacity building. For a website. access, the system is also supported by for a commodity, farmers simply send an SMS message to for a commodity, commodity name. 4455 containing the first four letters of the Within a text message with the best seconds, they receive best get buyers’ codes. To prices by buyer using abbreviated he or she simply prices in a specific district or province, after the commodity code. code includes the province/district A text message is sent back code to 4455. selected buyer’s the name and phone number, contact with the buyer’s for reach- and simple directions company name and address ing both. Farmers can then call the contact and start trading. The farmers pay US$0.15 for each text message. It is empowering farmers to negotiate deals by popularity. time-sensitive information and fostering trans- offering in pricing. SHEMP and ZNFU continuously update parency sustainability ensure prices on a daily and weekly basis. To the system is managed by local institutions. They also conduct public advocacy activities to attract corporate spon- sorships. visits and the number of SMS weekly price updates. Website For example, in 2007 continuously increasing. messages are between February and June, 520 weekly SMS were exchanged. Between July and August over 1220 weekly SMS exchanged. Smallholders today have the message were to sell where necessary information to know what to grow, and at what price. their products 6 50 THEME SECTION Roxanna Samii communities andbeyond.” economic andsocialspheres oftheir to take amore activepartinthe facilitate previously marginalised groups mobile phoneaccessibilityishelpingto “Observations inthefieldare that Tel: +390654592375 Website: www.ifad.org Email: [email protected] Rome, Italy PaolodiDono,44 Via Development (IFAD) FundforAgricultural International Services Manager, Web, KnowledgeandDistribution Roxanna Samii CONTACT DETAILS this revolution, themobilesectoralsoneedstocapture Finally, toreally appreciate thepowerandpotentialof (IFC). FinanceCorporation (WRI) andInternational of thePyramid.World Resources Institute Market SizeandBusinessStrategyattheBase and Walker, C.(2007).TheNext4Billion: Hammond, A.,Kramer, WJ.,Tran, J.,Katz, R., Bank. in sustainableruralpovertyreduction Silarszky, P. (2008).Theroleofmobilephones Bhavnan, A.,Won-Wai Chiu,R.,Janakiram,S., Business School:London Growth inDevelopingCountries.London (2005). TheImpactofTelecoms onEconomic Waverman, L.,Meschi,M.andFuss, REFERENCES for thosecommunities. build systemsthatare bothprofitable andworkeffectively needs andtounderstandtheirrealities andconstraintsto community partnerships,workingtoidentify And yes–thiscanbedonethrough jointprivate-publicand ing theUS$1handsetandfurtherreducing airtimecosts. producing theUS$10handset–withvisionofproduc- before theprivateandpublicsectorsjoinforces andstart community. mobile phones–thosesharingasubscriptionwithin what official statisticsare unableto:the‘informaluse’of Given theconduciveenvironment, itshouldnotbelong . World Africa Connect:www.connectafrica.net www.farmprices.co.zm Zambia MarketInformationSystem: Tradenet: www.tradenet.biz www.ruralpovertyportal.org Rural PovertyPortal: IFAD: www.ifad.org USEFUL LINKS THEME SECTION 51 describe how a joint describe the work of the and KADO MUIR discuss the importance of intellectual MARY NAKIRYA and MARY , GUY SINGLETON TIM KULCHYSKI explores the potentials for citizen journalism or and Part III: Issue-based Part III: studies 2.0 tools are being integrated and Here, the articles explore how Web issues. used to address specific development JON CORBETT 2.0 tools for development. The authors property rights when using Web communities describe a project working with Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Using a range of tools and based in Canada to revitalise their language. the project also developed a approaches including participatory video, which were uploaded to video- series of short language-learning videos not all the material generated was made sharing websites. However, limited how much of their available online. The participants strategically public, retaining much of it within valuable cultural knowledge was made their own communities. Next, EDNAH AKIIKI KARAMAGI Initiative (BROSDI) in Busoga Rural Open Source and Development of farmer organisations to Uganda. BROSDI works with a network agricultural about effective generate, collect and share local information 2.0 tools and more traditional practice. BROSDI integrates a range of Web approaches – from digital radio, mobile phones and blogs to regular Knowledge Brokers. Knowledge Sharing Forums and working with Village OKOLLOH ORY ‘crowdsourcing’. The author describes how in Kenya the innovative Ushahidi website was developed for sharing information during the election crisis in 2007. The website enabled citizens to send in and receive news reports either via the Internet or mobile phones. The Ushahidi platform has now been redeveloped to improve its potential for application in humanitarian crisis situations – integrating a series of Web 2.0 applications. Next, JON CORBETT project with the Aboriginal Walkatjurra Cultural Centre in Australia, project with the Aboriginal Walkatjurra University of British Columbia and the Curtin University of Technology 2.0 tools to help revitalise Okanagan have been exploring the use of Web culture and enhance community development. This article explores how tools has contributed towards this 2.0 and other digital the use of Web aim – and how using the tools helped to positively engage youth in such activities. Theme sectionTheme 52 THEME SECTION video andintellectualproperty indigenous language,digital Anti social-computing: in Internet communication. in Internet Web 2.0technologieshavebeenhailedasanewparadigm Introduction and TIM KULCHYSKI by JONCORBETT New York September2007 Times, in thiscentury. twoweeks. Infact,onefallsoutofuse every nearly halfareindangerofextinction andlikelytodisappear Of theestimated7,000languages spokenintheworldtoday Background tion usingmediathattheycancontrol more satisfactorily. subsequently chosentoretain anddistributetheinforma- mented withusingblog-basedmash-uptools–andhave Vancouverbased inSouthern Island,Canada,haveexperi- We reflect onhowHul’q’umi’num’-speakingcommunities ing indigenouslanguagemightnotalwaysbeappropriate. that usingWeb 2.0toolsin thecontextofrestoring adeclin- on andreproduce. are opentoanyoneaccess,critique,comment 2.0 tools and information.Oftenreferred toasthe‘social’web, Web ment withthematerial,andsharingofideas,thoughts ence thatencouragesuser-generated data,activeengage- 1 7 For adefinitionofWeb 2.0,seeglossary, p.123andoverview, p.8 (this issue). We usetheterm‘anti-social’ becausewerefer tothefact 1 They offer aweb-basedexperi- sity researchers totesttheuseofdigital multimediain Research Allianceprogramme. Theproject engages univer- Council ofCanadathrough theCommunityUniversity is fundedbytheSocialSciences andHumanitiesResearch andUniversity ofBritishColumbiaOkanagan.It of Victoria project incollaborationwithresearchers from theUniversity Nations. Theyhavebegunamajorlanguagerevitalisation decline amongstyoungergenerations. whom are over60yearsold. Fluencylevelscontinueto a communityofapproximately 10,000–themajorityof than 100fluentHul’q’umi’num’speakersalivetodayoutof wiped outtheuseofourlanguage.’There remain fewer lationist policies,particularlyresidential schools,largely mi’num’ Treaty Group (HTG)websiteclearlystates,‘Assimi- their languagenowliesatacriticaljuncture. AstheHul’q’u- Cowichan FirstNation–are noexception.Thesurvivalof Lyackson FirstNations,HalaltNation,andLake Cowichan Tribes, ChemainusFirstNation,PenelakutTribe, Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking communities–whichinclude indigenous languagesare closetobeinglostforever. The key tothefuture survivalofcultures worldwide. cultural understanding.Itisbothabridgetothepastand expression of–andmeanssharinglocalknowledge people withintheplacefrom whichtheycome.Itistheliving HTG isanorganisationthatactsofbehalftheseFirst In Canada,asinmanyotherformercolonialnations, Language istheessenceofculture andidentity. Itsituates 53

7 THEME SECTION They also offer an unprecedented opportunity to help an unprecedented They also offer The tools used by the project have changed dramatically The tools used by the project the continuing advance- over the past five years, reflecting began by using a range of ments of digital technologies. We a series of interactive DVDs to digital video tools to produce document and communicate the Hul’q’umi’num’ language we began to Later, in an engaging and educational manner. experiment with Internet-based 2.0 technologies. Web each stage, we employed the principles of Throughout Methods and processes Methods and processes appealing, easily accessible to the viewer and involves a important elements for These are endeavour. creative strong engaging elders and youth in the community in crafting and evaluating language-learning materials. It can increase access to – and visibility of – the language in schools, language classes, communities and to the general public. in the language and subsequently provide foster an interest materials to help learn it. The hope is that these tools might the Hul’q’umi’num’ language and help help to revitalise the brink of extinction. bring it back from Filming Willie Seymour, one Willie Seymour, Filming fluent of the remaining in Hul’q’umi’num’ speakers, in Chemainus Bay, Kuleet lands. Nation’s First Anti social-computing: indigenous language, digital video and intellectual property property and intellectual video digital language, indigenous Anti social-computing: However, elders recog- However, 1 Digital technology is becoming easier and cheaper to Among others these include a Hul’q’umi’num’ dictionary project, a language Among others these include a Hul’q’umi’num’ dictionary project, 1 mentoring programme and evening school. mentoring programme language learning. The ultimate aim is to support the rein- corporation of the Hul’q’umi’num’ language into the made It is guided by an elders advisory board community. and fluent language-speaking elders from up of interested a already are these six Hul’q’umi’num’ communities. There number of important and ongoing Hul’q’umi’num’ in the community. language projects nised the need to take language from a classroom and a classroom nised the need to take language from and bring it back into the expert-oriented environment everyday lives of community members. The interactive digital 2.0 components described here video disc (DVD) and Web began in May have attempted to achieve this goal. Work 2004 and is still ongoing. now using are and distribute. Many groups access, produce new media (including audio, video and text-based materi- als) to document and communicate their positions and infor- mation. Language learning in particular lends itself well to digital multimedia – especially digital video. Video is visually 7 54 THEME SECTION Jon Corbettand Tim Kulchyski when bothare combinedthesubsequent materials are more withaculturalactivity.language-learning Theaimisthat ects, theCURA/HTGproject partnershipwantedtocombine correct andappropriate. message, contentandpresentation ofthematerialwere with eldersthroughout the project, toensure thatthe great care andsensitivity. Itwasimportanttoworkclosely the Bighouse,butproject neededtobeapproached with importance ofdocumentingthelanguageassociatedwith remains ofcentralimportance. Theeldersrecognised the where theHul’q’umi’num’language the principlefora Speaking dealswithceremonial protocols anditisoneof considered veryculturally sensitive (seeBox1).Bighouse major project thatweworked on,BighouseSpeaking,is projects. Thiswasparticularly importantbecausethefirst was instrumentalintheapproval process foreachofthe worked. weaving. Thesebecametheprincipalprojects onwhichwe of publicceremonial speechandcedar-bark harvestingand identified themesincludingdocumentingtraditionalforms strengthening ofculturalpracticesandunderstanding.They on language,butalsocontributetotherevitalisation and important thattheDVDsubjectmatterwouldnotonlyfocus the existingHTGelders’advisoryboards. Theyconsidered it importantly, theproject developedacloserelationship with Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking communities.Perhapsmore of representatives, bothmenandwomen,from eachofthe DVD production. Anadvisoryboard wascreated, comprising members withhands-ontrainingandskillsinfilming the universitycollaborators)wastoprovide community content oftheDVDs. were keydecisionmakersinthedesign,filminglocationand product (seeLunchandLunch,2005).Communitymembers and thattheymaintainedexclusiveownershipofthefinal all thedigitalmediaproductions astheirownendeavour– participatory videotoensure thatthecommunityconsidered not alwaysbeappropriate.” declining indigenouslanguagemight tools inthecontextofrestoring a we refer tothefactthatusing Web 2.0 “We usetheterm ‘anti-social’ because With boththeBighouseSpeakingandcedarbarkproj- With The advisoryboard alsogaveguidancethroughout and The role ofthetechnologyintermediaries(inparticular menu allowsthe usertoselectthetypeofinformation that exercises andotheruser-determined material.TheDVD based technologies. user interactivitythatismore commonlyfoundwithweb- instead, project collaboratorsdecidedtoemulatethesort of In comparison,over90%hadaccesstoDVDplayers.So home, duetopoorbroadband accessonthereserve lands. accessat nity membershadaccesstohigh-speedInternet multimedia content.Atthattimeonly10-15%ofcommu- accesstoviewordownload costly high-speedInternet related informationintheir ownhomeswithoutrelying on DVDs, peoplecanaccesslanguage- based tools.With immediately incorporatedtotheDVDmaterials. session minorrecommendations were madeandthesewere would provide feedback and suggestchanges.Inevery them. Inaseriesofpublicscreenings, communitymembers This wasanimportantstepinhandingoverownershipto to thewidercommunityfortheirevaluationandapproval. information throughout, weshowedthefinishedproduct rough footageintoafinishedproduct. and continuetoworkcloselywitheldersdevelopthe 1) determinethematerial,contentandlocationforvideo SeymourdiscussedinBox knowledge holders(suchasWillie knowledge holdersthrough aseriesofconsultations.The advisory board workedwiththecommunitytoidentifythese are alsoknowledgeableoftheculturalactivity. Theelders’ The process worksdirectly withlocallanguagespeakers that likely toberelevant toandengagecommunitymembers. Box 1: The BighouseSpeakingProject learning exercisesthatwerealsoincludedontheDVD. subtitles. Storiesandothermaterialswereworked intointeractive in thecommunitytranscribedandtranslatedrecordings, touseas ensure thatthematerialwas correctandappropriate. Throughout thefilmingprocessacommunityelderwas alsopresentto elders. HewouldspeakfirstinHul’q’umi’num’andthenEnglish. discussed hispersonalexperiencesandstoriestoldtohimby described abighousenamingceremony. Duringthefilming, Willie the languageandhishopeforitsfuturerevitalisation. Willie also role ofthebighouseforHul’q’umi’num’people, thecurrentstateof project filmed Willie discussingthesignificanceoflanguage, the remembers muchofhischildhoodgrowingupinthebighouse. The grandparents andhisgrandfatherwas abighousespeaker. He Island andafluentHul’q’umi’num’speaker. Willie was raisedbyhis one ofthemostrespectedbighousespeakers inSouthern Vancouver We worked closelywith Willie SeymourtoproducetwoDVDs. Willie is The digitalDVDcontentincludes languagedrills,word We initiallychosetouseDVDs ratherthanInternet- Although communityeldersapproved andvalidatedthe This footagewas thencapturedontoacomputer. Languageexperts 55

7 THEME SECTION Selected 4 5 It combines photo, video and audio 2 3 is a free blog publishing tool from Google where you can post text, Google where blog publishing tool from is a free Community project collaborators began developing a Community project Blogger than one source more A mash up is a web application that combines data from users can upload, view and registered Albums is a website where Picasa Web users can video clips. See is a video sharing website where YouTube photos and video. See www.blogger.com materials housed on Picasa Web Albums and YouTube with Albums and YouTube materials housed on Picasa Web text and dictionary-based materials in text form. sections of video from the earlier DVD project were reused were the earlier DVD project sections of video from in this new format. The blog can be easily updated by mate- fresh this provides community moderators. In theory, basis, encouraging users to return to the rial on a regular site to access new language material. It can also allow regis- users to comment on material on the blog, helping to tered online Hul’q’umi’num' language contribute to a growing and Hul’q’u- was interest Initially there learning community. 2 3 4 5 blog-based mash-up. into a single integrated tool, e.g. using text, photos, videos and audio files. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashup Source: See www.picasaweb.google.com their photos online for free. share www.youtube.com Cover of Xe’xe’ Sqwal Language) (the Sacred DVD. interactive Anti social-computing: indigenous language, digital video and intellectual property property and intellectual video digital language, indigenous Anti social-computing: By early 2007, the collaborators proposed reusing the video reusing By early 2007, the collaborators proposed the 2.0 format. They hoped to increase materials in a Web range of people accessing the language material. In partic- they wanted to encourage the input of younger ular, increas- community members. Hul’q’umi’num’ youth were ingly using online social-computing technologies for enter- people had and more tainment and communication. More either at home or using publicly acces- access to broadband sible computer services (for example in the Cowichan Tribes youth centre). The role of Web 2.0 in Hul’q’umi’num’ language Web of The role revitalisation they want to access, achieving a high level of user choice unlikely to access all In addition, users are and interactivity. the content in one go. Instead, they can access short sections of information as and when they want. This flexi- language training tool that bility makes the DVDs a robust can be used easily at home or in the classroom. 7 56 THEME SECTION Jon Corbettand Tim Kulchyski intermediaries) found ourselvesworkingon several projects ment thanwehadinitiallyconsidered. We (thetechnology media products takessubstantiallymore timeandcommit- about thematerials. talk withbothcommunityand universityproject members open venuesgavecommunitymemberstheopportunityto when upto200peopleviewedthevideomaterials.These ing. We screened theDVDsduringNationalAboriginalDay, wasreasonableOften turnout withupto30peopleattend- were advertisedincommunity newspapersandnewsletters. easy. We organisedaseriesofopenscreening sessions,which members are geographically dispersedsothiswasnotalways porated intothefinalmediaproducts. However, community process, ensuringthattheir commentsandideaswere incor- nity membersinvolvedandup-to-datethroughout the Most importantwastheneedtokeepeldersandcommu- anumberofsignificantlessons. Since 2004wehavelearnt Lessons learnt, criticalreflections andanalysis community interactionandcommentshavedwindled. of competingtimepressures onthemoderators.Asa result, rial onaregular basishasproven tobechallengingbecause comments. However, populatingtheblogwithfresh mate- communitymembersmadeanumberof mi’num’ Our secondgenerallessonwas thatproducing these blog mash-up. the Hul’q’umi’num’ Screen capture of ensure asuccessfulend. them timetodeveloptheirownmomentum,thenthatwill you giveprojectsthetimetobuildontheirownandallow up pushingitbackevenmore.Andthatwasn’twrong.If evaluating thefinishedmedia.Asoneteammembernoted, six ofthecommunitiesinvolvedandotherproject partners,in others. Addedtothisweneededinvolvemembersfrom all prioritise certainprojects, whichaffected ourabilitytofinalise community organisersandknowledgeholders.We hadto simultaneously. Ourtimewasoftensplitbetweendifferent Lessons learnt: Web 2.0applications school children). Onceonline,theusercan selectthespecific They are shortenoughtomaintainattention(particularly with ness. However, segments’. itwasanideallengthfor‘learning be lessthan10minuteslong). Initially wesawthisasaweak- you canonlyuploadshortvideos (e.g.onYouTube, filesmust OnmostWeblanguage learners. 2.0videosharingwebsites video sections20or30minuteslong,whichare notidealfor filming fortheBighouseSpeakingDVD. Seymourafter products, suchasseveralstories toldbyWillie nity relevance –whichhad notbeenusedinthefinalDVD video phase.We hadhighquality material–ofgreat commu- we hadalready recorded intheproject’s earlierparticipatory YouTube) allowedus torepurpose andreuse materialthat the website’s scope andrelevance. contribute content,andgenerallytakeamore activerole in more influence.Anyusercanprovide feedback,suggest and creator anddesigner. Web 2.0applicationusershave With passive recipients ofinformation,determinedbythewebsite community members.Usersonastaticwebsiteare treated as project wasexpensive.Italsotookcontrol away from benefits. Establishinga‘traditional’staticwebsiteforthe • the technologieswere affordable (i.e.free) andeasyto • it helpedpromote anddevelopaninterested online • we could reach abroader andfar-reaching audience(in talisation project. Severalobviousbenefitsincluded: nologies wasgoodfortheHul’q’umi’num’languagerevi- Undoubtedly thetransitionfrom DVDtoweb-basedtech- on avoluntarybasis. setup, updateandmaintainbyproject moderatorsworking community; and particular theHul’q’umi’num’youth); Whenever wepushedbackatimelinealwaysended When producing theDVDs, weoftenendedupwithlong Using onlinevideo-sharingapplications(specifically Using Web 2.0technologieshadseveralotherspecific 57

7 THEME SECTION Most significantly, material shared via the Internet material shared is Most significantly, Knowledge in society is not objective or static, but ever knowledge that The Hul’q’umi’num’ language reflects Knowledge is not just ready to be picked like an apple on Knowledge is not just ready to be picked and attached to a tree. It is embedded in social contexts different power positions. Just because you can record it, doesn’t mean that you actu- Just because you can record it, doesn’t mean Internet. We’ve ally have to record it and put it on the specific families. recorded many things that actually stay with usually considered to be public. There are few controls in place few controls are There to be public. usually considered misinterpreted, to manage how that material is used, reused, This is particularly manipulated, distorted and controlled. between ‘infor- important when considering the difference is a clear distinction. Infor- mation’ and ‘knowledge’. There it and process mation is data that is passive until we interpret 2.0 2002). Much material posted on Web (David and Foray, – inert, transient websites can be categorised as information sense that people and often self-indulgent. Knowledge is the (1993) note, make of information. As Scoones and Thompson changing and infused with the values, beliefs, skills, attitudes and practices of those who have it (Panos, 1998). However 2.0 information found on Web much user-generated already, by many as tran- social networking applications is considered sient and unimportant. has accumulated over time immemorial by successive gener- ations. It is a vital element for community identity and main- taining cultural distinctiveness in the face of colonisation. It is embedded in community practices, institutions, relation- types of knowledge exist simulta- ships and ritual. Different Although much is common or neously within a community. much of it is specialised knowledge, held by many, shared knowledge, held by a few with special training (IIRR, 1996). Formal traditional systems facilitate the transfer of some of festivals and other this knowledge, such as ceremonies, For example, the Bighouse Naming Ceremony processes. DVD contains sensitive information that is only available (and of to Hul’q’umi’num’ speakers – on the request relevant) community elders it is not available for public distribution. the Hul’q’umi’num’ language. These concerns specific the Hul’q’umi’num’ are tradi- 2.0 technologies to communicate to the use of Web indigenous language materials, and in tional knowledge and caution has also rights. This property intellectual particular, As one team been voiced by several community elders. member noted, Anti social-computing: indigenous language, digital video and intellectual property property and intellectual video digital language, indigenous Anti social-computing: Despite this, we do feel that the blog has the potential to The CURA project funding is beginning to wind down. So funding is beginning The CURA project Web 2.0 applications do offer enormous potential. However, 2.0 applications do offer Web several significant issues. So we remain remain there of cautious of endorsing this medium for the revitalisation A word of caution using Web 2.0 Web A word of caution using Assessing difficulties and successes highly successful in gener- have been Elements of the project language, particularly in the Hul’q’umi’num’ ating interest 2.0 component has the Web the interactive DVDs. However, as anticipated not generated as much community interest demonstrated by despite initial community enthusiasm, Undoubtedly this is because staff. comments made to project the community and university moderators need to continu- is that ally update material to maintain the blog. The difficulty up but set funded by the project, the blog was not directly have not voluntary basis. We and maintained on a purely to other the moderating role been successful in outsourcing community members. be a good communication tool, helping to stimulate interest forms of media, as well as in language using many different contributing to developing a cohesive community of people in Hul’q’umi’num’interested However, language revitalisation. hiring a dedicated moderator to act as a marketer this requires would be to encour- and animator for the website. Their role new that sufficient age community involvement and ensure our project content is uploaded to the website. However, the full potential could not support this position. As a result, for the Hul’q’umi’num’ website has not been fully realised. segments they want to watch. Short videos are also easier to are segments they want to watch. Short videos longer ones, often by using a single than edit and prepare video camera (rather than two). applications is very attractive. 2.0 using ‘out of the box’ Web term manage- Both maintenance and the short to medium partners can still use the equip- ment is low cost. The project and capture started to record, ment bought when the project – but rather than edit photographs, video and audio material distribute interactive DVDs (an and physically have to create they can post their materials expensive and lengthy process) distribution costs. online, dramatically cutting directly especially digital video.” especially digital “Language learning in particular lends “Language learning multimedia – itself well to digital 7 58 THEME SECTION Jon Corbettand Tim Kulchyski distribute knowledge. data archiving are asimportantthewaysinwhichwecan exclusively onthesewebsites.More traditionalsystemsof it simplybelost?Importantinformationshouldnotstored Web 2.0applications?Howeasilywillitberepatriated? Will curtailed, whatwillhappentothematerialshousedonthose economy. Ifservicesare removed, oruniversalaccessis particularly relevant giventhecurrentinglobal downturn be offered asafree service –orevenoffered atall.Thisis We questionwhetherWeb 2.0applicationswillcontinue to enormous effort, fundsand,perhapsmostimportantly, time. it backintoeverydayusebycommunitymemberswilltakean has eroded relatively fast(withintwogenerations),to bring short-term venture. ThoughtheHul’q’umi’num’language ally withthepublic. information betweencommunitymembers,ormore gener- social networkingapplications)toshare importantcultural (andparticularly ences theirwillingnesstousetheInternet many indigenousgroups around theworldandgreatly influ- tion andcontrol islost.Thisahighlysignificantissuefor anylevelofrestric-If thismaterialisuploadedtotheInternet, mony DVDthecommunitycanregulate whohasaccesstoit. which ishard tocopy. AswiththeBighouseNamingCere- becomes expropriated. ation where whatremaining informationtheydocontrol also Community eldersdonotwanttofindthemselvesinasitu- ing communitieshasbeenexpropriated forgenerations. information. TheknowledgeoftheHul’q’umi’num’-speak- devalue thesignificanceofknowledgetostatus might ment. ReleasingthisknowledgeontotheInternet ing lossofculture andrapidchangesinthenaturalenviron- intrinsic totheidentityofapeoplefacingbothanaccelerat- Email: [email protected] Canada British Columbia Cowichan Tribes Kulchyski Tim Email: [email protected] Canada University ofBritishColumbiaOkanagan Community Culture andGlobalStudies Jon Corbett CONTACT DETAILS A secondcautionisthatlanguagerevitalisation isnota DVDs,theinformationexistsinaphysicalform, With The keypointisthattheHul’q’umi’num’language International DevelopmentResearchInternational Centre edge: AGuideforResearchers Grenier, L.(1998) Working with indigenousKnowl- tional SocialScienceJournal the economyofknowledgesociety.’ Interna- David, P.A. andD. Foray (2002)‘Anintroduction to REFERENCES Department ofLinguistics,UniversityVictoria. Hul’q’umi’num’ Treaty Group (HTG)andthe Salish Communities:AMultimediaApproach’, project ‘LanguageRevitalizationinVancouver Island The authorsare indebtedtomembersofthe ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS issue 54 . Ottawa,Ontario: the needforlanguagerevitalisation.” driving force fortheproject, rather than a sensethatthetechnologyis of workingwithnewtoolsmightcreate “We are consciousthattheexcitement face contact. elders inthecommunity. There isnosubstituteforface-to- community membershavetoactuallyengagewiththe sation totakeplaceinameaningfulandsustainablemanner, However,language-learning. inorder forlanguagerevitali- community, particularlyacommunitythatisinterested in 2.0 mightplayinlanguagerevitalisation: Arthur C.Clarkeseemparticularlyrelevant totherole Web contentcanbedelivered.language-learning Thewords of language revitalisation andusingthebestmediumbywhich the drivingforce fortheproject, ratherthantheneed for with newtoolsmightcreate asensethatthetechnologyis However, weare consciousthattheexcitementofworking contribute totheambitiousgoaloflanguagerevitalisation. Web 2.0applicationsinparticular, havethepromise to The initialproject results suggestthatdigitalmultimedia and Conclusion and weneedthemall. and wisdomisnotforesight.Eachgrowsoutoftheother information isnotknowledge,knowledgewisdom, and mesmerisingvideodisplays,letmeremindyouthat Before youbecometooentrancedwithgorgeousgadgets Realistically, thesetoolscancontributetohelpingcreate Studies University ofSussex,InstituteDevelopment agricultural researchandextension practice the PopulistPerspective:ruralpeople’s knowledge, Scoones, I.andJ.Thompson(1993) Challenging opment. PANOS (1998)Information,KnowledgeandDevel- national DevelopmentResearch Centre Environmental Knowledge.Ottawa,Ontario:Inter- Johnson, M.(1992)Lore:CapturingTraditional national InstituteofRuralReconstruction Knowledge: AManual.Manila,Philippines:Inter- IIRR (1996)RecordingandUsingindigenous New York: World Bank . UK:

59 THEME SECTION 8 In addition, information is gathered and dissem- In addition, information is gathered 3 BROSDI uses a range of approaches to facilitate the gath- BROSDI uses a range of approaches For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary, p.121. See also Blogging p.106 (this issue). For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary, inated during Knowledge Sharing Forums, via the Collecting and Exchange of Local Agricultural Content (CELAC) District Agricultural Network and Village Knowl- Programme’s and during Annual Knowledge Fairs, where edge Brokers, ways in which we work with farmers to generate and share local information using these tools. Background BROSDI seeks to empower rural communities to exploit their and other knowledge-sharing using ICTs environment methods for sustainable livelihoods. It uses a multi-stake- engaging with government, holder approach, civil society and our education, health This is done through the private sector. that primarily target orphan and agricultural programmes youth and women. children, 2.0 and other ICT ering and exchange of information. Web tools include websites, audio and text blogs, compact discs mobile phone SMS (CDs), telephone calls and conferencing, text messaging services and printed newsletters and brochures. 3 This article explores some of the This article explores Our approach to sharing farming Our approach 1 2

Experience has taught us that farmers themselves hold Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Busoga See www.brosdi.or.ug Sending a text message via mobile telephone is known as Short Messaging knowledge is a blend of participatory development with information communication technologies approaches the use of mobile tele- 2.0 tools. In particular, and Web (ICTs) phone text messaging services (SMS) for sharing information very effective. has proved In recent times, conventional wisdom among government In recent and civil society has been that better farm outputs require the use of modern farming techniques. Although impor- inputs like hybrid seeds, tant, these techniques require But how fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and machinery. farming practical is it to implement them in grassroots one communities in Uganda when farmers live on barely US dollar a day? their livelihoods. the information necessary to help improve to enable the platforms and resources They simply require that information. them to share and Development Initiative (BROSDI) are Rural Open Source striving to bridge this gap. Introduction by EDNAH AKIIKI KARAMAGI by EDNAH NAKIRYA and MARY rural livelihoods in Uganda rural livelihoods sharing in agriculture: improving sharing in agriculture: Tools for enhancing knowledge- for enhancing Tools 1 2 Service, or SMS. 8 60 THEME SECTION Ednah Akiiki Karamagi andMaryNakirya with theHumanistInstituteforDevelopment Cooperation(Hivos). participated inourAnnualKnowledgeFair. Thefairsare organisedinpartnership 4 fromities. Theaimistofosterlearning diverseexperiences, receives seedfundingtobeginsmallincome-generating activ- KnowledgeBrokers.by electedVillage Eachgroup also join theproject’s DistrictAgriculturalNetwork,represented community-based organisations,andencouragesthemto farming inputs. tice amonggrassroots farmers whocannotafford modern edge andinformationmanagementoflocalagriculturalprac- project promotes thesharingofindigenousfarmingknowl- security ofruralfarmers,especiallywomen.Inparticular, the programme. CELACaimsto improve thelivelihoodsandfood In March 2005,BROSDI begananewagricultural (CELAC) Collecting andExchangeofLocal Agricultural Content and toshare informationaboutlocalagriculturalpractice. farmers gathertodisplayortradeproduce orothergoods For examplein2007,over600farmersfrom different areas ofthe country The project facilitatesfarmer groups toregister as 4

Source: United Nations groups andthenetworkare sustainableinthelonger term. more effective problem-solving –andtohelpensure thatthe increase workeffectiveness, andhelpfarmersengage in laptop, adigitalcamera,penand paper. outcomes forlaterdissemination, usingaudioequipment,a The project teamthenhelpsthegroup todocumentthe is discussed,from crop preparation topostharvestmethods. group discussionsorcard sorting.Thewholefarmingprocess facilitate thediscussionsusingparticipatorymethods,e.g. methods forthatparticulartopic. tified asbeingknowledgeableabouteffective farming also inviteotherfarmerstoparticipate,whotheyhaveiden- beans etc.Thefarmersdecideonthetopicbeforehand and tion foratargetedcrop orlivestock type,e.g.goats,chickens, and newideas(SeeBox1). mation about‘howtheydoit’,‘thegoodandbadpractices’ take partintheseparticipatorydiscussions,toshare infor- departments) andcivilsocietyorganisationsare allinvitedto officialsFarmers, government (especiallyintheagricultural using participatorypeer-to-peer educationandlearning. exchange oflocalagriculturalinformationamongfarmers, Knowledge SharingForumsare convenedtopromote the Knowledge SharingForums outside information. basic education.Thecontentconsistsofbothlocaland appropriate forruralfarmers,mostofwhomhavenothada tice andadaptsrepackages itintoformatsthatare CELAC collectsinformationabouteffective agriculturalprac- Developing localagricultural content Annual KnowledgeFair. Farmers Network the 2007CELAC District Participants gatherat The farmerschooseamongstthemselvesaconvener, to Forums are usuallythemed around generatinginforma-

Photo: BROSDI 61

8 THEME SECTION We also further summarise the information into also further summarise the We 5 The next section explores how these tools and The next section explores The project enables farmers to subscribe to a service to The project

See the BROSDI audio blog: http://audioblog.podbean.com. For a definition of

Members of the Members Masaka District Network Farmers meeting. 5 ‘audio blog’ see glossary, p.121 (this issue). ‘audio blog’ see glossary, mobile phone text messages (SMS), which are sent out to mobile phone text messages (SMS), which are over 400 farmer subscribers on a weekly basis – and our database is growing. work in practice. approaches Getting flexible with other tools for sharing Getting flexible with other tools for knowledge have collected the infor- Once BROSDI and the CELAC project VKBs and from mation generated and documented e.g. visits, it is then other farmers or during forums and field The information is organised and distributed. repackaged and audio CDs) and into detailed ‘How to Guides’ (booklets the network. Audio single-page summaries for distribution to our audio blog for others to also uploaded on versions are download. information using mobile phones Sharing agricultural Due to the liberalisation of the airwaves, various telecom- munication networks have extended their mobile phone serv- and subsidised the costs of mobile ices to rural areas telephone handsets – something that rural people have taken a less expensive and more are messages advantage of. Text accessible means of information access and dissemination, the major family in particular for women farmers who are one income earners. provided SMS can be used anywhere has a mobile telephone and access to a network. information by weekly text messages. The SMS is receive disseminated in both English and Luganda, a Ugandan local language. Photo: BROSDI Photo: Tools for enhancing knowledge-sharing in agriculture: improving rural livelihoods in Uganda in Uganda livelihoods rural improving in agriculture: knowledge-sharing enhancing for Tools VKBs are expected to be the information vanguards of expected to be the information vanguards VKBs are Source: http://successtories.wordpress.com Source: Gwiko is my friend, everybody’s friend. We all know him and that he Interestingly, with each district visited, we found that knowledge- we visited, with each district Interestingly, is a new concept among farmers. sharing for personal development in Budaka District Knowledge Sharing Forum During a turkey-rearing farmers in one of the largest local turkey Geroshom, we met Gwiko uses exclusively local methods to treat his turkeys He District. Pallisa through trial and and acquired all his knowledge from his parents and whose livelihood is largely also met Namutosi Rose, We error. Namutosi had spent large sums of dependent on rearing turkeys. she learnt how During the Forum, money on medicines for her turkeys. a using plants growing wild on her farmland from to treat her turkeys her that he had man she already knew – it had never occurred to Namutosi said: Afterwards, practical answers to her challenges. rears turkeys. What we didn’t know is that he has such enormous amounts of knowledge in turkey rearing. Our turkeys die everyday yet we have the cure in our homes. More so, we call the ‘cure’ stubborn weeds and keep digging them out! The project has established village-level community knowledge project has established The store, to collect, empowering women and men with the skills brokers, analyse and disseminate agricultural information within their VKBs do not have to be computer literate or able Elected communities. and support, project provides training, The to read and write. Farmers adult literacy classes. information and encourages inter-group representatives who are: to elect are asked • sociable and willing to share knowledge; and • active and living in rural areas; preferably women. • farmers, Box 1: Knowledge Sharing Forums Knowledge Sharing in action 1: Box Box 2: Village Knowledge Brokers 2: Box the village they represent. Information generated by the the village they represent. and then dissem- and repackaged is processed CELAC project inated back to the VKBs, who in turn pass the information on to village members. The VKBs also periodically hold mini- Knowledge Sharing Forums within their communities. We that they send any information generated to the request team, which is in turn disseminated to the other farmers. widely distributed, the information received it is more Before farmers and VKBs is first tested and verified. This is from important because of the potential negative impact on farm- and livestock. ers’ crops During the Knowledge Sharing Forums, the project team also project During the Knowledge Sharing Forums, the District Agricultural invites the participants to join the CELAC each village to from Network. Participants select one person (VKB) and to act as become their Village Knowledge Broker in the network (see Box 2). their representative The District Agricultural Network and Village Knowledge Village Agricultural Network and District The Brokers 8 62 THEME SECTION Ednah Akiiki Karamagi andMaryNakirya due toitslonglength(seeBox 4). ient’s phonesbreak themessageintosixtoeightmessages sent havenodefinedword numbercount.Often,therecip- start preparing theirgardens forthenextseason. farmers aboutapproaching dryspellsandtoremind themto Luwero district,isactivein sendingSMSalertstoother ures. Forexample,CissySerunjogi, asweetpotatofarmerin harvesting, marketingandpestdiseasecontrol meas- e.g. garden preparation, planting,harvestingandpost and promote betterfarming practicesusinglocalcontent, roots farmersinthevillages. Theservicehelpsthemtoshare mation andfurtherdisseminateit. farmers withoutmobilephonescanthenaccessthisinfor- of themessagesandfilethemforfuture reference. Other use apublicaddress system.Theyalsomakeawrittenrecord fruit ormangotrees toprotect themfrom therain.Others messages onnoticeboards inmarketplaces,orunderjack- other neighbouringfarmers(seeBox3).Somepostthe text messagestooursubscribers,whothendisseminateit 6 Box 3: An exampleof ‘repackaged’ informationsentviaSMS every 3 weeks to control spider mites and caterpillar eggs. caterpillar and mites spider control to weeks 3 every e.g. blights, mildew, other fungal diseases and mosaic virus. Spray virus. mosaic and diseases fungal other mildew, blights, e.g. days is effective in controlling mites and plant diseases in many plants many in diseases plant and mites controlling in effective is days Weaker solution of 1 part milk to 10-15 parts water applied every 10 every applied water parts 10-15 to milk part 1 of solution Weaker days to prevent mosaic virus in tomatoes, tobacco and sugarcane. and tobacco tomatoes, in virus mosaic prevent to days Dilute 1 litre of milk with 9 litres of water. Spray the solution every 10 every solution the Spray water. of litres 9 with milk of litre 1 Dilute Cissy isalsothecurrent Luwero CELAC DistrictFarmersNetworkChairperson. These are significantinformation sources forothergrass- Every Monday, werepackage informationandsenditvia 6 The SMS

Photo: BROSDI access candownloadorlisten tothedifferent farmingprac- uploaded totheaudioblog, so thatanyonewithInternet wider audience. as agroup. OurWeb 2.0 audioblogalsohelpstoreach a CDs andaudioequipmenttoenablethemlisten blog. Forexample,farmersare provided withcopiesofthe interviews usingaudioCDs,digitalonlineradioandan because theypreferred theirlocalFMstations. listen totheprogrammes because ofapoorradiosignaland revealed that90%ofthe farmers wedirectly servedidnot mation abouteffective farming practice.However, asurvey facilitating farmerstotraveltheradiostationshare infor- BROSDI usedtobroadcast a livemonthlyradioprogramme, digital radio Sharing on-andofflineinformation: websites, blogsand Challenges andlessonslearnt 7 using SMStextmessages Box 4: Commentsonsharingagricultural information avenues and amounts. amounts. and avenues led to our household development through increasing our income our increasing through development household our to led give practical solutions to many of our farming challenges that have that challenges farming our of many to solutions practical give other colleagues when they hear my phone ring a number of times. of number a ring phone my hear they when colleagues other Development Centre, Mayuge. at aCELAC Village KnowledgeBrokers trainingattheBROSDI they Elizabeth Mpungu, afarmerfromMasakadistrict, duringadiscussion because especially significance great of been have sent SMS The We don’t mind that the SMS is divided into batches. In fact, this attracts Baitambogwe sub-county.this fact, In Network Chairpersonandalsothe Agricultural ExtensionOfficerin batches. into divided Mwanja Edwin, CoordinatorfortheMayugeCELAC DistrictFarmersis SMS the that mind don’t We See: http://audioblog.podbean.com Instead, wenowrecord anddisseminatethefarmers’ 7 All farmerinterviewrecordings are

Photo: BROSDI 63

8 THEME SECTION BROSDI encourages farmers to take advantage of the free To help bridge this gap, we also work to make online To consuming and Repackaging information like this is time “Text messages are a less expensive and a less are messages “Text accessible means of information more in particular access and dissemination, the major who are for women farmers family income earners.” Issues of affordable and accessible tools has shown that sharing indige- The BROSDI CELAC project nous knowledge using ICT methods makes a significant – and it is the adop- local problems contribution to resolving tion of mobile telephony services which has taken the lead. Overcoming language and literacy barriers and disseminate is in Much of the information we produce unable to English – so many people in rural populations are information in the local language, produce them. We read also left out. are Luganda, but those that cannot read government Universal Primary Educa- education programme, the information for them. to read tion, or to ask their children in what they can or fellow farmers rewrite Often, children their local languages. One advantage is that all the Village and write English. In addition, can read Knowledge Brokers literacy barriers. These the audio CDs help to overcome have enabled a wider audience to access the approaches information we send out. storing, managing and accessing information and enhances storing, managing and accessing information it is only accessed by a networking and sharing. However, Although such tools are of farmers. very small percentage and very useful, Internet connectivity is limited in rural areas, to farmers. often unaffordable periodically prints The project information available offline. the blog. It distributes them out articles and comments from with their commu- to share to the Village Brokers Knowledge to and also respond to read then able nities. Farmers are to access them these blog posts via the VKBs, without having the on- and offline online. BROSDI keeps in touch with both This enables a blog authors, mostly using mobile phones. parties. two-way communication between the distant the scales have to balance: information must expensive. Yet to maintain the flow of infor- both on- and offline be shared mation between those who have Internet access, and those who do not. 10 Screengrab from Screengrab http://audioblog. podbean.com Tools for enhancing knowledge-sharing in agriculture: improving rural livelihoods in Uganda in Uganda livelihoods rural improving in agriculture: knowledge-sharing enhancing for Tools 8 Free printed copies of the ‘How to Free 9 Another online information-sharing tool is the CELAC We also download text files and education materials to We See: http://celac.wordpress.com See: www.brosdi.or.ug and www.celac.or.ug See: www.brosdi.or.ug WorldSpace radio uses two satellites, AfriStar and AsiaStar, to broadcast more to broadcast radio uses two satellites, AfriStar and AsiaStar, WorldSpace Using this kind of Web 2.0 application is an effective way of way 2.0 application is an effective Using this kind of Web tises described. This has helped to reduce the production tises described. This has helped to reduce radio, BROSDI now also WorldSpace costs of CDs. Through audio files and uploads them downloads relevant frequently on our website for public access. Guides’ are also available at BROSDI Development Centre. Guides’ are also available to printed copies of information are Similarly, farmers during Annual Knowledge Fairs. and other agricultural farmers, staff text-based blog, where articles. practitioners can post local agricultural-related the BROSDI website. CELAC also has a website where the the BROSDI website. CELAC also has a website where the forums and short ‘How to Guides’ and transcripts from field visits and case studies can be downloaded in portable document format (PDF). 9 10 8 than 100 digital-quality audio channels to people around the world, enabling the world, than 100 digital-quality audio channels to people around found on not available or rarely that are digital radio programmes them to receive radio. See: www.worldspace.com or national terrestrial local, regional 8 64 THEME SECTION Ednah Akiiki Karamagi andMaryNakirya had apositiveimpactforruralfarmers. phone. Yet evenwiththesechallenges,theuseofSMShas KnowledgeBrokerphone networkoraVillage withatele- areas, farmershavetotravellongdistancesaccessamobile tend toinstallnetworksinurbancentres first.Insomerural charge amobilephone.Also,telecommunicationcompanies areas. Thosewithelectricityoftenchargeexorbitantcoststo charged. Electricityisnotevenlydistributedespeciallyinrural help toeasetheprocess. We havefoundthatruralcommu- Knowledge SharingForumsusingpeer-to-peer can learning open toworkingwiththeproject. other menseetheirinvolvement,localcommunitiesare more involved, provided theyare notthedominantplayers.When In ourexperience,itisimportantthatmenare alsoclosely projects, whichoftenraisemuchcuriosityamongthemen. ently. Ruralcommunitieshavemixedviewsonwomen-only People havediffering susceptibilitytochange. paramount thattheprocess isintroduced graduallyto them. communities are alsonotusedtosharinginformationsoitis the appropriate forumstoshare itin.Manygrassroots eters. Manydonotintendtohoard theirknowledge,butlack because ofpre-existing culturallydefinedcriteriaandparam- farmers are sometimesunwillingtoshare information BRODSI havediscovered from theirexperiencethatmany accessing itrequires more thanjustmobilisingpeople. Although ruralcommunitieshaveinformationtoshare, Issues ofgenderandculture Internet access, andthosewhodonot.” information betweenthosewhohave and offlinetomaintaintheflowof “Information mustbeshared bothon- Email: [email protected] Mary Nakirya Email: [email protected] Ednah AkiikiKaramagi CONTACT DETAILS However, there are challenges.Telephones needtobe Involving communitiesinmobilisingandconductingthe Each communityalsoaddressesdiffer- genderconcerns www.celac.or.ug Websites: www.brosdi.or.ug and Fax: +25641343005 Tel: +25677506227 Uganda Kampala PO BOX26970 Initiative (BROSDI) Busoga RuralOpenSource andDevelopment adjust yourplansaccordingly. address challengesandtakeadvantageofstrengths, and project. thecommunity andplaninadvancehowto Visit of culture, gender, andhowreceptive peopleare tothe research andplanningatthebaseleveltoexplore issuese.g. tant tounderstandthespecificcommunityculture. Itrequires challenge –andtoallowtimeforthishappen.Itisimpor- need tocreate acommitmenttocooperate,change, freely.learning pants begintoshare whentheyrealise thattheytooare Thisstrategyappearstowork well.Normally,learn. partici- CELAC teamemphasisestheneedtoshare ifyouwantto tory approaches andprocesses. Duringthesemeetings,the nities are more willingtoshare knowledgeusingparticipa- and localcontent. helped bytheuseofappropriate toolsforsharingknowledge season anddiversifiedtheirincome-generatingactivities– who havebenefitedfrom increased farmoutputswitheach constructing more permanent houses.We haveseenfarmers children andprovide medicalcare fortheirfamilies,to edge canhave,from farmers whocanafford toeducatetheir project ownershiptoprevail. members ofcivilsocietyhavetoworktogetherinorder for andother team, thedistrictfarmers’networks,government problem beingsolvedandthetargetgroup. Theproject communicate theseinitiativesinalanguagethatmatchesthe sharing andinformationmanagementinitiatives;then tify keyneedsorissues;determineappropriate knowledge- and share itagainthereafter. only haveanduseit,butcanalsocustomiseitforthemselves tively. Thisinformationneedstobeshared sothatothersnot livelihoods, provided thefarmercanuseinformationposi- Information isavitaltooltoenableandincrease farmers’ Conclusion Farmers, othermembersofcivilsocietyandgovernment We haveseenthetangiblebenefitsthatsharingknowl- At BROSDI,ourapproach istoworkwithpartnersiden-

THEME SECTION 65

2 9 I quickly become overwhelmed by the volume and I quickly become overwhelmed by the I felt that was a high risk of false reporting, Though there the website was intended to be a ‘memorial’ or Finally, Short Messaging Service (SMS) How Ushahidi began my thoughts on my blog and January 2008, I shared On 3rd in building interested encouraged Kenyan ‘techies’ who were thought how useful it would be to have a dedicated website thought how useful it would be to have about incidents of report people could anonymously where messages (SMS) – violence online or via mobile phone text and if this information could be mapped so that people could visualise what was going on. some information could be shared having a vehicle where was a on local resources was better none – and that relying good way to do this. Information in a crisis is a patchwork of by hope to build up a full picture can only You sources. as possible. The Ushahidi website having as many sources was not intended to be wholly accurate and certainly there e.g. of a main- was no intention to achieve the standards organisation newspaper or a human rights reporting stream – the main focus was the immediate need to get informa- tion out. of sorts for the events that happened – as a reminder archive of just how bad things got – so that Kenyans would hopefully elections. history at future avoid repeating 2 1

At the height of the post-election violence in Kenya in There was a government There ban on live media and a wave

See: www.kenyanpundit.com This article reflects on the development of the Ushahidi This article reflects website. The idea behind the website was to harness the information (using a large group benefits of crowdsourcing on a story) and facilitate the sharing of of people to report rumours and uncer- where information in an environment dominant. tainty were late December 2007 and early January 2008, my personal of information about blog become one of the main sources out and the violence that broke the flawed electoral process thereafter. Introduction Introduction of self-censorship within mainstream media, which created of self-censorship within mainstream an information vacuum. The government argued false or ethnic-based in even more would result biased reporting media violence, and that it wanted the opportunity to review to the ban I asked they went ‘live’. In response before reports people to send me information via comments on my blog and emails – about incidents of violence that they were and the country, witnessing or hearing about throughout by the media. not being reported that were

1 tools for crowdsourcing crisis tools for crowdsourcing by ORY OKOLLOH by ORY

information Ushahidi, or 2.0 Web ‘testimony’: 9 66 THEME SECTION Ory Okolloh initial datatohelpingspread theword. donating theshortcodeforSMScallsandhelpinggather volunteers, from donatingserverspace,writingthecode, funding forthewebsiteattime–everythingwasdoneby came from Africa.Themajoritywere Kenyans.There wasno Source: www.frontlinesms.com/what ability tosendmessageslargenumbers ofpeopleinashortamounttime.’ offers advantagesovertraditionalvoiceservicesincludingreduced costandthe countries, SMShasbecomeafamiliarand widelyusedformofcommunication.It collaborative manner. in modifiedorunmodifiedform.Itisvery oftendevelopedinapublic, This permitsuserstouse,change,andimprove thesoftware, andtoredistribute it arrangement suchasthepublicdomain)thatmeetsOpenSource Definition. human-readable source codeismadeavailableunderacopyrightlicense(or 4 rather was process 3 approval the websitebutSMSreports hadtobemanuallyentered. The live (seeBox2). checked andapproved by Ushahidi staff before theywent website itself.However, allreports hadtobemanually The Ushahidiwebsiteallowedreporting viaSMSandthe Issues around verifyingreports making different contributions. using opensource software witharound 15-20developers Ushahidi, whichmeans‘testimony’inKiswahili. and thedomainwasregistered. Thatwasthegenesisof adayortwogroup ofvolunteershadcoalesced fast. Within such awebsitetogetintouch.Theresponse waslightening wanted tofigure outwhere helpwasmostneeded(see Box 1). information wouldalsohelpindividualsandgroups who receive information.We alsohadtheexpectationthat sharing website wasinteractive.Peoplecouldcontributeandnotjust started usingthewebsiteasaninformationsource. The means ofsharinginformation.Someradiostationseven addressing thedetailsandanytechnicalhitcheslater. focused onbuildingandlaunchinganoverallframework, believe thisspurred ourinnovativenessandcreativity. We improved onthejob.We aswewentalongbylearning type model,basedonthepremise thatthingscouldbe sources aspossible.” up afullpicture byhavingasmany of sources. You canonlyhopetobuild “Information inacrisisispatchwork ‘With thegrowing popularityof mobilephones,especiallyindeveloping ‘With Open source software The ‘go-live’process waseasy forreports submittedvia The websitewentlivelessthanaweeklater. Itwasbuilt Over 250peoplebegantousethenewplatformasa (OSS) canbedefinedascomputersoftware forwhichthe 3 Most ofthesedevelopers 4 It wasarapidproto- it, weposteditandnotedthat itwasnotverified. Where informationappeared credible butwecould notverify by comparingwithothersources e.g.mainstream media. people reported anonymously, storieswere counter-checked called oremailedreporters totryverifyreports. Where www.frontlinesms.com messages tolargegroups ofpeopleanywhere there isamobilesignal.See providers donotoperate.Itisfree software thatallowsyoutosendtext 5 comes inhandy.’ Box 1: Extracts from ‘Kenya: Citizens'reporting tool Box 2: HowSMSmessagesare routed through Ushahidi Source: Kinyanjui(2008) around thecountry. Government mayhavegrosslyunderplayedtheextentofdamage website –indicatingthatofficialreportsfromaidagenciesandthe with whichnew, unreportedepisodesarebeinguploadedtothe groups workingontheground. others tosee. Mostincidentslistedonthewebsiteareverifiedbylocal they haveseen. The incidentsarethenplacedonamap-basedviewfor people whowitnessactsofviolenceinKenya toreport incidentsthat Ushahidi, meaning ‘witness’ inKiswahili, describesitselfasatoolfor • Administrators canthendecidewhethertosendamessageback • The messageshowsupontheUshahidiwebsite • This synchroniseswiththeUshahidiplatform • ItisthenreroutedthroughFrontlineSMS • An SMStextmessagegetssenttoalocalnumber way communicationcycle. how SMStextmessagesmovethroughtheUshahidisysteminatwo- both viaSMSandonthewebsiteitself. This simplifieddiagramshows The firstUshahidiwebsitemodelallowedpeopletosendinreports FrontlineSMS enablesyoutoprovide localnumbersinareas where largerSMS the originalsender What isshockingaboutsomereportedincidentsthefrequency ad hoc.Where possible,we 5 67

9 THEME SECTION We are surveying are We 7 8 Our immediate experience with the DRC deployment It is too early to fully evaluate what impact the tool is It is too early to fully evaluate what impact expected this and worked hard to get the mobile compo- expected this and worked hard struggling partner organisations are even our nent ready, to maintain their access to the Internet. going to manage the instance in which we were was a rare which is why we have deployment itself at least initially, sent such as Heal Africa. We tried to partner with groups to us recommended email and they were out an outreach Peace Heroes: Unsung Peace Heroes is a campaign developed by Butterfly Unsung Peace Heroes Peace Heroes: Deployment to the DRC Congo happened on 7th November 2008 – the week “We anticipated that over time it would anticipated “We false reports be easy to counter-check eventually made it to the against what and by using the media mainstream to power of the citizens themselves reports.” false counteract was released in October 2008. The alpha is the initial version in October 2008. was released being tested by a number of platform. It is of the rebuilt to the general public. is released software the before groups the Democratic Republic include Peace Heroes, Pilot projects of Congo (DRC) crisis and four others. 7 8 Challenges and lessons learnt with the Ushahidi DRC have tried our own deployment We page to cover the crisis in Eastern a very DRC. That has been the challenges of useful learning for us, including process building in translation facilities, operating in a very low Inter- the local trust issues from and overcoming net access region population as far as submitting information. is still a lot to be done and that each that there reveals crisis/situation has its own set of unique challenges (and outlined below. possibilities). The main challenges are Although we The lack of good local Internet connectivity. • This The lack of an Ushahidi point person on the ground. • our testers and plan to write case studies about the imple- our testers and plan to write case studies once this phase is completed. mentation and testing process based on our we have some initial reflections having. However, experiences in DRC. recent experiences in Kenya and our more Works and Media Focus on Africa Foundation. The goal is to nominate people and Media Focus on Africa Foundation. The goal is to nominate Works who helped do positive things during and after the post-election violence in things for their people who did extraordinary ordinary are Kenya. Kenyan heroes See: http://peaceheroes.ushahidi.com, fellow citizens or their country. and www.butterflyworks.org www.mediafocusonafrica.org See: was released. the alpha version of the new Ushahidi Engine software http://drc.ushahidi.com Ushahidi, or ‘testimony’: Web 2.0 tools for crowdsourcing crisis information crisis crowdsourcing tools for 2.0 Web ‘testimony’: or Ushahidi, 6 The private alpha of the redesigned Ushahidi platform The private alpha of the redesigned Our view was that Ushahidi could in the future help local Our view was that Ushahidi could in the future This is the risk with any crowdsourcing social media tool. crowdsourcing This is the risk with any In Kenya, Ushahidi demonstrated the power of geograph- In Kenya, Ushahidi demonstrated the power and crisis-related ically mapping real-time citizen reports information to help civilians avoid conflict. CEO of Humanity United and Randy Newcomb, President See: www.commondreams.org/news2008/0124-07.htm As a result of the growing public interest in Ushahidi and its public interest of the growing As a result funding from we received potential for wider replication Humanity United, an organisation dedicated to ending modern-day This has allowed us slavery and mass atrocities. the platform into a tool that any person or organ- to rebuild isation can use to set up their own way to collect and visu- alise information. Redeveloping the Ushahidi platform Developing potential: Ushahidi and humanitarian Developing potential: crisis situations and international NGOs working in crisis situations: from early conflict warning to tracking a crisis situation as it evolves and facilitating response. ‘Truth’ is not guaranteed – but the idea behind crowdsourc- is not ‘Truth’ volume, a ‘truth’ emerges that dimin- ing is that with enough risk of the website being avoid the To ishes any false reports. they before monitored were reports used for propaganda, to be patently false, went ‘live’. Anything that appeared anticipated We inflammatory or inaccurate was not posted. false reports that over time it would be easy to counter-check media and against what eventually made it to the mainstream to counteract by using the power of the citizens themselves of posted a false report For example, someone false reports. out in a North-Eastern town called Garissa. violence breaking other from Within several reports hours we had received was no violence in the area. saying that there sources As interest in the website developed, it became apparent that it became apparent in the website developed, As interest Kenya, particu- the tool had potential applicability beyond larly in crisis situations. Humanitarian-based crisis situations do not usually start with one flashpoint. They generally result a number of events and factors that have happened from over time. Kenya was one such example. While the violence by support- was depicted as a ‘sudden eruption’ of protests indica- were ers of the opposition leader Raila Odinga, there tions that some of the violence was pre-planned. 6 9 68 THEME SECTION Ory Okolloh better abletoengage incitizenreporting. As someoneclosely the violencealsoebbedandflowed. Thismeantpeoplewere In Kenya,someareas were isolatedfrom theviolence –and People needtime andresources more hesitanttoembracethistypeofapproach. has beenmuchlongerandmore persistent,organisationsare for reporting tothewebsite. PerhapsbecausetheDRCcrisis tions andcontactswewere often askediftheywouldbepaid DRCwhenapproachingin Kenya,Eastern localorganisa- We needtobeclearabout whatUshahidiisandnot.Unlike Be clearaboutwhatyouaimtodo few resources ontheground. and makeitharder toadapt tosituationswhere there are possible –more complicated features slowthewebsitedown The toolneedstoremain simple andfunctionalasmuch Be simplebuteffective a widernetworkofbloggersgeographicallyandlinguistically. We needtotacklethetranslationissuesandalsoworkwith Translation isimportant Ushahidi butsofarno-onehasdoneso. We haveencouragedbloggerstoshare theirreports on active bloggingcommunityofbothlocalsandexpatriates. tools likeUshahidi.DRCdoeshaveacomparativelysmallbut example). Localbloggershelpraisetheprofile ofsocialmedia community toraiselocalawareness (Kenyawasagood It helpstohavearelatively activeandconnectedblogging Blogging canhelpraiseawareness • The difficulty inraisingawareness aboutUshahidiinthe particularly incrisissituations.” potential applicabilitybeyondKenya, became apparent thatthetoolhad “As interest inthewebsitedeveloped, it etc. NGOs,localradio gers, localorganisations,international to promote theservicewherever wecould,vialocalblog- local populationandencouragingthemtouseit.We tried crisis. toring howthelocalpopulationisbeingaffected bythe based ontheirlengthyexperiencelocallyandwithmoni- Other challenges and lessons learnt areOther challengesandlessonslearnt outlinedbelow. Kenya, there isnoMamaMikesoptionfordonatingcredit. SMS functionalitydoesnotreally helpthem.Also,unlikein Some peopledonothavetheresources tobuycredit sothe like electricitycutssomobilephonescannotbecharged. time tofilereports. crisis situationmostpeopleare ontherun–theydonothave involved inassistingpeopleDRCpointedouttome,a shopping credits, mobilephoneairtime,andother gifts.Seewww.mamamikes.org America andEurope totransferhelphome–notviacash,butbysending present wedonothavedetailedguidelinesforreporters. because ofacholeraoutbreak inRutshuru’.Howeverat reports canbeanonymousandgeneric,e.g.‘helpisneeded byemphasisingthatthe have triedtoallaytheseconcerns about reprisals ifpeopleare targetedformakingreports. We importantly, there isahugelackoftrustaswellconcerns free press –norofpeopleaskingfortheiropinion.Most Unlike inKenya,DRCpeopleare notusedtoaculture of Gaining trust provider inAfrica,interested inthistypeofservice. We are tryingtogetZain,aleadingmobilephoneservice 9 so far. of reports, wecertainlyexpectedmore thanwehavereceived on ourpart.Whilewedidnotexpecttoreceive thousands we received more reports with veryminimalactiveoutreach media coverageontheDRCconflict.IncontrastinKenya, the situationcloselyhadcomplainedaboutminimal anticipated. Manyofthoseaffected bythecrisisorwatching However, wehavenotreceived thevolumeofreports we has received great press. coverageintheinternational DRC were muchmore structured. TheUshahidiDRCpage In comparisontowhenwelaunchedinKenya,ourefforts in Creating acultureofsharing mation e.g.onwhere togethelp. people are notjustgivinginformationbutalsoreceiving infor- building infunctionalitythatclosestheinformationloop– etc. hasnotreally changedanything.To address this,weare sharing thisinformationwiththemedia,NGOs,UNMissions for information.Pastexperiencehasshowncitizensthat Ushahidi becomesjustanotherorganisationthatislooking fatigue amongthelocals,whichwasnotcaseinKenya. In anongoingconflictlikeDRC,there isalsotheissueof Creating two-way information flows The MamaMikesremittance serviceempowersKenyanimmigrants inNorth In places like Eastern DRCthatis compoundedbyfactors In placeslikeEastern Another challengeisthedistinct desire tosiloinforma- 9 69

9 THEME SECTION 10 Although it is still very early days for Ushahidi, the devel- interactive maps. mobile phones. country or city. email or RSS feed reader – segmented by region, and video. images, links, category, description, date, incident. with ‘hotspots’ and apply a heat-map to that area designate them as extra explanations. contact administrator to be added with a short description, information and link to their site. Red Cross). Kenyan organisation in the affected country (e.g. choice. For a definition of ‘RSS’, see glossary, p.122. See also RSS feeds p.115 (this issue). For a definition of ‘RSS’, see glossary, Some of the technical features of the new platform will include: Some of the technical features Simple and fast web/Internet accessibility. • regional views for each country using web-based Map-based • geo-location information for major cities. Pre-determined • reports to Ushahidi through mobile phones. Ability to send • to sign up to receive text message alerts through Ability for people • to sign up for RSS feeds to their mobile phone, Ability for people • • Multilingual. location, limited to: including but not report page, Detailed incident • to submit more information about a specific Ability for others • specific locations and the number of reports coming in from Track • help’ area where different organisations email the site ‘How you can • donation system for a specific addition of a simple Possible • the contributor’s by anonymous incident reports, Ability to post • timeline feature. A search and • Box 3: The new Ushahidi platform The new Ushahidi 3: Box 10 Final reflections in the in the platform evolves and is refined As the interest lessons and challenges are more development process, bound to emerge. How can we handle the verification of crisis? How can we extend Ushahidi’s data in a fast-breaking in low-tech areas? reach generated some useful opment of the platform has already participatory media, lessons in terms of how to approach Ushahidi demon- especially in challenging environments. in humanitar- software strates how we can use open source and the ian crises, the potential power of crowdsourcing, advantages of keeping tools simple and easily adaptable. We how many anticipate that the platform will revolutionise organisations handle their data and also democratise how in crisis situations. information is collected and shared tion. Our goal is to create the best tool possible to help make tion. Our goal is to create sense of emerging situations and to develop web and mobile tools that can help with visualisation and decision-making on and how to deploy aid and other forms of assistance. where Ushahidi, or ‘testimony’: Web 2.0 tools for crowdsourcing crisis information crisis crowdsourcing tools for 2.0 Web ‘testimony’: or Ushahidi, This open source application will be available for free for application will be available for free This open source Organisations will also be able to use the tool for inter- that it is a tool and not a solu- we do realise However, Ways forward Ways It will allow The new Ushahidi platform will soon be available. of crisis information by displaying data from the aggregation such as mobile phones, the Internetvarious sources and news feeds on one page. The data can also be mainstream shown in a simplified geographical format. Anyone tracking by a particular situation can submit reports. or affected others to download, implement and use to bring awareness be platform can The core to crises in their own region. locales and needs. Implementing customised for different about for raising awareness organisations will be responsible the tool and encouraging e.g. members of the public and platform will The rebuilt members to submit reports. staff data entry of reports have various administration levels from the from (e.g. for organisations to submit their own reports field), to full administrative privileges, which include the of verifying the submitted reports. responsibility nal monitoring purposes. For example, a human rights organ- isation collecting testimonies about an event may not want the anonymity the information publicly to protect to release of those testifying or because they want to verify the infor- mation first (see Box 3). tion among humanitarian organisations in DRC who should tion among humanitarian organisations this was also a be the natural users of Ushahidi – and encouraged NGOs to submit infor- in Kenya. We problem substantial) but with mation collected in the field (which was unclear considering the benefits are no success. The reasons a crisis and helping to strate- attention to of bringing more to it is a general reluctance help. Perhaps gically direct that fundraising embrace innovation. Perhaps it is a belief information, and works best for those with the most In any event, it is a huge Ushahidi is seen as a competitor. purportedly speak for the These organisations problem. by a crisis, yet do not appear to affected people who are want to embrace this form of citizen reporting. keeping tools simple and easily adaptable.” tools simple keeping “Ushahidi demonstrates how we can use how “Ushahidi demonstrates in humanitarian software open source power of the potential crises, and the advantages of crowdsourcing, 9 70 THEME SECTION Ory Okolloh type modelandfocusonpushingtheboundariesof Twitter: www.twitter.com/ushahidi Website: www.ushahidi.com Email: [email protected] Ory Okolloh CONTACT DETAILS For now, wewillcontinuetoembracetherapidproto- http://allafrica.com/stories/200801150990.htm to thewebsiteviewthisreport forfree: January 2008.Pleasenoteyouneedtosubscribe Tool ComesinHandy.’ Onlineblogreport 15th Kinyanjui, K.(2008)‘Kenya:Citizens'Reporting REFERENCES and supportasneeded. provide technicalcustomisations The Ushahiditeamwillbeableto interested partiesandorganisations. tool availablegloballyforfree to Ushahidi planstomakeitsmapping visualisation; mapping;andmobilephoneplatforms. various areas thattheplatform toucheson–crowdsourcing; THEME SECTION 71

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, to the Australian Bureau According knowledge; and and largely irrele- knowledge, making it appear parochial vant in everyday Aboriginal life.

bution to – the greater community development strategy. community development strategy. bution to – the greater 10 Background the Aboriginal people of As with many indigenous cultures, with their relationship Australia strive to maintain a strong is especially This place-based affinity country and culture. true for isolated rural communities. This connection to place exemplifies what it means to be an Aboriginal Australian. on their traditional ecological Many Aboriginal families rely and environment knowledge (TEK) of the surrounding for subsistence, cultural identity and natural resources two significant issues contribute to employment. However, of this place-based identity in everyday limiting the role community life: of the intergenerational transfer of local the breakdown • • Australian society places little value on this that mainstream 2003), 80% of the Aboriginal population speaks only English population). Only around non-Aboriginal (similar to Australia’s 12% of the Aboriginal population speaks a customary • to facilitate the youths’ direct participation in – and contri- • to facilitate the youths’ direct

Fieldwork began in May 2005 with the creation of a Fieldwork began in May 2005 with the creation 2.0 two principal purposes for using Web were There their rapidly forgotten local knowledge and help them adopt new skills; and The Walkatjurra Cultural Centre is an Aboriginal organisation Cultural Centre The Walkatjurra on based in Leonora, Western Australia. This article reflects their journey as they invest in the uptake of digital technolo- 2.0 applications, to revi- Web gies, including most recently and enhance community development talise their culture also highlight the We both socially and economically. outcomes of a community-based youth empowerment and Aboriginal involving university researchers project community members. participatory digital video disc (DVD). The DVD was used by the community as a vehicle to communicate traditional knowl- edge to help bridge the intergenerational knowledge divide, as well as to influence non-indigenous decision makers (local government and mining companies). Community members, now using a number of Web building on their video skills, are 2.0 technologies to expand both the scope and longevity of is still ongoing. This project the original project. based tools: • to meaningfully engage Aboriginal youth in learning about Introduction Introduction by JON CORBETT, GUY SINGLETON and KADO MUIR GUY SINGLETON by JON CORBETT, outback movement survival: a new Australian survival: a new Web 2.0 for Aboriginal cultural Aboriginal 2.0 for Web 10

72 THEME SECTION Jon Corbett, GuySingletonandKadoMuir • to strengthen processes toensure historystaysinplace • togetinvolvedinsomeformof‘development’,e.g.incor- main purposes: at thecommunitylevelare using digitaltechnologiesfortwo media content. shows, andthenewNationalIndigenous TV(NITV)features 100%indigenous focuses oncontemporaryindigenousissues mixedwithmainstream interest indigenous communities.Imparja,amainstream Aboriginal-runtelevision station, Australian AboriginalMediaAssociation (CAAMA) broadcasts radio toremote communities incentralAustraliawithradio andtelevision.Today, theCentral (Michaels, 1994). contact andnetworksoutsidetheirimmediatespace range ofICTs forover thirtyyearstocreate andmaintain Remote AboriginalcommunitiesinAustraliahaveuseda Aboriginal Australia, digitaltechnologyand Web 2.0 technologies (ICTs) mayprovide ananswer(Chikonzo,2006). modes ofcommunicationusinginformation knowledge transfer? engage thecommunityyouthinpromoting intergenerational ability toeffectively self-managenaturalresources, and across indigenous generations. edge toboththenon-indigenouscommunityandyounger challenge incommunicatingtheimportanceoftheirknowl- is thatmanyindigenouseldersandparents faceasignificant world.Theresulttransmitting culturalheritageinthewestern cially giventhatthewrittenword isthemainwayof ingfully engageinWesternmodesofcommunication,espe- intheirabilitytomean- limited experienceand‘self-belief’ erence foramore dominantWesternone. to theapparent abandonmentofAboriginalculture in pref- edge andmaintainingtheirindigenousidentity. Thishasled society thatfailstorecognise thesignificanceoftheirknowl- language. Theyoungergenerationhavegrown upinawider 1 the generation gap.” technologies) istheirpotentialtobridge technologies (specifically Web 2.0 “The mostanticipatedbenefitofdigital In 1988thefirstcommunicationsatellite was launchedtoprovide remote other Internet-based applications;and other Internet-based for mobilisingresources –includingWeb 2.0,videoand infrastructureporating modern intoexistinglifestylesand/or Recent literature suggeststhatmore culturallyadaptable So howdoesanAboriginaleldereffectively communicate In addition,largenumbersofAboriginaleldershave cultures thisconnectiontoplace,demonstratetheir 1 Today, manyindigenousAustraliangroups communication. the generationgapasaculturallyadaptablemodeof (specifically Web 2.0technologies) istheirpotentialtobridge using videocamerastobringtogethergroups ofeldersto • • creating videosofstorytelling withreference toparticular • generating digitisedmapsincorporatingAboriginalplace • collections ofdigitalphotographstoshare storiesand • digital recordings ofancestralsongs; pants’ skills,abilities,socialcapitalandtechnicalcapacities. use variousmultimediatoolstoenhanceindigenouspartici- developing, buildingorenhancingindividualcapacities. nology andassociatedendproducts hasthepotentialfor for broadband deliveryonABCOnline.Seewww.abc.net.au/usmob Initiative (BPI).Itsupportsdynamicprojects developedandproduced specifically (AFC) andABCNewMediaDigitalServices AFC/ABCBroadband Production cultural validityetc. between gendersoragegroups. 4 3 2 Australia Figure 1: MapshowinglocationofLeonora, Western UsMob isthefirstproject tobelaunchedundertheAustralianFilm Commission E.g. knowledgearchives, non-discriminateforums,culturalassetinventories, By andlargetheinclusivenessofdigitaltechnologies doesnotdiscriminate and Veran (2006)describeas‘envelopment’. and/or fortheenrichmentofclanplaces,inwhatChristie pass onstoriestotheyoungergeneration. lands andplaces(history, managementandownership); claims; names tostrengthen NativeTitle strengthen familyidentities; The mostanticipatedbenefitofdigitaltechnologies Examples ofsuchpracticesinclude: Australian organisationssuchasUsMobanddEadlymOb 2 The process ofinvolvement indigitaltech- 3 4 Source: Google 73

10 THEME SECTION The rest of this article describes an ongoing project that of this article describes an ongoing project The rest Methods and processes Methods and processes 1) is invest- in Leonora (Figure Cultural Centre The Walkatjurra ing heavily in digital technologies. The explicit aim is to enhance both community development and envelopment initiatives. It began using many of the technologies outlined above, but is now beginning to focus on the implementation of Internet- 2.0 technologies. based tools, and in particular Web explicitly seeks to revitalise culture and enhance community culture explicitly seeks to revitalise the participatory use of digital tech- development through nologies. With the Desert Knowledge Cooper- funding from involved (DKCRC), the project Centre ative Research Cultural Centre, collaboration between the Walkatjurra and the University of British Curtin University of Technology is divided into two process Columbia Okanagan. The project distinct phases. The first involved training youth in the use of techniques. editing and production digital video recording, The second involved taking these skills and transferring them Both of these phases are 2.0 environment. to a Web described overleaf. Web 2.0 for Aboriginal cultural survival: a new Australian outback movement outback Australian a new cultural survival: Aboriginal 2.0 for Web Many devel- 5 The digital tools used to achieve such development and Figure 2: Community youth members uses a video camera Community youth 2: Figure

dEadly mOb is a mentoring programme, which uses ICT to create online which uses ICT to create dEadly mOb is a mentoring programme,

This can help increase employment opportunities by easing This can help increase in and school to workplace environments the transition from language maintenance and cultural awareness. opment agencies use positive changes in socioeconomic of individuals as key capac- status and the cultural awareness the use of ity building/development indicators. Arguably, potential represents ICT/digital technology discussed here examples of capacity building/development/enhancement in practice. in the form of videos, increasingly envelopment objectives are DVDs, digital photos, and audio files. All these technologies available to most community members, making readily are evolving Web recently, More cost-effective. them relatively becoming accessible tools for authoring 2.0 applications are and disseminating digital content. 5 opportunities for Aboriginal youth. Photo: Jon Corbett Jon Photo: 10

74 THEME SECTION Jon Corbett, GuySingletonandKadoMuir in Australia.Commonly usedwhenreferring to ‘traditional Aboriginallands’. 6 youth. a group ofcommunitymemberscomprisedeldersand community memberscanthenparticipate. required resources are gathered, abroader numberof initial projects havebeenacquittedandevaluated,the ate project momentumanddirection. Lateron,once the of theproject involvedparticularfamiliesinorder to gener- kinship networkstogettheproject going.Theinitialstages est andmomentumwasbasedaround particularcommunity key process andoutcomewithinsuchinitiatives,initialinter- nal youthinLeonora.Whileinclusiveparticipationisbotha such projects. Thisrepresents asmallproportion ofAborigi- Cultural Centre infilming,editingandproducing aDVD. trained anenthusiasticgroup ofyouthfrom theWalkatjurra studio processed andare easilydisseminated. alised communities.Thevideosproduced donotneedtobe more affordable –even forrelatively economicallymargin- port andstraightforwardhandle–aswell tolearn camerashavebecomelighter,1998). Video easiertotrans- mation, skillsandeducationfortheirownbenefit’(Norrish, creators, transformersandusersofcommunication,infor- supports communitymemberstobecome‘generators, with oralsocietiesandnon-literatepeople.Itisaprocess that the lasttwentyyears,andisaparticularlygoodtooltouse communication tool.Ithasbecomeincreasingly popularover Participatory video(PV)istheuseofasaparticipatory Walkatjurra digitalvideoproject the informationthattheirelders hadtaughtthem. the foodsbeingharvestedand eaten,inessencereiterating the tripandfilmingtheirown short videosthatdocumented youth takingawaythevideoequipmentseveraltimesduring encouraged theirparticipation.Thiswasconfirmedbythe seemed lessinteresting had thetechnologiesnotactively processing theirelders’ information, whichmighthave the youngmembersingroup were absorbingand using thevideoequipment.There wasstrong evidencethat preparation andconsumption), theyrecorded theteachings from theeldersingroup (theirseasonality, harvesting, grubs andkangaroo.aboutthesefoods Asthe youthlearnt centrale), silkypear( bush foods.Theseincludedthetomato(Solanum designed toacquainttheyouthwithseverallocallyimportant ‘Bush’ is a local term used to describe the outback or desert-like wilderness areas‘Bush’ isalocaltermusedtodescribethe outbackordesert-likewilderness This trainingtookplaceduringatripintothebushwith To date,acore group offiveyouthhavebeeninvolvedin Using theguidingprinciplesofPV, project collaborators 6 The triplastedfourdaysandwasintentionally Marsdenia australis),emu,witchety remote Aboriginal communities. ices, andovercoming thebarrierofdistancethatoftenaffects increasing awareness of community issues,activitiesandserv- creating privatewebpages.Thesebecamevaluabletools for ing Web 2.0technologies.Thisinitiallybeganwithindividuals mation andexperimentedwith developingandimplement- have builtonandexpandedtheirrepository ofculturalinfor- the Walkatjurra CulturalCentre’s digitaljourney. Members activity. from anindustrythathistorically disruptsAboriginalcultural technology. Thisisanunexpectedbenefit forcommunities communities inregions that wouldnormallybevoidofsuch provided andmobilecommunicationsto accesstoInternet infrastructure, suchasmobile phonetowers.Thishas companies expand,sodoestheirneedforcommunications to therapidincrease ofmining industryactivity. Asmining able inWesternAustraliaoverthelastfiveyears,largelydue accesshasincreasedRural Internet andbecomemore afford- Walkatjurra and Web 2.0development remote ruralcommunity. themselves andtheirlifestylestoothersoutsideof medium asameanstocommunicateinformationabout several youthinLeonoratobeginreally explore the video radio stations.Thisinitialproject setthefoundationfor and theirDVDwere alsofeatured onstatetelevision and youth memberswere invitedtopresent theirwork.The youth shown atseveralnationalDKCRCconferences where the in thecommunity. of enthusiasm.Thefinalproduct wasscreened toeveryone out –providing advice,voice-oversegmentsandalargedose tedious work.Yet theLeonorayouthwere engagedthrough- editing componentoftheproject. Itistimeconsumingand during participatoryvideoprojects there islessinterest inthe elders andyouthspentthree daysproducing aDVD. Often participation.“ not activelyencouraged their less interesting hadthetechnologies information, whichmighthaveseemed absorbing andprocessing theirelders' “Young members inthegroup were This improved connectivity has enabledthenextphaseof Over thenexttwelvemonthsDVDwentontobe On returningtoLeonorathetechnologyintermediaries, 75

10 THEME SECTION 11 External such as private enterprise, government parties At this point it is difficult to tell whether this strategy has At this point it is difficult Generally positive information regarding the community’s achievements and the community’s Generally positive information regarding future development plans. Controversial aspects of native title and heritage development plans. Controversial future matters and sensitive internal in community information would not be broadcast this manner. 11 than using the RSS feeds. Perhaps the categories of informa- tion displayed by the RSS feeds may have been too general and did not encourage people to use the RSS feeds to access information. institutions and other commu- departments, partnering research of with select parcels provided nity-based organisations were or to cultural, environmental general information. These related and subse- political issues that might influence their relationship Cultural Centre. quent level of support for the Walkatjurra changed how external stakeholders respond to related socio- changed how external to related stakeholders respond stakeholder political community matters. However informally, Web 2.0 for Aboriginal cultural survival: a new Australian outback movement outback Australian a new cultural survival: Aboriginal 2.0 for Web The Cultural 7 8 9 They used them to share 10 More recently, members have adopted the use of Web 2.0 members have adopted the use of Web recently, More For a definition of ‘RSS’, see glossary, p.122. See also RSS feeds p.115 (this issue). For a definition of ‘RSS’, see glossary, Figure 3: Community youth edit ‘Papinmaru’ in the Walkatjurra Cultural Centre Cultural Walkatjurra in the ‘Papinmaru’ edit Community youth 3: Figure

Online social networking tools focus on building online communities of people For a definition of ‘VoIP’, see glossary, p.123 (this issue). see glossary, For a definition of ‘VoIP’, For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary, p.121. See also Blogging p.106 (this issue). For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary,

information about community issues, targeting both internal commu- this provided and external stakeholders. Internally, nity members with access to information outlining the our infor- activities. However, of the Cultural Centre’s progress mal observations showed that community members preferred to communicate either face-to-face or by using mobile available, rather becoming increasingly phones, which were Centre set up several blogs with RSS feeds using Blogger, a set up several blogs with RSS feeds using Blogger, Centre Google application. free-to-use applications such as blogs, social networking systems, and services. over Internet (VoIP) Protocol Voice 9 10 7 8 who share interests and/or activities. For a full definition, see glossary, p.123. See and/or activities. For a full definition, see glossary, interests who share also Social networking, p.112 (this issue). Photo: Jon Corbett Jon Photo: 10

76 THEME SECTION Jon Corbett, GuySingletonandKadoMuir competition hostedbytheLonely Planettravelcompany, the ‘Lonely Planet:Lessthanthree’ competition,awebvideo impact andoutputsoftheyouth videoprojects. Through the mobile phone,andlandlines)ataverycosteffective rate. email, linking othercommunicationmediums(Internet, strated thatitcouldbeaverypowerfulcommunicationtool, constant access.Althoughnotwidelyadopted,itdemon- can bedivertedthrough their mobilephones,providing greatly reduced, permittingfarlongercalltimes.Skypecalls taining socialrelationships. of communitylife,mobilephonesare valuabletoolsformain- ers withintheCulturalCentre. Duetothetransientnature cult toquantify. issues. Butagain,theirimpactandeffectiveness remains diffi- increase awareness andpoliticalsupportforcommunity clashes withmainstream society. Thesestrategiesaimto experiences oflandrightsandindigenouscounter-culture Australia, providing personalaccountsofsimilarinternational have joined.Manyare indigenouspeoplesfrom outside cially membersoftheCulturalCentre. To date,126people cacy –atopicalissueforAustralianAboriginalpeoples,espe- was created tooutlineanddebateissuesoflandrightsadvo- mation relating totheCentre’s initiatives.AFacebookgroup members oftheCulturalCentre toincrease accessto infor- able andimmediatelyaccessibletothem. applications becausethisinformationismore readily avail- bodies mayalsobemore likelytosupportfuture funding the successesofcommunityyouthICTinitiatives,donor more, byproviding accesstoregular updatesviaRSSfeedson decisions mayimpactonthecommunityagenda.Further- understanding ofthecommunity’s objectives–andhowtheir feedback suggeststhisstrategyhasincreased theirholistic younger members.” increasing thelikelihood ofinvolving activities, oldergenerations are meaningful participationintheCentre's technology interaction andpermitting “By engagingtheyouthinpositive 12 with dispersedfamilies andfriendsimportant. such asbirths,funeralsorceremonies, makingcost-effectiveness communication Aboriginal peoplesregularly movebetweentownstofulfilkinship obligations We alsousedWeb 2.0technologiestoincrease the VoIP services,inparticularSkype,were setuponcomput- Online socialnetworkingtoolshavebeenusedbyseveral 12 By usingSkype,callcostsare menting howtheyhuntpapinmaru youth created ashort,lessthanthree-minute, video docu- of theiryouth. the CulturalCentre, marketing theiractivities,andthesuccess video wasuploaded,ittaggedwithreferences backto also uploadedtotheCulturalCentre website.Wherever the and related activitiesatthe CulturalCentre. Thevideowas quently generatedsignificantinterest around theyouths’win audience,whichsubse- allowed forawiderinternational be easilypromoted, accessed andfurthershared. This websites toshowcasetheirvideo.Thismeantthevideocould linked totheLonelyPlanetTVsite. video waspostedontheofficial competitionsiteandalso Lonely Planet’s competition.ThePapinmaru international won broad acclaimandwasawarded therunner-up prizein successfully huntingandthencookingtheirprey. Thevideo video takestheaudienceintobushandshowsyouth creation theory. Australians, includingtotemicrelationships andrepresentations withintheir 15 14 13 www.lonelyplanet.com/lessthanthree/winning_videos.cfm website, formore informationabouttheLessThanThree competitionsee: Than Three website Than Three Figure 4: The Papinmaru videoontheLonelyPlanetLess For adefinitionof‘tagging’ seeglossary, p.x.SeealsoTagging p.X(thisissue). Although thePapinmaruvideoisnolonger availableontheLonelyPlanetTV Papinmaru Community membersandtheyouthusedseveral or goanna 15 have aprominent placeintheculture ofAboriginal 14 (a largelizard). 13 The 77

10 THEME SECTION Researchers linked to the Centre have been approached linked to the Centre Researchers and community and significant to both researchers Finally, “There is a gap between what “There valid consider community members what they see as evidence to support 2.0 usage Web the impact of ICT and and the within the community, evaluation of academic comparative such findings.” Lessons learnt, critical reflections and analysis critical reflections Lessons learnt, the undertaking. As a result, is a long-term This project to accommodate and is adaptive. It has developed process curricula and tools required training incorporate appropriate The innovative work, inter- by the users of the technology. enabled the have greatly national successes, and high profile to continue to raise funds for Cultural Centre Walkatjurra need for longer- the still remains there However, projects. – as well as more term commitment by participating youth non-involved community and other support by parents organisers have Cultural Centre members. Walkatjurra 2.0 teaching Web attempted to incorporate a video and to generate in order component into the school curriculum this at large. However, participation in the community greater has been largely unsuccessful due to a lack of available the school, and the view that such activities fall finance from educational objectives for children outside the range of core (such as literacy and numeracy). and asked about future by youth independent of the project noticed that participat- We field trips and DVD productions. activ- ing youth often bring along friends to observe related Their friends have also shown a ities in the Cultural Centre. participation and inclusion. Commu- for future desire strong about how their child might nity members have also inquired to participate was most participate in activities. This desire notable after the youth made the Papinmaru DVD and won the Lonely Planet competition, once the positive outputs of future Improving the initiative had been publicly recognised. with the logistical, financial and participation seems to rest to mean- within the cultural centre ethical capacity of staff number of community members. ingfully engage a greater and both the measurement members alike, is how to improve between is a gap There research. evaluation of ICT-related what community members consider valid evidence to support 2.0 usage within what they see as the impact of ICT and Web This Web 2.0 for Aboriginal cultural survival: a new Australian outback movement outback Australian a new cultural survival: Aboriginal 2.0 for Web 16 By understanding the Cultural Centre’s objectives and the By understanding the Cultural Centre’s The youth also edited a longer, 10 minute version of the The youth also edited a longer, One of whom was non-indigenous and a university researcher. One of whom was non-indigenous and a university researcher. Figure 5: Papinmaru DVD cover Papinmaru 5: Figure

turned it into a marketable product. It was offered for sale on turned It was offered a marketable product. it into functions (art exhibitions, website and at related the Centre’s community events). Eighteen months after they conferences, won the competition, every copy of the video was sold, 50 copies at $20 each. The youth have been able to around for the Centre. generate a valuable product range of technologies its members use to achieve them, the 2.0 video expe- Web of the youth’s importance and relevance riences can be clearly acknowledged. By engaging the youth in positive technology interaction and permitting meaningful activities, older generations are participation in the Centre’s the likelihood of involving younger members to increasing activities in the future. drive the Centre’s video helped by several older Cultural Centre members. video helped by several older Cultural Centre 16 Source: Walkatjurra Cultural Centre Cultural Walkatjurra Source: 10

78 THEME SECTION Jon Corbett, GuySingletonandKadoMuir Email: [email protected] Australia Leonora 6438 PO Box13 Walkatjurra CulturalCentre Kado Muir Email: [email protected] Australia Curtin UniversityofTechnology Guy Singleton Email: [email protected] Canada. University ofBritishColumbia Community Culture andGlobalStudies Jon Corbett CONTACT DETAILS Firstly, thatyouthlivinginmarginalandremote outback Centre’s intent. survival andpridethatiscentraltotheWalkatjurra Cultural their ownpotentialandpromotes themessageofcultural national forum.Thishasastrong impactonunderstanding moving theiraudiencefrom averylimitedonetoaninter- gies havegreatly expandedtheirreach andtheirmessage, in Perth,thestatecapital,early2008.Web 2.0technolo- members tookpartintheFreemantle Filmschoolprogramme further developtheirvideo-makingskills.Fouryouth a tangiblesuccess.Ithasencouragedthecentre’s youthto project. ThecommunityviewsthePapinmaruwebvideoas Walkatjurra CulturalCentre and theyouthinvolvedin a largelypositiveinvestmentoftimeandenergyforthe This evolvingexplorationwithdigitaltechnologieshasbeen Conclusion questions theythemselveshavesoughttoanswer. and opinionsare insufficient asstand-aloneconclusionsto view thisasdistractiveorinappropriate, orthattheirviews project appraisalsandassessments,communitymembersmay anisms forthecommunity. Therefore, iftheyinitiateintensive such findings.Participatingresearchers actassupportmech- the community, andthecomparativeacademicevaluationof There aretodatefrom clearlessonslearnt thisproject. for theStudiesofScienceandTechnology Knowledges. Lausanne,European Association Australia.’ ICTs, DevelopmentandIndigenous technologies indoingindigenousplaces Christie, M.andH.Verran (2006)‘Usingdigital (3): 132-138 Review International Information&Library indigenous knowledgeinAfrica.’The in collecting,preserving anddisseminating information andcommunicationtechnologies Chikonzo, A.(2006)‘Thepotentialof REFERENCES ogy mayholdforAboriginalpeoples. nologies andthebreadth ofapplicationsWeb 2.0technol- help toincrease boththewidespread adoptionofsuch tech- promote meaningfulICTandWeb 2.0interactions.This may identify keysocioculturalenvironmental conditionsthat change isneeded.Inparticular, research needstotargetand inal groups canengagesimilarWeb 2.0initiativesforpositive related toruralconnectivityprovision. Australia. Perhapsitwillalsoinfluencelonger-term decisions generating abetterunderstandingofremote Aboriginal influence boththegeneralpublicanddecisionmakers,by organisations involvedintheproject. Ithasthepotentialto cangreatlyin turn raisetheprofile oftheyouthandother shared audiences.This (foraminimalcost)withinternational als. UsingWeb 2.0technologiesthesematerialscanbe capable ofproducing originalandinnovativevideomateri- communities, ifgivenaccesstotoolsandtraining,are and Web 2.0 interactions.”2.0 and Web conditions thatpromote meaningfulICT key sociocultural environmental “Research needstotarget andidentify Further community-basedresearch onhowotherAborig- 38 United Nations Food andAgriculture Organizationofthe Paisley. TheFirstMileofConnectivity. Development.’ In(eds)D.Richardson andL. Norrish, P. for (1998)‘RadioandVideo USA: UniversityofMinnesotaPress Tradition, media,andtechnologicalhorizons. Michaels, E.(1994)BadAboriginalArt: Rome: THEME SECTION 79 recount how the process of writes about the use of ‘simple tools for smart explores the lessons learnt from the information explores the lessons learnt from the GIACOMO RAMBALDI and GIACOMO Part IV: Theory and Theory Part IV: practice reflection on of the lessons learnt from previous The articles in Part IV reflect on some technologies for experiences of using information communication of the strategies, issues and development. The authors discuss some 2.0 technologies into development challenges related to integrating Web tools for appropriate purposes. approaches – and of using appropriate ANRIETTE ESTERHUYSEN (ICT4D) paradigm shift to communication technologies for development into development thinking ICTs ICT4D helped to mainstream Web2forDev. in the developing world. and highlight issues of access and connectivity ICT4D was mostly driven by technology hype and a narrow However, 2.0 tools have a contrast, Web approach to how we use the tools. In networking rather than stronger focus on social and decentralised key issues remain: access, connectivity, strategic implementation. Yet Esterhuysen argues the need to capacity-building, literacy and language. these technologies in our holistically appropriate, adapt and integrate work with people, information and technology. Next, ETHAN ZUCKERMAN people’. Zuckerman examines how we can appropriate these tools for development purposes, and also how ‘using the appropriate tools, for the right job at the right time, is something that we all have to understand.’ He describes how grassroots activists have been leading innovators in the tools and explores how the mobile 2.0 use and appropriation of Web phone revolution is helping to overcome issues of access and connectivity. online content for he discusses the importance of filtering Lastly, relevance, meaning and context, and the emergence of trusted, expert online editors and aggregators. ANJALastly, BARTH organising the Web2forDev conference has contributed to building a conference organising the Web2forDev community of practice. The authors reflect on the successes and challenges tools to create online collaborative 2.0 and other ICT of adopting Web spaces for the conference organisers. In addition, the authors draw on results from two conference surveys to assess what impact the conference has had on both the participants and their ways of working and in community of practice. helping to form and maintain a new Web2forDev Theme sectionTheme 80 THEME SECTION by ANRIETTE ESTERHUYSEN by ANRIETTE www.sdnp.undp.org. www.apc.org/en/about/history. create amore justworld.To read more aboutthehistoryofAPCsee toimprovethat wantseveryonetohaveaccessthe Internet theirlivesand ICT4D protagonists. Mostly, theywere rooted intheirown in developingcountries,butdidnotseethemselvesasbeing working withinformation,documentationandtechnology 3 2 1 to Web 2.0andbackagain Circling thepoint:fromICT4D (Web2forDev). development (ICT4D)andWeb 2.0fordevelopment between informationandcommunicationtechnologiesfor By ‘circling thepoint’Iwanttoexplore therelationship Introduction use thetermICT4D. in developingcountrieswiththeirfirstemailaccess–didnot which, inpartnershipwiththeAPC,provided manypeople Sustainable DevelopmentNetworkingProgramme (SDNP)– and overviewarticle,p.8(thisissue). rights, developmentandpeace. computer communicationsfortheenvironment, human we describedourselvesasanetworksupportingglobal systems inthelate1980s,termdidnotexist.By1990, network startedusingonlineinformation-sharingandemail When theAssociationforProgressive Communication (APC) 11 For adefinitionofthetermsWeb 2.0andWeb2forDev, seeglossary, p.123-124 The SDNPclosedseveralyearsago.Formore informationsee: networkandnon-profitFounded in1990,APCisaninternational organisation 1 The termICT4Disactuallyrelatively new. 3 People andinstitutionswere actively 2 Even theUnitedNations www.g8.utoronto.ca/summit/2001genoa/dotforce1.html See: DigitalOpportunitiesforAll:Meetingthe Challenge benefit alloftheworld'speople,especially thepoorest andmostmarginalised. countries. Itspurposewastoidentifyways inwhichthedigitalrevolution could not-for-profit organisationsfrom and international developedanddeveloping privatesectorentities, Okinawa SummitinJuly2000,consisted ofgovernments, understanding offarmingandlibraries information. Management Resource Kit)wasconceivedanddevelopedbypeoplewithbothan Food andAgriculturalOrganisation's(FAO) IMARKinitiative(Information were activeinICT4Dasearlythe1970s.Seehttp://tinyurl.com/dgmgwr. The HURIDCOS www.huridocs.org. DevelopmentResearch IDRC(International Centre) 6 5 4 also onthechallengesandweaknessesinherent inICT4D. development, weshouldreflect notjustonthesuccesses,but pation withtherole ofICT in development. Information Society(WSIS),demonstratedthisnewpreoccu- United NationalICTTask Force, andtheWorld Summiton Force, theUnitedNation’s HighLevelPanelofExperts,the High-level initiativessuchastheDigitalOpportunityTask coincided withtheideathatICTs couldtransformtheworld. privatisation, policyreform andadrivetoexpandmarkets the heightoftelecommunicationsboom.Liberalisation, The termICT4Dbecamemore commoninthelate1990sat The flawofthetechnologyhype women’s rights. sectors, beithealth,environmental sustainability, or E.g. earlyICTadoptersincludedSatellife/Healthnetwww.healthnet.org and www.unicttf.org/index.asp The DigitalOpportunityTask Force (DOTForce), created attheG8Kyushu- Perhaps themainflawofICT4Dwasfrequent tech- As weconsiderWeb2forDev, orthe‘participatory’ webfor 4 , May2001.Onlineat: 5 6 81

11 THEME SECTION Circling the point: from ICT4D to Web 2.0 and back again and back 2.0 Web ICT4D to from the point: Circling Debates on Internet content raised important concerns In contrast, at the same time in the developed world, In contrast, at the same time in the developed In the developed world, a is fundamental. The difference The benefits of the ICT4D paradigm The also many positive outcomes. ICT4D put the lack were There of Internet in the developing world access and infrastructure to forced clearly on the agenda. Development donors were gap existed – and that, if accept that a huge and growing it could deepen the existing exclusions and not addressed, sharp divides between the haves and have-nots. These divi- gaps not only between rich and and entrenched sions created access to but also between those who benefited from poor, new technologies and those who did or could not. cultural and linguistic diversity – an issue that had been around neglected in most development discourse. In addition, the of the need for awareness ICT4D paradigm also created capacity and skills needed in the use, management and governments At a macro-level, were of ICTs. production strategies. At in poverty reduction to include ICTs required funda- expected to address level, ICT4D initiatives were project mental issues such as local ownership, community participa- ensuring sustainability tion, building local institutional capacity, and integrating learning implementation. in their project were often introduced with limited funding and resources, with limited funding introduced often were People and support. to ICT infrastructure with minimal access expected to demonstrate, initiatives were implementing these In many would alleviate poverty. ICTs in very short time, how email was intro- developing country organisations, when instead of private addresses email duced, people had shared upon. was frowned ones. Using email for personal purposes work. strictly for ‘development’ for development were ICTs to precautions School networking initiatives took special playing computer games. scholars from prevent using way, in a very different ICTs appropriating people were or checking stock personal email, playing computer games, shopping soon portfolios. Online dating, gambling and part of the music and video downloads are followed. Now, for many people with Inter- everyday activities norm. These are at work. But for people net access, as common as using ICTs expensive Internetin the developing world, with slow and unfeasible. In many connections, these activities remain part of the cultural norm. not yet communities these are new technology on their whole new generation has explored 2.0 developer and the Web own terms, driving and creating in the transition into Web user base. As we move forward of the the error 2.0 for development, we must not repeat technology. to appropriating approach narrow weaknesses inherent in ICT4D.” weaknesses inherent “As we consider Web2forDev, or the or Web2forDev, we consider “As we web for development, ‘participatory’ successes, not just on the should reflect and but also on the challenges Another disadvantage with ICT4D was a short-sighted development and capacity building. This to project approach Projects of ICTs. did not encourage sustainable appropriation Appropriating ICTs: from work to play and back again Appropriating ICTs: Unclear transparency and accountability Part of the ICT4D paradigm was public private partnerships of the state in (PPPs) and new ways of thinking of the role both state still need to find ways to address development. We weakness in developing countries and channelling private sector investment into building essential infrastructure. often short-sighted, PPPs in the ICT sector were However, accountability and to ensure lacking the necessary procedures in the ICT4D paradigm became an A weakness transparency. between business and government. unclear relationship The fact that many governments continued to own and control national telecommunications monopolies – even after privati- sation – made things even less clear. nology-driven hype. It created a misleading expectation that nology-driven hype. It created This over development obstacles. enabled ‘leapfrogging’ ICTs fundamentals (e.g. development often diverted attention from and human governance,improving ensuring basic freedoms etc.). In capacity, rights, education and training, institutional the need to invest in more the ICT sector itself, it obscured – infrastructure traditional information and communications and the human skills such as libraries and community media – information needed to disseminate, manage and produce In ICTs. mutually exclusive with None of these are effectively. But somehow the fact they should be closely integrated. on new technolo- ICT4D paradigm put too much emphasis with other tools gies, and too little on the need to integrate and practice. Also, and skills, and with development theory and implementation the people doing the thinking, planning technology expertise, or links selected for their of ICT4D were ICT4D were There to a very dynamic and assertive IT industry. at international protagonists and local levels who understood to holistic approaches development and advocated for more and not as to be less glamorous, But their voices tended ICTs. as those suggesting quick and cheap solutions. easily heard, 11 82 THEME SECTION Anriette Esterhuysen and skillstoeffectively integrateICTs inwaysthatcontribute and localdevelopmentorganisations oftenlackthecapacity have failedtoaddress fordecades. organisations problems andinternational whichgovernments services, particularlyinmobiletelephony, are solvingthe taken care of–thatmarket-ledexpansionproducts and and technologycommunicationsinfrastructure) hasbeen is alsoanassumptionthatthebasics(accesstotelephony, and theyare atriskmakingthesamemistakesagain.There only justbeginningtoseeICTs asrelevant todevelopment– organisations(NGOs),arecies, particularlynon-governmental positive developments.Yet equally, manydevelopmentagen- energy efficient computersare beingproduced. Theseare ogy provides workablesolutionstoICTenergyneeds.More Fuelcelltechnologies and improvedInternet. solartechnol- Mobile phonehandsetscanbeusedtointeractwiththe and opportunitiesforaddressing theinfrastructure gap. agencies. There havebeenmanysignificantimprovements own right?Thisviewseemstobeheldbymanydevelopment Do wenolongerneedtothinkofICT4Dasapriorityinits Is thehypearoundICT4Dover? a kindofvictory. grating ICT4Dinto‘traditional’ormainstream development. ICT focusedprojects –andtheemphasishasshiftedtointe- as asectorinitsownright.There islessfinancialsupportfor Development fundinghasmovedonfrom focusingonICT4D Do westillneedICT4D? money transferinitiativeinKenya. communities, e.g.MpesainKenya,amobilephonebased respond to–andgenerate –demandfrom low-income mously creative indeveloping newproducts andservicesto medium enterprises(SMEs)tomultinationalsare beingenor- access toinfrastructure –and capacity–formanypeople. development isstillrare, and limitedbythelackofaffordable ment. Butatrulyintegratedandinclusiveapproach toICTs in computer technology, access,andwebsitedevelop- Internet tal organisationsnolongerhavetopersuadedonorsfund no longerquestionthatICTs canaddvalue.Non-governmen- working inhealth,agriculture,andtransparency governance into developingcountryinfrastructure development.People agencies nowrecognise theimportanceofincorporatingICTs a crosscutting issueratherthanatopicinitsownright. other areas, ratherthanhavingaspecialfocusonit,inotherwords treating itas 8 7 Mpesa: www.safaricom.co.ke/index.php?id=228 Mainstreaming isoftenusedtodescribeaprocess ofintegratinganissueinto The ‘mainstreaming’ ofICTs indevelopmentcanbeseenas Businesses indevelopingcountries,from smalland 7 The hypemightbeover, butdevelopment 8 Yet bothgovernments 10 9 blogs. discussions thatwere verymuchliketext-basedversions of allowed peoplefrom allovertheworldtoparticipateinonline era thousandsof‘usenetnewsgroups’ or‘bulletinboards’ ICTs sincethetechnologies were introduced. Inthepre-web definitely notnew. Peoplehavebeennetworkingsociallywith I thinkbothviewsare true. For example,socialnetworkingis Some perceive Web 2.0asanewphenomenon,othersdonot. What can Web 2.0fordevelopmentoffer? preceded theWeb2forDev conference commented: and access.Oneonlinediscussiongroup participantthat ing countrieswillremain ontheedgeofknowledgegeneration andthemedia,develop- universities, businesses,government broadband accessinkeyinstitutions like band divide.Without for manypeople.Anewdigitaldivideisgrowing: thebroad- haveenormouspotential,butcostsareInternet stilltoohigh able, reliableaccess.Mobiletelephonyandthemobile Internet ment challengesremain. Manypeoplestilldonothaveafford- mainstreamed outofexistence.Basicinfrastructure develop- grounded ICT4Dpractitioners. approaches tosocialchangeanddevelopment–reliable, to developspecialisedknowledgeandcapacity, holistic approaches remain. We stillneedaspecialfocusonICT4D nologies. Theproblems produced bytechnology-driven capacity toensure sustainableandinnovativeuseoftech- perspective andimpactassessment,failtobuildlocal is ICTprojects whichlackalonger-term developmental and third partyhardware andsoftware companies.Theresult to sustainabledevelopment,relying insteadonconsultants, development theoryandpractice.” with othertoolsandskills, andwith and toolittleontheneedtointegrate much emphasisonnewtechnologies, “Somehow theICT4Dparadigm puttoo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USENET ipant inthisyoucan’thelpbutfeelasenseoffatigue. race inwhichthereisnofinishingline.Ifyouareapartic- toolbox withnewknowledgeemerges.Itislikerunninga the basicsofInternetandWorld Web, Wide anew As soonasafewruralcommunitiesbegintounderstand For adefinitionof‘blog’, seeglossary, p.121.Seealso Bloggingp.106(thisissue). Like gendermainstreaming, theriskisthatICT4Dcouldbe 9 10 APC hostedhundreds ofthese‘conferences’ during 83

11 THEME SECTION Photo: BlueLink Photo: It also gives us better content collation and infor- 13 Circling the point: from ICT4D to Web 2.0 and back again and back 2.0 Web ICT4D to from the point: Circling Blogs and easy-to-use content management systems 14 Web 2.0 goes much further than the traditional web in Web See glossary, p.123, also Tagging, p.117 (this issue). p.123, also Tagging, See glossary, p.122, also RSS, p.115 (this issue). See glossary, 13 14 new plain language tools for classification (tagging) and searching. makes it fast and easy for anyone with access to create online makes it fast and easy for anyone with access to create content in multiple mediums, including audio and video. of sharing and copying content is the proliferation Moreover, top-down powerful challenge to restrictive, a far more proving than years of lobbying by open regimes intellectual property content activists have been able to produce. consumers and the barriers between producers, removing of content. It gives people working in development creators Develop- information and communications an opportunity. to and expensive to find. It is difficult ment content is hard It 2.0 can help us to do it in an interactive way. Web create. new opportunities for existing journalists,creates and allows mation aggregation tools such as RSS (Really Simple Syndica- mation aggregation tions). This Bulgarian environmental campaign in 2006 was waged on and offline. 11 They can add an 12 Recent trends have introduced fundamental differences in fundamental differences have introduced Recent trends The Association for Progressive Communications and the networking of global The Association for Progressive YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share is a video sharing website where YouTube civil society: APC at the 1992 Earth Summit, by Rory O’Brien and Andrew Clement, APC 2000. See: www.apc.org/about/history/apc-at-1992-earth-summit video clips. Like YouTube, Flickr is a free to use image and video hosting website Flickr is a free video clips. Like YouTube, and www.youtube.com. and online community platform. See www.flickr.com social networking website. See www.facebook.com. Facebook is a free-to-access 12 11 the 1990s. Many served as spaces for collaborative work all over the world both before from among environmentalists and after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. element of fun to how we network ‘for development’. The technology learning curve can be alienating, but it can also 2.0 as a user- I would describe Web encourage new creativity. that strength- in platforms, tools and approaches driven trend to some of ens the power of online networking. It responds it helps of the online universe. In particular, the problems of online content. It gives us people deal with the proliferation how people interact with the web. New social networking Flickr and Facebook might seem friv- platforms like YouTube, olous, but they generate excitement. 11 84 THEME SECTION Anriette Esterhuysen Web connection. 2.0,soisastableandpermanentInternet development? to influenceInternet the developingworldwhoare activeandengagedenough oped countries.Isitpossibletocreate abodyofusersfrom usersarelive matters.ThemajorityofInternet from devel- who ment’. Ifusersare shaping thefuturethen oftheInternet, believe inthevalueof‘participatorywebfordevelop- That Web 2.0isuser-driven issignificantforthoseofuswho accessible? Can Web 2.0toolsmake theInternetmore open source software (FOSS). sharing andhasstrong linkswiththemovementforfree and Itbuildsaculturefor theemergenceofcitizenjournalists. 15 (this issue). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open_source_software alsoglossary, p.122 and improve itsdesignbymakingsource codeavailable.Seee.g. FOSS issoftware whichislicensedtograntrightsitsusersstudy, change, If sharinginformationisafundamental characteristicof those usersare, whatlanguage 15 they use,andwhere producers andthedisseminators. sites like YouTube, theyare boththe training. Uploadingthevideosto for humanrightseducationand images andsoundshare them how tocreate shortclipswith Women withstoriestotelllearn they playing togetheronline.We mustnotlosethisconceptwhen information networks. casting effectively connects ruralcommunitieswithwider mation. Anexcellentexampleare farmerblogswhere pod- cultures where textisnotanobviousmeansofstoringinfor- also becomesaneffective information-sharing mediumin people whoare notliterate orwhoare visuallyimpaired. It workers. Ithelpsustomanagecontentandshare itwith sound, andvideo,withhugepotentialfordevelopment est opportunityliesinhowWeb 2.0integratestext,images, reduce limitedandexpensive onlinetime.Perhapsthegreat- much-needed broadband. Used effectively, Web 2.0toolscan better useoflimitedconnectivityanddrivingdemandfor ing countries.APCviewsWeb 2.0asanopportunityfor using Web 2.0toolsindevelopmentwork,anddevelop- People oftenseethelackofbroadband accessasabarrierto 17 16 web2fordev.net/2007/09/24/sharing-farmers-knowledge-through-audioblog/ See e.g.‘Sharingfarmers’knowledgethrough audioblog.’Online:http://blog. For adefinitionof‘Podcast’seeglossary, p.122(thisissue). Ultimately, Web2.0 isaboutpeople working, sharingand 16 17

Photo: Women’sNet 85

11 THEME SECTION Photo: Fantsuam Foundation Fantsuam Photo: Circling the point: from ICT4D to Web 2.0 and back again and back 2.0 Web ICT4D to from the point: Circling Trusting becomes easier if you are organised and have becomes easier if you are Trusting Appropriating the tools for ourselves 2.0. It is not just is also a business backend to Web There platforms to allow people to have a altruistic people creating buying and good time on the Internet. It involves money, Web 2.0: Challenges and lessons learnt Challenges 2.0: Web Learn to share but understand risks many challenges to consider in implementing Web are There create 2.0 for development. Sharing is a major challenge. To just talking. It requires than more of sharing requires a culture to policy-making and information approach a different of legitimacy of global public access, and a re-affirmation us to trust others goods and of the commons. It also requires of our work. with our ideas and the products for social networking have to approach good defences. We building good information skills and development through as privacy and communicate of how to protect awareness that the communities must ensure as possible. We securely we work with understand the risks of networking online, privacy and security to the potential for the distortion, from or abuse of information, negotiating what information should be private or public, and understanding who to consult when deciding. Children at this rural Nigerian at this rural Children computer basics learn centre It’s by playing games. unlikely that their Internet connection is stable enough 2.0 yet. Web for them to use and Facebook people 19 Orkut 18 Development is happening, but not everywhere or as Development is happening, but not everywhere See: www.myspace.com/ See: http:/www.orkut.com 18 19 we use Web 2.0 tools for development. On social network- 2.0 tools for development. we use Web ing platforms like Myspace, share information about their ideas, work, music, and rela- share tionships, alongside discussing politics and participating in online activism. This mix of the personal, political, entertain- ment and work could be key to unlocking the potential of 2.0 makes it possible to 2.0 for development. Web Web development information and knowledge in more share accessible ways. It also gives us the tools to speak out and hold governments and development institutions to account. It increases It allows us to network and learn holistically. more options for marginalised communities to speak for them- their own content. selves and create much as many of us would like. For people in developing aid and governments on foreign is not the countries, relying Increas- even if these play critical roles. strategy, most reliable their own local solutions. creating communities are ingly, 2.0 is the perfect platform for mediating and negotiat- Web to development chal- response ing this diverse, multi-layered collaborating on one website to can move from lenges. You as a can speak as an institution, You on another. protesting community – or as an individual. 11 86 THEME SECTION Anriette Esterhuysen Fax: +27117261692 Tel. +27117261692 Website: www.apc.org Email: [email protected] South Africa Melville 2109 Box 29755 (APC) Association forProgressive Communication Executive Director Anriette Esterhuysen CONTACT DETAILS or communityblogs. heard online.Onewayofaddressing thisistocreate group, fantastic work,butare very cautiousofmakingtheirvoices Africa Women, were wetrainwomentouseICTs. Theydo to beshyofblogging.We haveaprogramme called APC this approach effectively. Yet peopleworkinginNGOstend areJournalists excellentatthatandAfricanbloggersare using than asrepresentatives oforganisationsorcommunities. howtoappropriatelearning thewebasindividuals,rather by others. content becomesthekeytoaccessingusefulcreated relatively unrestricted accesstothem.Creating theirown howtousethetoolswith not work.Peoplewillonlylearn Web 2.0 thiswill access wouldnotbenefitpoorpeople.With without firstinvestingincreating ‘usefulcontent’,Internet you couldhavelegitimateaccesstothetools–orthat ICT4D approach, theideathatyouneededskillsfirst,before ently andnotmakethesamemistakesofnarrow early Regarding capacitydevelopment,weneedtothinkdiffer- Developing capacity their development. that are readily available.We shouldusethemandinfluence charge. Manyoftheseplatformsrunonopensource tools need tobeconsciousofthesetrends. We needtotake selling. To appropriate theseplatformsfordevelopmentwe creators ofcontent.” between producers, consumers and traditional webinremoving thebarriers “Web 2.0goesmuchfurtherthanthe A challengeformanypeopleindevelopingcountriesis article from theoriginalvideofile. Columbia Okanagan,fortranscribingthis to thankAllishaLuther, UniversityofBritish 2007. Theauthorandguesteditorswouldlike the Web2forDev conference, 25thSeptember Anriette Esterhuysen’s keynotespeechmadeat This articleisaneditedtranscriptionof NOTES 2001. 20 19 p.119 (thisissue). storing, sharing,anddiscoveringwebbookmarks. SeealsoSocialbookmarking, on Delicious. bookmarked bymore SpanishthanEnglishspeakingreaders for Englishspeakers.Forexample,theAPCwebsitehasbeen Linguistic diversityisanotherchallenge.Web 2.0isnotonly Language andculture men andwomenlisten.’ for development:‘Foolstalk.Cowards are silent.Onlywise that Ithinkisrelevant tohowweshouldapproach Web 2.0 out, butalsotoshare,Iwillendwithaquote listenandlearn. lenging fundamentalsocialinequalitiesifweuseittospeak immensely powerfulplatformfordevelopmentandchal- people, informationandtechnology. Web 2.0canbean using holistic,integratedapproaches inourworkwith building capacityandownershipatthelocallevelon focused onsustainablesocialchangeanddevelopment; ent from thechallengesofICT4D.We needtoremain The challengeofusingWeb 2.0fordevelopmentisnodiffer- Conclusion much aswecanontheparticipatoryweb. Web 2.0ornot. tors andinfluencingpolicymakers,whetherweare using tions withotherswhoare doingthesame,findinginnova- Development isaboutfightingdailybattles,makingconnec- of thefabricstrong, inclusivesocieties.Thepowerisinus. come inmanyforms.Onlinecommunitiescanbecomepart healthy, functioningsocialinstitutions.Socialinstitutions What cansustainculturalcoherence inanysocietyare technology. Culture isinfluencedbywar, migration, poverty. perhaps culture changesandevolvesevenindependentlyof Working withinexistingculture barriersisachallenge.But about whetherculture influenceshowICT4Disimplemented. create linguisticdiversityfortheseplatforms. The Shadow of the Wind (Spanish:Lasombradelviento)byCarlosRuizZafón, The ShadowoftheWind Delicious (www.delicious.com) isasocialbookmarkingwebservice for Someone attheWeb2forDev conference raisedapoint 19 Let usnotmakeassumptionsthatwecannot 20 Let usnotbequiet,andlistenas

THEME SECTION 87 1 They did They 3

Bottom right: Global Voices Forum, New Deli, 2006. New Deli, Forum, Voices Global Bottom right:

4 12 For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary, p.121. See also Kreutz, p.28 and p.121. See also Kreutz, For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary, is a collective term encompassing all blogs and their ‘Blogosphere’ Arusha, Tanzania. Held 4th–7th June 2007 ‘Africa: The Next Chapter,’ a lot of the frontline reporting when the hotels were bombed in Over a African conference. TED the Tanzania, Bottom left: Jordan. hundred bloggers came to this very elite technology conference held in Tanzania. Arusha, Top left: the first Cambodian bloggers conference, Phnom Penh, July Phnom Penh, the first Cambodian bloggers conference, left: Top got together to talk They call themselves the cloggers. They 2007. Jordanian right: Top Cambodian blogging. about how to bring forward one of the most vibrant blogospheres in the world. bloggers, This conference brought together bloggers from all around the world. conference This Box 1: Four sets of bloggers from around the world around Four sets of bloggers from 1: Box 2 3 4 Blogging p.106 (this issue). See also Blogging p.106 (this issue). interconnections. This phenomenon has so many 1

Email actually preceded the Internet.Email actually preceded In 1965 at Massa- old tech- often forget is that this is actually relatively We For a definition of Web 2.0, see glossary, p.123 and overview, p.8 (this issue). p.123 and overview, 2.0, see glossary, For a definition of Web I know very little about agriculture or food – but I do know I know very little about agriculture 2.0. a little bit about Web Introduction ways to talk and think names, manifestations, and different web. Essen- about it. The one I usually use is the read-write the Internet computer began as a way of sharing tially, it turned into human communi- But very quickly, resources. cation. If you give people the opportunity to communicate over the Internet they will do so. sending (MIT), people were chusetts Institute of Technology the same email back and forth because they shared By 1969 we had the Internet, by 1971, email and computer. between computers – within nine months the majority of Wide started in Internet was email. The World Web traffic over ten years old. Wikis blogs (blogs) are are 1990. Web 1995. Wikipediaeven older than that, from an is becoming enormous phenomenon, and that is nearly eight years old. nology and ideas. Most Internet technology is over twenty we talking about it now? Because it’s years old. So why are experienc- are the people. We about not about the tools, it’s by ETHAN ZUCKERMAN

simple tools for smart people simple tools Web 2.0 tools for development: 2.0 tools Web 1 12 88 THEME SECTION Ethan Zuckerman are talkingabout. participate inmanyofthehigh bandwidthactivitiesthatwe basic infrastructure problems thatmakeitverydifficult to engaged fashion.Andlotsof the worldisstillsuffering from need electricitytobeonlinein asustained,meaningfuland are connection.You thatitdoesnothavea goodInternet illustrates thechallenge.Ifsomewhere isnotlituptheodds development. ItisNASA’s viewoftheearthatnight. Itreally uses InformationandCommunicationTechnology (ICT)for cannot makethisassumption. someone canaccessit.Butinthedevelopingworldwe America youcanassumethatifputinformationonline online. Butthisisverydifferent from placetoplace.InNorth nations youcannowexpectasmallpercentage ofpeople billion peopleonline.Andcritically, in mostdeveloping together inthesameplace.Currently, there are wellovera Web 2.0toolshaveanamazingcapacitytobringpeople Issues ofaccessandconnectivity with thesetools. ing aseismicshift–it’s aboutwhocanbebrought together The imageonthe nextpageshowsthefibre opticcables The imageaboveshouldbemandatoryforanyonewho good Internetconnection. odds are thatitdoesnothavea If somewhere isnotlitupthe NASA’s viewoftheearthatnight. the SatThree cable. connecting theworld.There isasinglecableinWest Africa, Radio forJustice(seeBox1). Wethe Internet. needtothink aboutprojects likeInteractive read-write media,wehave tothinkbeyondthelaptopand game. Sowhenwethinkaboutparticipatorymedia, of penetrationtechnologythatchangesalltherules mated 80-90%ofpeoplehaveaccesstoone.Thisisalevel handsets worldwide.Eveninlessdevelopedcountriesanesti- We are nowrapidlyheadingtowards 3billionmobilephone The mobilephonerevolution we haveseenininformationtechnologysofar. phone. Andthemobileismostamazingrevolution that widths: itisaboutmuchsmallerdevices,likethemobile In placeslikethese,itisnotaboutlaptops,orhighband- large partsoftheworldwithouthighbandwidthatthispoint. connectivity.good andinexpensiveInternet Butthere are Where thesecablesare iswhere youhavethechancetoget world.’ Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAT-3/WASC_(cable_system)world.’ Wikipedia: provides theonlyopticalfibre linkbetweenWest Africaandtheremainder ofthe connections toseveralWest Africancountriesalongtheroute. SAT-3/WASC communications cablelinkingPortugaland SpaintoSouthAfrica,with 5 ‘SAT-3/WASC orSouth Atlantic 3/West Africa SubmarineCable 5 There isnocableatallineastAfrica. is asubmarine 89

12 THEME SECTION It gives people – particularly women – 8 Web 2.0 tools for development: simple tools for smart people for smart tools simple development: 2.0 tools for Web United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) Interactive Radio for Justice has been taking place in the eastern is a fascinating radio and mobile This Democratic Republic of Congo. is an opportunity for people in Congolese villages to It phone project. ‘Hi, and these questions can be very pointed. ask questions of leaders, they say I have to feed them. there are ten soldiers living in my home, might guess this is a dangerous question You Do I have to feed them?’ forces in charge, to ask the United Nations want but you might to ask, or the defence minister and the minister of justice – and that is what this radio programme does. the opportunity to send questions via mobile phone text messages to and have them answer them over the radio. very powerful people, to AM radios, Groups of women organise listening parties around I think this is going to be the culture for understand those answers. Web It is not as sophisticated as some many countries that we work in. But it is back and forth and participatory – and it 2.0 technologies. uses the right technology for the people it is trying to reach. Box 1: Interactive Radio for Justice Interactive 1: Box 8 6 7 Mobile phones are also being used in election monitor- Mobile phones are Another example of election monitoring is the Ushahidi project – see Okolloh Another example of election monitoring is the Ushahidi project short text Short Messaging Service (SMS): used for sending and receiving ing. This is incredibly powerful. In 2000, Ghana had a remark- ing. This is incredibly peaceful transfer of power able election. It was a relatively increased It has really one political party to another. from for this was election One of the reasons prosperity. Ghana’s monitoring, using mobile phones and FM radios. The theory voting at a polling you from was, if someone was preventing call didn’t station, you could make a mobile phone call. You the local radio called the government or the police. You being that people were station. They would broadcast up voting and that if the police did not show from prevented to enable people to vote, then it was public accountability. This model used SMS, radio and the Internet. 6 7 (this issue). messages via mobile phones. 12 90 THEME SECTION Ethan Zuckerman need it. IVM allowspeopletoretrieve informationasandwhenthey We canuseFMradio,butthatisstillabroadcast technology. more appropriate totalkthemthanitisgive text. ate. Formanypeople,toreally accessthisinformation,itis based web–andalsoSMSonlyworkswellifyouare liter- get theaudiodelivered. Thisissoimportantbecausetext- nition software, orworkyourwaythrough anaudiomenuto me aboutmedicalinformation.’You eitherusevoicerecog- a phonesystemandsay, ‘Tell meaboutcrop prices,’or‘Tell normally getitonawebsite.Theideaisthatyoucangointo your phone.Itisnotwrittenintext,thesamewayyouwould to buildphonesystemsthatprovide audioinformationover information. the healthandmicrofinance sectors.Seehttp://voxiva.comformore ‘Are yougoingtoparticipateinthenext‘stayaway’?’ mobile phones.SoKubatanaisaskingpeople,forexample: essay are rathersmall.ButmanypeopleinZimbabwehave chances ofgoingtoacybercaféandwritinglongpolitical that mostZimbabweansare tryingveryhard tostayalive. The 11 10 9 is aproject inZimbabwe,calledKubatana. And formostpeople,thosetoolsare mobilephones.There If yougivepeoplethetools,theycanfeedinformation. Learning fromtheactivists Interactive Voice Response.Ithasgreat potential. One ofthemostinteresting newtechnologiesiscalledIVR: Using telephonestoaccessinformation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions to addressgovernment theeconomicmeltdown. Seewww.zctu.co.zw and Trade Unions(ZCTU)where peopleare urged to‘stayaway’from work topress community forZimbabweanactivists. not abletodo.Forexample,theEgyptianKefayamovement technology becausetheyneedthingsthattheis are thosewhopushthelimits ofwhatispossiblewiththe with humanrightsisthatactivistsare ‘leadusers’.Leadusers understand. Irecommendfrom learning theseactivists. right jobatthetime,issomethingthatweallhaveto weans, itisSMS.Andusingtheappropriate tools,forthe is thebestwayformetoaccessthisinformation.ForZimbab- istheoutput.AsaWesterner,and theInternet theInternet the informationfrom thepeoplefirst.Themobileisinput the widerworld.Buttheyusemobilephonestocollect because thatisnotthebestwaytoreach them–butwith toconnect–notwithZimbabweans, then usetheInternet A goodexampleisVoxiva, a company whichhasdevelopedIVRsolutionsfor A ‘Stayaway’isadayofprotest organisedbytheZimbabweCongress of www.kubatana.net: TheNGONetworkAllianceProject –anonline Something really interesting aboutworkinginWeb 2.0 10 They realised 9 It isaway 11 They they runabloggingwebsitetogether. started bloggingfrom prison.AlaaismarriedtoManal,and 2006. There wasnomediacoverageofitatall.ButAlaa was oneof800peoplearrested duringaprotest inEgypt, blogs. what youare doing,youcanbecomethelocalpress by using media allovertheworld.Soiflocalpress willnotreport suddenly becomesthesource formainstream television and their voicesheard intheEgyptianpress. Thisnewsroom then activities inEgypt,becauseotherwiseitisverydifficult toget as thenewsroom, reporting ontheiractivities,andother sitting athomeinfront ofahighbandwidthconnectionacts and digitalphotos.Theymakeaphonecall,someone online instantrelay chatservices(IRC,orinstantmessaging), blogs asnewsrooms. Peopleinthefieldreport using SMS, nicate. is findingfascinatingwaystouseWeb 2.0toolstocommu- were televisionreporters surrounding thecourt. tional newscoverage.Whenhewasfinallyreleased there movement totryandgethimoutofprison.Ithadinterna- in prison,hewaswatchedbytheentire world,resulting ina and shewouldputthemonline.Despitespending60days prison, hewrote longblogposts,passedthemouttoManal, Alaa hasusedTwitter. four hours,pleasecomeandlookforme.’Andthisishow say is,‘I’mbeingtakentothispolicestation,ifI’mnotoutin activists, who,likeAlaa,mayendupinprison.Sowhatyou presentation’. Itisn’t really richdiscourse.Butitisgreat for use Twitter useittosaythingslike,‘I’matFAO givinga everyone whoisfollowingyou.Andmanyofthepeople online eitherfrom acomputer orviaSMS.Itgoesoutto write amessageofupto140characterslong,anduploadit 14 13 12 information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefaya andhttp://kefaya.org/index.htm Egypt’s politicalspectrumtoopposePresident HosniMubarak’s presidency. See Movement forChange,agrassroots coalitionwhichdrawsitsupport from across assumption.“ world wecannotmake this can accessit. Butinthedeveloping if youputinformationonlinesomeone “In North America youcanassumethat Twitter isasocialnetworking andmicro-blogging service. Seep.108formore www.manalaa.net Kefaya (EgyptianArabicfor‘Enough!’)is theunofficial monikerofthe Egyptian This becameveryimportantforAlaaAbdElFattah,who Another interesting Web 2.0toolisTwitter. 12 One ofthewaystheyhavedonethisisbyusing 13 While Alaawasin 14 You can 91

12 THEME SECTION Ethan Zuckerman Ethan 16 Web 2.0 tools for development: simple tools for smart people for smart tools simple development: 2.0 tools for Web There are two serious points to this. For activists, there is two serious points to this. For activists, there are There Like YouTube, Flickr is a free to use image and video hosting website and Flickr is a free Like YouTube, online community platform, where users can upload, view and share images and users can upload, view and share online community platform, where video clips. See www.flickr.com. 16 a great benefit in using these tools. Because so many people a great want to use them for boring purposes, authorities do not access to them. So I think it is worth using want to prohibit these tools which have a social cost to ban rather than using yourself. The second thing is some- a tool you have created thing we have learnt over years about ICT for development. Getting someone else to pay your development costs is a good idea. Flickr has thousands of people working on really making better and better photo-storing websites. Why create exist your own for development? Use the tools that already when using these for your own purposes. But the problem tools is that you put your data in the trust of someone else. certain sensitive texts. Web 2.0 tools: Web 'Cute cats' activism. versus Flickr allows me to put funny 15 YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share is a video sharing website where YouTube The ‘cute cat’ theory: repurposing Web 2.0 tools Web repurposing ‘cute cat’ theory: The aspect of this article. I call it the This is the main theoretical 1.0 was about static 2.0. Web ‘cute cat theory’ of Web and so on. Web websites, home pages and online commerce with you’ 2.0, the ‘I can share origins. Web 2.0 has different web, was invented so that I can show you cute photographs of cats, and put captions on photos of cute cats, and show crafted for the them all over the world. These tools were So most boring, silly purposes. But they get repurposed. may be about showing you fun videos of cute cats YouTube – but it also lets us get videos out of Zimbabwe, and shows you a trade union protest. captions on photos of my cats to share with you, but it is also captions on photos of my cats to share which blocks the Chinese firewall way to get around a great video clips. See www.youtube.com. video clips. See www.youtube.com. 15 12 92 THEME SECTION Ethan Zuckerman formed ideasand gettingfeedbackonthem, ‘Hey, folks in are writingfor. Forme,itwasaway to express myhalf- you needtofigure outiswhyyouare writingandwhoyou paper, apress release, anewspaper, orapersonal diary. What This leadsmetoblogging.Blogs are asgenericapiece of Blogging: theecosystem oflinksapproach themselves. you amessage,writepost,share theirvoice,andarticulate nearly asinteresting assomeone actuallybeingabletosend someone simplysays,‘Oh,thisisimportanttome’,itnot ment. We are lookingforpeopletoputcontentoutthere. If are lookingforparticipation. We are lookingforengage- ‘join mycause’,peoplewilljoin.Butwhatdoesitmean?We also verypopular. Ifallyouhavetodois clickabuttonsaying sector isrecruiting forcauses onFacebook.E-petitionsare Something thathasbecomeverytrendy inthenon-profit you actuallygoingtogetoutofit? we wanttoreach. Theyalsoneedtobeeffective. What are few peoplewithextremely highbandwidth–notthepeople using virtualenvironments. Buttheyare onlyusefulto very about whoyouwanttoreach andhow. Alotofpeopleare To decidewhichtoolsare bestforyou,youneedtothink Which toolsforwhichpurposes? you canbuildthesefrom scratch. sary. Butforalotofthesesystems,there isliterallynoway very securely andtoencryptyourowninformationifneces- to anybodyelse.Itisimportantbeablecommunicate make copies.There isalsodatathatweneverwanttoentrust be careful aboutit,howwelicenseourdata.Always on them. are thousandsorhundreds ofthousandpeopleworking anything youcanbuildyourself.Thisismainlybecausethere because inmanywaystheyare alotmore powerful than structure. Butpeoplearetousethesecollectivetools learning thatwewant toownourinfra- It isanaturalconcern prohibit accesstothem.” purposes, authoritiesdonotwantto people wanttousethemforboring using thesetools. Becausesomany “For activists, there isagreat benefitin You alsohavetoask:whatare yourusersputtingintoit? Web 2.0forces ustobecomemore trusting.Butwecan tive thingsyoucando. people linktoyouandthemisoneofmosteffec- figure outhowtoparticipate.Andparticipatingsothat to getlinkedislinkotherpeopletoo.You haveto have tolookatwhoissearching foryou.Andthebestway want toberecognised bysearch engineslikeGoogle, you formally orinformally, taketheecosystemapproach. Ifyou sations shouldbeblogging.Whetheryouare blogging must beknowledgeable’. sand ofpeoplepointedathim,hemustbeimportant, to me,andGoogleseesthissays,‘Wow, there’s athou- my littleblogthere are thousandsofpeoplewhoare linking ‘I thinkthisisreally stupid’.We linkallthetime.And soon currency. We linkasawayofsaying‘I’minterested inthis’or else getslinked. places. Andblogsgetlinkedtoadegree thatalmostnothing Google looksforwebsitesthatare linkedtolotsofdifferent participate in it?’ The answer is yes. Wikipedia isaculture of participate init?’Theanswerisyes.Wikipedia cost ofentry. Peopleworry, or‘CanI ‘CanIeditWikipedia?’ working onit,butyoucanbeoneofthematavery, verylow enormous project withhundreds ofthousandspeople now theninthmostpopularwebsiteinworld.Itisan is Wikipedia number onematchisgoingtobeWikipedia. the magicoflinks. most knowledgeablepersononZimbabwe.Itisbecauseof website, youwillfindmywebsite.ThisisnotbecauseI’mthe ‘Harare’ youwon’t findtravelguidesoraministryoftourism Zimbabwe. Ifyougoonlineandsearch for‘holiday’and Zimbabwe lastyearandwrote somefairlyharshpostsabout this ishowweengageinacademicconversation. Harvard, youwouldhavetoblogforthesimplereason that field, thatcanbeverypowerful.Inmydepartmentat way ofsharingacademicideaswithpeopleworkinginyour my community:helpmethinkthisthrough’. Ifyoublogasa Wikipedia. organisationistouseandunderstand non-governmental However, thesinglebiggestthingyou canprobably doasa Linking to Wikipedia 18 17 and encyclopaedia.See: en.wikipedia.org isacombinationofthewords wiki ‘Wikipedia’ multilingual, web-based,free-content encyclopaediaproject. Thename another placeisoftensimplycalledto‘link’. See:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperlink document orwebsitestoanotherplace otherwebsites.To insertahyperlinkto Wikipedia isafree onlineencyclopaedia thatanyonecanedit.Itisa Wikipedia In computing,ahyperlinkisreference, link,ornavigationelementina This isthereason toblog.Andthisisthereason organi- Blogs existinadigitalecosystemwhere linksare our The otherpowerfulthingaboutbloggingislinks.Iwasin 18 If yousearch Googlefor‘food security’,the 17 Search engineslikeGooglelovelinks. (a typeofcollaborativewebsite) 93

12 THEME SECTION It is not high-tech – we use free tools, It is not high-tech – we use free 22 Web 2.0 tools for development: simple tools for smart people for smart tools simple development: 2.0 tools for Web For example, you can use ‘malaria’ as a filter. Buzz For example, you can use ‘malaria’ as a filter. 21 See: http://buzzm.worldbank.org p.122 (this issue). For a definition of ‘Podcast’ see glossary, 21 22 buzz monitoring looks at over a thousand development blogs and websites and then lets you put your own filter on top of it. Filtering and translation Filtering The most important thing about filtering is that it is not about filter information really the tools, it is about the people. To people have to do it. If you hand 100 blog meaningfully, about malaria?’ posts to a person and say ‘Which ones are on a search you will get far better information than by relying which takes is a project engine. For example, Global Voices all over citizen media – e.g. blogs, videos, or Podcasts – from it to people in a way that the developing world and presents is useful for them. Monitor then retrieves links to the most relevant content. links to the most relevant Monitor then retrieves such as the free Google email service and other mailing lists. such as the free But it works because about 120 people work on it. They content and translate it – an enor- select the most interesting mous task. Speaking English on the Internet is no longer Filtering 19 The single biggest thing you can The single biggest thing do as a non- probably is to governmental organisation Wikipedia. use and understand ‘food Google for If you search the number one match security’, Wikipedia. is going to be It votes and ranks what is the most 20 Global Voices Online is an international network of bloggers and citizen Global Voices See www.muti.co.za interesting and important content online. For your work, this interesting called may turn Bank project to be very helpful. A World out Filtering: accessing relevant information online accessing relevant Filtering: The last thing I want to talk about is filtering. I was intro- duced to filtering in the context of Global Voices. sharing information. But you have to be believable and share Learn the culture. how and respect information respectfully works. Linking to Wikipediathat culture is literally the most thing you can do. effective is something important that we forget about. There are close are is something important that we forget about. There content online. When 100 to 100 million people creating to listen. So how do you hard million people talk, it is really filter those voices to a meaningful size? One way is by getting and saying: ‘This is what is important to together in groups that just me’. One example is Muti, a South African project looks at African voices. journalists that follow, report, and summarise what is going on in the report, journalists that follow, in every cornerblogosphere of the world. See: http://globalvoicesonline.org 19 20 12 94 THEME SECTION Ethan Zuckerman speaking toaparticulartopicorsetofissues. Look forthemostinteresting, pertinentvoices,thevoices the harshestormostoutrageousvoices.Soyouneedfiltering. does isamplifypeople’s voices.You willoftenfindthatthey are up andspeaktoalargegroup ofpeople.AllWeb 2.0 really always beenpossibleforill-informed,bigotedpeopletostand tools isthatanybodywhocangetonlineusethem.Ithas is extremely threatening. Whatissointeresting aboutthese letting everybodyspeaktoapotentiallyglobalonlineaudience and challenges.Lettingpeoplespeakfreely isthreatening. And solve alone. these tasksthatare otherwisealmostimpossibleforusto line updozens,hundreds, orthousandsofpeopletosolve If anythingisimportantaboutWeb 2.0,itisfindingwaysto we alsorely onthebloggerswhocreate thatoriginalcontent. hundreds ofpeopletodothis,andreally thousandsbecause you havetocontextualisethecontent.Forusittakes audience, andtranslatesopeoplecanunderstandthem.Then the issuesandselectstoriesthatwillmakesensetoawider agriculture inthedevelopingworld,youhavetothinkabout we dothemostwork.Forexample,ifyouare interested in Most importantly, youhavetoaddcontext.Andthisiswhere Filtering formeaningfulcontent Chinese. You havetotranslate. online. There are more peopleblogginginJapaneseand enough. There are more non-EnglishthanEnglishspeakers Website: http://ethanzuckerman.com Email: [email protected] Ethan Zuckerman. CONTACT DETAILS Using Web 2.0toolsfordevelopmentdoespresent risks Web2forDev conference, 27thSeptember2007. Zuckerman’s keynotespeech madeatthe This articleisaneditedtranscriptionofEthan NOTES bring together. tion ofsubjectexperts. really wellinformedare simplygoingtohavethebestcollec- online subjectexperts–andthoseofuswhoare goingtobe faith inhumanbeings.Itispeoplewhoare emergingas but totheeditorsandaggregators. get verygoodat,isnotsomuchlisteningtoindividualvoices, are theexpertsinthosespaces?WhatIthinkwewillhaveto out whoIwanttolistenandbelieve.Who blogs, butoccasionallyIread othertypes.AndIhavetofigure blogosphere. IknowalotaboutdevelopmentandAfrican ofthe tant. Manyofusgetverydeepinoneparticularcorner about informationnichesandwiderisreally impor- and friends,withinprivatecommunities.Butthequestion vast majorityofpeopleusethesetoolstospeaktheirfamily fraction whowouldeverwanttobespeakingyou.The people creating contentonline,there are probably onlyatiny something. Thisisjustthestart.Outofhundred million one whoisconnectedonthewebgoingtobeproducing This newWeb 2.0movementmeansthateventually, every- Conclusion people thetoolsbringtogether.” “It’s notaboutthetools–it’s aboutthe It’s notaboutthetools–it’s aboutthe peoplethetools It isaboutsimpletoolsforsmartpeople.Ihavealotof

95 THEME SECTION 13 Here, we explore some of the Web 2.0 tools we used to some of the Web we explore Here, for Agricultural and Centre In April 2006 the Technical 2.0 tools they prioritised which Web The 450 respondents A Community of Practice (CoP) is made out of people who A Community of Practice (CoP) is made out of people basis by exposure to common problems Bond on a voluntary • sense of purpose Share a common • Use common practices and language • Embody themselves a store of knowledge • systems Hold similar beliefs and value • share knowledge and learn from each other Collaborate directly, • Wenger Source: (2002) Box 1: What is a community of practice? 1: Box organise the conference, the challenges the organisers faced organise the conference, towards – and ways forward in supporting such a process committed, interlinked and dedicated forming a more community of practice (see Box 1). in invited participants to join forces Rural Cooperation (CTA) organising one of its yearly Information Communication to proposed meetings. CTA (ICT) Observatory Technologies 2.0 appli- to focus on the use of Web organise a conference was well cations in the context of development. The proposal to better define the topics to be covered so in order received, by the event which would later become the 2007 a designed and administered CTA conference, Web2forDev online survey among people bilingual (English and French) the globe on ICT for development (ICT4D). working across . The However, the However, 1 2

Web2forDev 2007 went far beyond solely organising a Web2forDev This article recounts the development of the Web2forDev This article recounts For a definition of Web 2.0, see glossary, p.123 (this issue). 2.0, see glossary, For a definition of Web 2007. in March was only publicly introduced Web2forDev The acronym Coined in 2004, the term Web 2.0 is often used to describe Coined in 2004, the term Web or low cost web tools and applications the emergence of free and publish information or that enhance the way we create online. resources collaborate and share Introduction

a community of practice a community The Web2forDev story: towards story: The Web2forDev community coalesced from likeminded development organ- community coalesced from isations keen to harness collaborative power the increased by the new low cost technologies and applications. promised created Many online collaborative spaces were conference. story the Web2forDev Therefore and activated beforehand. than just one event. It is the story of a steep learningis more curve faced by collaborating organisations in dealing with innovative technologies within diverse institutions. community, which led to the successful conference in 2007 which led to the successful conference community, for Development Web Participatory Web2forDev: 1 2 Web2forDev 2007 conference was the first international 2007 conference Web2forDev 2.0 could be used to event focusing specifically on how Web the advantage of Southern development actors, operating in rural development and natural the sectors of agriculture, management. resource by ANJA BARTH and GIACOMO RAMBALDI 13 96 THEME SECTION Anja BarthandGiacomoRambaldi Centre (WUR). Université CheikhAntaDiop,Euforicand Wageningen UniversityandResearch (IFAD), ConsultativeGroupAgriculturalResearch onInternational (CGIAR), FundforAgriculturalDevelopment British ColumbiaOkanagan,International Secretariat), AssociationforProgressive Communications (APC),Universityof the Secretariat oftheAfrican,CaribbeanandPacificGroup ofStates(ACP and Development(IICD),FAO, GermanAgencyforTechnical Cooperation (GTZ), 4 3 Figure 2). tives from the12participating organisations(forlocationsee A steeringcommittee(SC)wasformedincludingrepresenta- • onlineinformationretrieval andaccess. • appropriate technologies foronlinepublishing;and shared virtualspaces,remote• collaborationandknowledge- the conference programme: about. Thethree maintopicsofinterest were lateraddedto considered relevantmore fortheirworkandwantedtolearn to includetheFoodandAgriculture Organisation(FAO). Figure 1: Timeline oftoolsusedtoorganise the Web2forDev conference The organisationsinvolvedwere: CTA, InstituteforCommunication International FAO laterhostedtheWeb2forDev conference inRome. sharing; In October2006theinitialgroup oforganisersexpanded 4 3 • enable theaudienceto share opinionsandexperiences; • disseminate conference informationinanefficient and spaces were created to: among thenetworkmembers andtheorganisers.Allonline collaboration andcommunication amongtheorganisersand community. Thesesupportedandenabled effective remote place todevelopandnurture thegrowing Web2forDev A numberofWeb 2.0applications (seeFigure 1)were putin Involvement ofthe Web2forDev community join. lists were openandotherinterested individualswere free to first surveyusingdedicatedelectronic discussionlists.These online communityconsistedofinterested respondents tothe Web2forDev communityahead oftheconference. Theinitial exchange platformstoestablishandinvolveanew The organisersusedseveralinformationchannelsand The ‘participatory web’atwork timely way; 97

13 THEME SECTION Through- 9 It provided a broad audience with current infor- audience with current a broad It provided 8 The Web2forDev story: towards a community of practice a community towards story: Web2forDev The Other exchange platforms included the Web2forDev blog Other exchange platforms included the Web2forDev All these Web2forDev spaces featured on the conference spaces featured All these Web2forDev See http://blog.web2fordev.net. For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary, p.121. For a definition of ‘blog’, see glossary, See http://blog.web2fordev.net. p.124. For a definition of ‘wiki’, see glossary, See http://wiki.web2fordev.net. 8 9 steadily since then. DGroups email lists were initially used to initially used email lists were steadily since then. DGroups they Afterwards, disseminate news about the conference. became a platform for members to discuss and exchange information. Web2forDev-related blog was estab- wiki. The conference and the Web2forDev stories prior to and during the Web2forDev lished to share conference. mation and offered the opportunity for direct feedback. The the opportunity for direct mation and offered wiki was primarily used with participants to elaborate jointly open space sessions. themes for the conference’s See also Blogging p.106 (this issue). See also Wikis p.110 (this issue). out the conference the participants could also use the wiki to out the conference experiment and get support if needed. Members have increased 7 At the time of writing, Deli- 5 6 To brand the Web2forDev ‘concept’, the organisers brand the Web2forDev To Two electronic discussion groups (DGoups) in English and discussion groups electronic Two can be used for development; and community members. Web2forDev DGroups is an online platform offering tools and services for groups and tools and services for groups is an online platform offering DGroups For a definition of ‘tag’ see glossary, p.123. See also Tagging p.117 (this issue). p.123. See also Tagging For a definition of ‘tag’ see glossary, Delicious is a social bookmarking web service for storing, sharing, and discovering Figure 2: Location of partner organisations Location of partner 2: Figure • provide newcomers with examples of how Web 2.0 tools newcomers with examples of how Web provide • among exchanges and networking facilitate peer-to-peer • to the topic relevant to earmark online resources agreed with the tag ‘Web2forDev’. French began in February 2007. French cious accounts for close to 1000 items tagged as Web2forDev. communities interested in internationalcommunities interested development. See: www.dgroups.org. and French www.dgroups.org/groups/web2fordev English [web2fordev] www.dgroups.org/groups/web2pourdev [web2pourdev] web bookmarks. See: www.delicious.com. See also www.delicious.com/tag/ web bookmarks. See: www.delicious.com. and p.119 (this issue) for a short guide to social bookmarking. web2fordev 7 5 6 13 98 THEME SECTION Anja BarthandGiacomoRambaldi images from Flickrandlinks todiscussiongroups. 13 12 11 10 Remote collaborationamongorganisers website. cious). other Web 2.0tools(e.g.RSS feedsfrom theblogandDeli- spaces andtoapplyforregistration. Thewebsiteincluded RSS feedsp.115andSocialbookmarking, p.119(thisissue). Figure 3: Outcomeoftheconference other peoplelocatedatdifferentgeographicallocations Collaborative technologiesenablepeopletointeractwith See www.flickr.com. See www.youtube.com. For definitionsofRSSandsocialbookmarking seeglossary, p.121,and also See: http://2007.web2fordev.net 11 10 There were alsofeatured videosfrom YouTube, This wasthemaingatewaytoaccesscollaborative 12 13 voice communications over the Internet (Voicevoice communications overtheInternet over Inter- these remotely. members, whocouldthenaccess, modifyandre-upload related documentswere madeaccessibletoallSC SharePoint, anonlinefile-sharingservice.Conference- orative privateworkspacewasestablishedusingMicrosoft set upforthecommitteeanditssubcommittees.Acollab- via dedicatedelectronic discussion groups. DGroups were 2.0 toolstoovercome this constraint. nents. Sothesteeringcommittee(SC)relied heavilyonWeb more effectively. (Source: Wikipedia). and withinagroupmoreefficientlyand,inmanycases, For remote discussionsmostSCmembersusedfree The steeringcommitteeregularly exchangedmessages The organisingpartnerswere locatedacross three conti- 99

13 THEME SECTION Photo: Anja Barth Anja Photo: At that time, the limitation encountered 16 The Web2forDev story: towards a community of practice a community towards story: Web2forDev The Additionally, some proprietary file formats could not run some proprietary Additionally, See: www.presentations2go.eu Media team members at Media team members writing the conference Web2forDev/ for the Web2pourDev blog. conference 16 Keeping up-to-date with the rapidly evolving Web 2.0 Web up-to-date with the rapidly evolving Keeping landscape frequently 2.0 tools were Web Prior to the conference, for use. The challenge was upgraded and new ones proposed So we to keep track of such a fast-changing environment. we needed to understand which tools could be useful before constrained by a we were adopting them. Here, proposed All SC members lack of time and some hesitancy to explore. for inno- had to deal with an overload of ideas and proposals about adopting apprehensive vative adoptions. People were unknown and (at that time) untested tools. This was felt in the ‘body and spirit’ of email exchanges. applications and this caused concernon open source and additional work. One example was an innovative technology and their pres- used to show both a live video of a presenter pres- these as a streaming and render entation concurrently entation online. use of specific applications (e.g. wiki, blog, desktop sharing, use of specific applications (e.g. wiki, blog, Share- DGroups, etc). The most commonly-used tools were familiar with DGroups. Most people were Point and VoIP. used by (almost) all SC was the main application SharePoint Skype was pivotal members to work on documents remotely. Other applications conferencing. to participating in remote as ‘optional’. These considered like blogs and the wiki were person- more who were used by the few SC members were opinions about Web ally engaged in sharing information and 2.0 for development. consisted in the fact that the technology required at least consisted in the fact that the technology required Internet 5.5 and a Windows Explorer Media Player 9.0 to play the full features. Remote conferencing was Remote conferencing 14 esktop of the meeting convener on 15 Everyone involved had to be open to innovation, to adopting the tools was uneven and occurred As a result, simultaneously on monitors in different countries; and simultaneously on monitors in different via an open wiki. programme conference For a definition of ‘VoIP’, see glossary, p.123 (this issue). For more information p.123 (this issue). For more see glossary, For a definition of ‘VoIP’, information visit the Lotus Sametime Unyte website: www.unyte.net For more technologies within diverse institutions.” technologies within diverse “The Web2forDev story is more than just than story is more Web2forDev “The the story of a steep It is one event. faced by collaborating learning curve in dealing with innovative organisations In 2006 when the organisers initiated the various activities, In 2006 when the organisers initiated the only two years old and there- 2.0 was the concept of Web – in its complex facets – to some of the new relatively fore participating organisations. We workspaces; made use of remote • did PC2PC conferencing; • viewed, discussed and modified documents displayed • • invited people to collaborate on developing sections of the change their working habits – and have an eagerness to 2.0 applications several Web and learn.explore However, Information Tech- challenge for the responsible posed a real nology (IT) departments, especially in larger organisations, sceptical and concerned who were about IT security in to negotiate permis- general. So partners needed to be ready sions with their IT colleagues. For example, some steering committee members’ organisations did not allow the use of Skype. times. Some SC members used only a selection at different the coordinated of the tools available while smaller groups Different working styles and attitudes The process of organising the conference and animating the conference of organising the The process challenging. Those involved community was Web2forDev and had to learn and adapt to fast-changing environments become themselves adopters of innovation. Challenges in the process net Protocol or VoIP) like Skype. or VoIP) net Protocol supported by desktop-sharing software, which simultane- supported by desktop-sharing software, d ously displays the at the partner organisa- and/or projectors computer screens tions. on Skype visit: www.skype.com on Skype visit: www.skype.com 14 15 13 100 THEME SECTION Anja BarthandGiacomoRambaldi • the BROSDIproject inUganda where farmersstartedexper- • and empoweringonlineapplications. emails andmobilephonesto highlyinteractive,innovative nologies (ICTs) suchasradio,television,landline telephones, They rangedfrom classicinformation communicationtech- ing ofthemeaning‘participatorywebfordevelopment’. issue). Thesepresentations reflected thevariedunderstand- Global Voices (seeEsterhuysenandalsoZuckerman,this as AnrietteEsterhuysenofAPCandEthanZuckermann developmentactors. the advantageofSouthern to activelyworkandshare ideas onhowtoapplyWeb 2.0to market place.We allocated plentyoftimefortheparticipants plenary discussions,openspaces,incubatorsessionsanda and collaborations.Theprogramme combinedpresentations, The conference aimedtocreate innovation,newpartnerships The conferencedynamics makers andenablers. application andsystemproviders, software developers, policy mation andcommunicationexperts,researchers, trainers, America attended.ParticipantsincludedICTspecialists,infor- over 40countriesfrom mainlyAfrica,Europe and Latin ested inWeb 2.0fordevelopment.Around 300people from The conference brought togetherabroad communityinter- The participants demonstrations. participants lessfamiliarWeb 2.0toolswere givenhands-on was preceded byaone-day‘Web 2.0tasterday’where the FAO headquartersinRome,Italy. Theconference itself Web2forDev conference on25th–27thSeptember2007 at The Web2forDev storyreached aclimaxwith the conferenceThe Web2forDev adopters ofinnovation.” environments andbecomethemselves and adapttofast-changing challenging. Those involvedhadtolearn Web2forDev communitywas conference andanimatingthe “The process oforganising the imenting with web-based toolsandmobile telephony to Interesting casestudiesincluded: Plenary sessionsincludedseveralkeynotespeakers,such online. forotherstowatch – videoedanduploadedontotheInternet without face-to-faceinteractions. build trustandconfidencewhenworkingincyberspace discussions abouthowwedevelophumanrelationships to lenges were connectivityandbandwidth.Butthere were also ment andcommunityempowerment.Thetwokeychal- opportunities andchallengesforWeb 2.0inruraldevelop- • how Googlemash-upswere usedtocombinediverseinfor- • • an overviewoncopyrightissueswhenpublishingonline • the GINKSexperienceinGhanawhere videobloggingis use ofthem. tools shouldserveandtodiscoverhowpeoplecanmakebest is mostimportanttolistentheneedsofthosewhom people. Bothparticipantsandpresenters emphasisedthatit agreed thatWeb2forDev isnotaboutthetoolsbut developing countries.Nevertheless,participantsgenerally adopting Web 2.0toolsacross institutionsandparticularlyin The conference created alotofinterest inpromoting and Outcome andfollowupactivities 102,000 hits. search enginefor‘Web2forDev’ wouldreturnclose to conference, search runninganInternet usingtheGoogle Bloggingpeakedduringtheevent.Justaheadof Video. Interviews were postedonYouTube, BlipTVand Google using different media,includingtheWeb2forDev blog. pants conductedinterviewsandwrote reports onthe event analysed duringplenarysessions. large boards calledDemocracyWalls whichwere then 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 See: www.presentations2go.eu URL: http://tinyurl.com/saunby conference See:http://saunby.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html Short www.brosdi.or.ug magi andNakirya,thisissue); improve knowledgesharingandplanning(seealsoKara- seasonal weatherforecasts. datasets availableforclimatemodellingexperimentsand mation, e.g.howGooglemapscouldbecombinedwith project; together withthepresentation oftheCreative Commons used toexchangeinformation(seealsoDeh,thisissue); See: http://blog.web2fordev.net forTrainersSee: PLA58Tips articleaboutDemocracy Walls. By RAITVandviatheconference websiteusingPresentations2Go technology. ‘Climate ChangeMashups,’presented byMichaelSaunbyattheWeb2forDev See: http://creativecommons.org Ghana InformationandKnowledgeSharing Network(GINKS):www.ginks.org Busoga RuralOpenSource andDevelopmentInitiative(BROSDI): All plenaryandseveralparallelsessionswere webcasted During paneldiscussionsexpertsexaminedissuessuchas 21 Participants wrote andrecorded theirfeedbackon 19 and 20 17 22 Journalists andpartici- Journalists 18 23 13 THEME SECTION 101 Web 2.0 tools are a consol- 2.0 tools are Web They are also covered in the also covered They are 31 30 A recent workshop in Uganda A recent A definition of Web2forDev has A definition of Web2forDev 32 Members of the Web2forDev 33 34 29 There is also the new Web2forDev Development is also the new Web2forDev There The Web2forDev story: towards a community of practice a community towards story: Web2forDev The 35 The concept Web2forDev is under consolidation. The The concept Web2forDev IICD has been supporting a series of seminars with prac- For APC, Web 2.0 technology is the focus of many proj- 2.0 technology For APC, Web Knowl- The Information Communication Technologies See: http://ictkm.cgiar.org/Web2forDev_Participatory.pdf See: www.kstoolkit.org/KS+Workshops See: www.kstoolkit.org See: http://ticbolivia.net See: www.colostate.edu/Orgs/IISD See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web2fordev Web syndication is where material on one website is made available to multiple syndication is where Web “Both participants and presenters “Both participants it is most important to emphasised that of those whom the listen to the needs how tools should serve and to discover best use of them.” people can make other websites via RSS feeds. See glossary, p.124 and also RSS feeds, p.115 (this issue) other websites via RSS feeds. See glossary, 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 idated topic of the Knowledge Sharing Workshops co- idated topic of the Knowledge Sharing Workshops organised by the programme. been jointly elaborated and has been entered on been jointly elaborated and has been entered Wikipedia. focused on how to integrate Web 2.0 applications and serv- focused on how to integrate Web ices in the work of ICT4D trainers. courses on University of Colorado for instance is offering 2.0 for development. Web aired on 38 TV stations in Africa in June 2008 and is on 38 TV stations in aired on Google Video available online and on currently and syndicated on Dotsub.com (with multilingual subtitles) a number of websites. tical hands-on training for partner organisations in Zambia, Bolivia (e.g. Radio La Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Ecuador, and CIDOB, Zambia Association for Research Luna, Ecuador, Development, and Bolivia). community have volunteered their time and skills to trans- community have volunteered in many languages, late the subtitles of the documentary of the message. the potential outreach increasing and capacity building research, ects in policy advocacy, 2.0 appli- Web content development. APC also uses some cations for internal communication and management. of the CGIAR Programme edge Management (ICT-KM) brief (an article and a presentation) a Web2forDev released to attended the conference who had to encourage the staff give seminars in their centres. Gateway. This is a new initiative which aims to act as a start- Gateway. Knowledge Sharing Toolkit. This is a 27 ICT update 26 The documentary was 28 Participants gather during a Participants plenary question and answer The session is being session. webcasted – videoed and uploaded onto the Internet to watch online. for others CTA and GTZ both organised aware- CTA FAO continues to facilitate discussions FAO 24 25 In addition, CTA has launched newsfordev. has In addition, CTA The organisers administered an online end-of-conference an The organisers administered event. Among A number of initiatives have followed the APC and FAO are working together to develop an IMARK working together to develop are APC and FAO See: www.e-agriculture.org/ See: www.e-agriculture.org/ See: www.newsfordev.org/ See: http://tinyurl.com/56gumk and http://tinyurl.com/5nm9el See: http://ictupdate.cta.int/en/(issue)/39 e- Kit (IMARK) is a partnership-based The Information Management Resource with CTA, Euforic and ACP Secretariat); ACP Secretariat); Euforic and with CTA, Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Regional Universi- (RUFORUM). ties Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture Peoples of Africa Co-ordinating Committee (IPACC); and Committee (IPACC); Peoples of Africa Co-ordinating learning initiative to train individuals and support institutions and networks in the management of agricultural information. See: www.imarkgroup.org effective 26 27 28 24 25 survey to get feedback on the event and related activities as related survey to get feedback on the event and One year later (Septem- directions. well as guidance on future assess the impact of ber 2008) another survey was done to Web2forDev future the event and to seek guidance on what and support. in, promote initiatives we could invest related a special issue of has produced others, CTA dealing with Web 2.0. dealing with Web ness-raising workshops within their organisations. ness-raising workshops within their diverse audi- trainings have addressed Web2forDev-related ences, including: makers (ACP embassies in Brussels in partnership policy • and Indigenous • Indigenous Peoples (in partnership with CTA and educators (in partnership with CTA, researchers • 2.0 to self-instructional training materials package on Web in 2009. be released around e-agriculture as a follow-up action to the 2005 World e-agriculture around Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). customisable news aggregator covering development issues. customisable news aggregator jointly with People TV an eight-minute also produced CTA 2.0 applications on Web documentary (English and French) and New used in the African context, called ‘Agriculture 2.0 in Africa’. – Web Technologies 13 102 THEME SECTION Anja BarthandGiacomoRambaldi 37 36 http://tinyurl.com/656qyn had apositiveimpactontheirprofessional lives. One yearlater, participantsreported thattheconference has Impact oftheconference context ofdevelopmentwork. ing pointforWebandsharingexperienceinthe 2.0learning (see Figures 4,5and6).Their commentsinclude: use ofknowledgeandcontactsgainedintheirdailywork follow-up activities.Theyhavebeenabletomakesuccessful dents underlinedtheirinterest forfurtherdiscussionand Figure 4: Improvement intheperformanceofwork [to myorganisation]ininvestigating thesenewtools. evidence tobackuptherecommendations Iputforward Attending theconferencegave metheconfidenceand productivity andefficiency. duction ofWeb 2.0applications withoutcompromising We arenowabletoreduce thecostofICTwithintro- The results ofthesurvey(119respondents) are availablehere: See: www.web2fordev.net 36 37 Respon- lenges whichremain: • increased youthparticipationwithinadult-centred devel- using taggingtohelpstructure andshare• interesting infor- • conducting ajointevaluationexercise involvingabout40 • creating awikitoshare ideas,minutes,documentswithin • platformstoallowcolleaguesaccess using e-learning • using wikisandblogsindistancetrainingoninformation ment. Examplesinclude: they usedWeb 2.0applicationsinthecontextofdevelop- using Web 2.0toolsinourorganisationmaybedifficult. At themomentwehaveaproblem withbandwidthso opment initiatives. mation; and participants; teams; online educationalmaterials; management; However, respondents alsoidentified severalmainchal- Respondents alsoprovided concrete examplesonhow 13 THEME SECTION 103 Although there have Although there 38 39 The Web2forDev story: towards a community of practice a community towards story: Web2forDev The LinkedIn is a social networking site for professionals: www.linkedin.com LinkedIn is a social networking site for professionals: pages: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4492058025 See: Web2forDev 38 39 The way forward community gathers mainly the Web2forDev At present and shared discussion DGroups the two electronic around spaces on LinkedIn and Facebook. been a variety of Web2forDev activities before, during and activities before, been a variety of Web2forDev was a general there after the event, among the respondents and impact of feeling that performance, outreach increased activities could benefit from Web2forDev-related around Issues remain sharing and added coordination. guidance on language, limited bandwidth and receiving tools for the South. Institutions remain choosing appropriate in and invest time to explore hesitant about investing staff 2.0 innovation. The September 2008 survey respon- Web in the dents identified several key issues to be addressed People involved in practicing and/or promoting future. need to: Web2forDev to integrate the idea of Web2forDev into their daily work. to integrate the idea of Web2forDev The principle challenge for Web2forDev identified at The principle challenge for Web2forDev There have been several intellectual property right issues and a real need for evaluation of what materials could be accessed openly and which were not appropriate for cultural and intellectual property right issues. We have too little time for the creation of useful and We These tools valuable content and uptake has been low. are generally seen as 'add-on' activities, not core activi- ties that contribute to the main mission of the organisa- tion. The challenge was to find our way through the plethora of available systems. The lack of applications in native languages is a big limi- tation, because not everybody speaks English. Figure 5: Fields to put acquired knowledge into practice knowledge Fields to put acquired 5: Figure the conference remains to be the issue of sufficient band- to be the issue of sufficient remains the conference width – especially in the developing world. For organisa- tions working in both the North and the South it is difficult the enormous number of applications and to choose from 13 104 THEME SECTION Anja BarthandGiacomoRambaldi • Carefully monitorWeb2forDev initiatives,whichshould • Further raiseawareness andincrease capacitytointe- • Substantially improve information-andexperience- [email protected]. Email: [email protected] Senior Programme Coordinator, CTA Giacomo Rambaldi [email protected] Email: [email protected] Junior Professional Officer, ACP-EU(CTA) Anja Barth CONTACT DETAILS mobile telephony.” are appropriate forlowbandwidthsand develop andpromote Web 2.0toolsthat and/or promoting Web2forDev needto “Those ofusinvolvedinpracticing also befollowedbyimpactassessments.Resulting portals. grate Web 2.0applicationsintoexistinginformation sharing. Website: www.cta.int The Netherlands. Wageningen Cooperation (CTA) Technical Centre forAgriculturalandRural of international development. of international use ofappropriate Web 2.0toolsandpracticesinsupport are interested inadoptingandpromoting theinnovative practice are inplace.Theyare withinreach ofthosewho stronger andmore cohesiveWeb2forDev communityof ony. that are appropriate forlowbandwidthsandmobileteleph- Web2forDev needtodevelopandpromote Web 2.0tools South. Thoseofusinvolvedinpracticingand/orpromoting the developmentarena –andmore importantly, inthe applications andimplementa‘Web2forDev’ culture across identified wasencouragingorganisationstoadoptWeb 2.0 40 trainers, p.105(thisissue). as guidanceforfuture initiatives. outcomes shouldfeedintotheonlinedebateandserve See also Samii, p.44, Karamagi and Nakirya, p.59, Okolloh, p.65 and Tips for See alsoSamii,p.44,KaramagiandNakirya, p.59,Okolloh,p.65andTips Nonetheless, thebuildingblocksfordevelopinga However, thegreatest challengethatmostpractitioners 40 School Press: USA to ManagingKnowledge.Harvard Business Cultivating CommunitiesofPractice:aGuide Wenger, E.,McDermott,R.,Snyder, W. (2002). Democracy Walls.’ PLA fortrainers: Rambaldi, G.(2008).‘Tips REFERENCES 58, IIED,London,UK Tips for trainers

CONTACT DETAILS TIPS FOR TRAINERS Holly Ashley Web 2.0 tools: Participatory Learning and Action series International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) Email: [email protected] a series of short Luigi Assom Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Email: [email protected] introductions

Jon Corbett There are vast numbers of Web 2.0 tools, applications, platforms, and University of British Columbia Okanagan Email: [email protected] services available. Many of them are free or low-cost and easy-to-use. In this issue, we present a series of short introductory guides to a selection of Ben Garside commonly-used Web 2.0 tools: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) Email: [email protected] • Blogging • Micro-blogging and Twitter Dave Jones Independent media consultant • Wikis Email: [email protected] • Online social networking • RSS feeds Christian Kreutz CrissCrossed Consulting • Tagging Email: [email protected] • Social bookmarking • Glossary of Web 2.0 terms Duncan Macqueen International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) Each introductory guide provides a brief description of the tool and how it Email: [email protected] can be used for development purposes, along with links to further Kevin Painting information and where applications can be downloaded online.1 We hope Technical Centre for Agricultural and that you find these short introductions useful and welcome feedback from Rural Cooperation (CTA) our readers. Email: [email protected]

Giacomo Rambaldi Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Email: [email protected]

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The introduction to wikis includes some tips from the Kabissa Space for Change in Africa Web 2.0 in African Civil Society wiki. The content of the Kabissa wiki is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License. See: http://wiki.kabissa.org/ web_2.0/start

1 For more information about the examples of development websites listed in the guides, see e-participation, p.130 (this issue).

105 106 TIPS FOR TRAINERS Tips fortrainers Blogging development blog Tips onhowtocreate andmaintainadynamicpopular in discussion. comment ontheirpostsandengage • Blogauthorscanallowothers to are free-to-use. web space.Mostbloggingplatforms blog software torunontheirown existing blogplatform,ordownload • Userscansetupablogonan current relevance. oldest posts–thisgivesthemasense • Blogsstartwiththenewestnot video clipsandaudiofiles. multiple mediasuchastext,photos, and otherresources. Blogscaninclude of writtencommentary, news,events, • Blogscontainentriescalled‘posts’ groups ororganisations. individual, butcanalsobedoneby • Ablogisusuallymaintainedbyan space. website –orthefundstorent web technical expertiseneededtosetupa content onawebpage,withoutthe allowing peopletopublishtheirown wasused,by which theInternet • Blogsradicallychangedthewayin on anytopic. you caneasilyandfreely create ablog • Providingaccess, youhaveInternet content toablog. • Bloggingmeanstomaintainoradd interface. administered viaasimpleweb-based an easywaytopublishcontent, Itis a websitelikeanonlinejournal. • Ablog(shortfor‘web’and‘log’)is What are blogs? 2 1 to tagpostswithmultiplekeywords. • Manyblogsplatformsallowauthors bandwidth bloggers. be more appropriate forlow oramobilephone.Theymay Internet send andreceive shortpostsviathe • Micro-blogging toolsallowyouto other blogsbytopic. bloggers andtopicaltrends andfind track theinterconnections between • Usingblogsearch engines,youcan collection ofconnectedcommunities). connected community(orasa that blogsexisttogetherasa interconnections. Itistheperception encompassing allblogsandtheir • Theblogosphere isacollectiveterm with more links. engines likeGoogleprioritisewebsites to byalotofotherblogs.Search • Ifablogispopular, itwillbelinked pathways new onlinenetworksandinformation • linktootherrelated blogstoform conversations online • allowustoparticipateinongoing debate and/ormobiliseaction • helptoinform,triggerandfoster • canbeusedforraisingawareness • encourageotherstoparticipate • canregularly disseminate information Blogs… Why blogfordevelopment? See alsoMicro-blogging, p.108(thisissue). See alsoTagging, p.117(thisissue). 2 1 have updatedyour blogsothatthe features tonotifythemwhenyou Technorati. Alsousetheir'ping' register yourblogwithengineslike engines andwebsites,youshould for blogs.Justaswithnormal search • There are specialisedsearch engines the originalpost. particular posthashadunderneath other blogswilllistallthetrackbacksa helps buildcommunityandoften have referred tothemonyourblog.It automatically notifythemthatyou 'trackback' or'ping'functionto another blog,usethe'linkback', • Whenyoureference orlinkto blogs, makesure youlinkto them. information. Ifyourefer toother where readers canfindmore • Provide linksinyourblogspoststo to existingdiscussions. • Useyourblogtohighlightandadd to yourfavouriteblogs. • Becomepartofanetworkbylinking any commentsandfeedback. • Addcontentregularly andanswer eventually moderatecomments). You willneedtoleaddiscussions(and • Staywellinformedandup-to-date. to over-generalise. interesting andusefulcontent.Try not • Stayfocused.Write consistent, (writing), whichsuitsyou. • Developyourownstyleofblogging away. want tostartyourownblogright commenting onthemifyoudonot • Checksimilarblogs.Startby audience inmind. • Chooseatopicandhavean Some tipsonhowtostartablog your voiceheard orpubliciseanissue • are aneasyandcheapwaytoget learning reflection andcanhelptodigest opinion, agoodprocess ofself • canbeanexpression ofpersonal TIPS FOR TRAINERS 107 5 6 Tips for trainers Tips Full URL: http://dotsub.com/view/dc75c2e2-ef81- Full URL: http://advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org/ projects/guide-blog-for-a-cause 5 6 4851-8353-a877aac9fe3c between bloggers: • http://technorati.com • http://blogs.google.com • www.blogscope.net • www.blogpulse.com • www.icerocket.com Examples of development blogs • Afrigator: http://afrigator.com • Alive in Baghdad: http://aliveinbaghdad.org www.crisscrossed.net • Crisscrossed: • Ghana GINKS blogspotters: www.ginks.blogspot.com • Global Voices: http://globalvoicesonline.org • iCollaborate: www.icollaborate.blogspot.com • Indian Kisan blog: http://kisan.wordpress.com • Kabissa: www.kabissa.org/blog • Roxanna Samii: www.rsamii.blogspot.com • Reporters Without Borders: www.rsfblog.org of Africa: • Voices http://voicesofafrica.africanews.com blog: conference • Web2forDev http://blog.web2fordev.net See e-participation for more information about the websites listed (p. x, this issue). Tips on blogging Tips • http://blogsessive.com • http://tinyurl.com/globalvoicesblog Blogs in Plain English Video: German, Portuguese Also in French, and Spanish. Also with multiple language subtitles on Dotsub.com: • www.commoncraft.com/blogs • http://tinyurl.com/dotsubblogs Global Voices is a community of more than of more is a community Voices Global who work together to bring 200 bloggers blogs and from and reports you translations with emphasis on citizen media everywhere, in heard not ordinarily voices that are media. international mainstream providing they are properly cited – properly they are providing to check first. always remember popular or which blogs are • Explore trusted by others. Get to know who is using them. • Always tag your posts. Use popular so that others keywords and relevant your for them and find can search easily. content more Find other blogs by keyword, topic or Find other blogs by keyword, and track the interconnections trend • www.blogger.com • www.livejournal.com • www.typepad.com • www.wordpress.com • www.xanga.com Blogging software your own download and host on To web space: • www.wordpress.org • www.moveabletype.org Blog search engines Where to get started Where or low-cost, several free are There easy-to-use blogging websites. Here some examples. are Blogging websites This means that others 3 4 See also RSS feeds, p.115 (this issue). material on one website is Syndication is where can easily feature headlines from your headlines from can easily feature blog on their own websites and your can automatically receive readers updates when new material is published on your blog. may also wish to automatically • You other blogs and content from feature websites (e.g. headlines) on your own RSS feeds. blog by importing relevant made available to multiple other websites. See also p.124 (this issue). glossary, • Writing takes time and patience. Do • Writing of the effort not underestimate blogging. posts keeps your regular • Writing blog dynamic and interesting. • Always quote your information sources. • Clearly distinguish between opinions and facts. • Low bandwidth limits access to blogs with photos, audio and video. • Blogs can be used as references Keep in mind… Keep blog search engine will index the engine will index blog search content of your new post. • Allow your blog to be syndicated via RSS feeds. 3 4 108 TIPS FOR TRAINERS Tips fortrainers Tips onusingmicro-blogging tool Twitter fordevelopment and Twitter Micro-blogging relevant messages easier. keyword tag,tomakesearching for a word isusedtodenotethatita • Puttingahashsymbol#infront of their updates. enable themtosendwebpage linksin to shortening serviceslikeTinyurl.com characters long,peopleuseURL- • Sinceupdatescanonlybe140 interest. breaking newsorparticular topicsof very usefulforsharingandmonitoring updates, meaningthatitcanalsobe well assubscribetootheruser’s updates inreal timeforkeywords, as • Userscansearch everyone else’s in touchoverdistances. situation monitoringandforkeeping coordination andcampaigning, ground protest citizenjournalism, a verypowerfultoolforon-the- submit updatesviaSMSitcanalsobe • SinceTwitter allowspeopleto them (i.e.subscribedtothem). Twitter memberwhois‘following’ page andbevisibletoanyother • UpdateswillappearontheirTwitter the Internet. phone oracomputerconnectedto ‘tweets’) viaSMSontheirmobile 140 charactertextupdates(knownas known services.Userscansendshort • Twitter.com isoneofthebest very shorttextupdates. blogging where usersmostlypublish • Micro-blogging isaformof What ismicro-blogging? minutes. reaching thousandsofpeoplein send themessagesopotentially encourages othersto‘re-tweet’ orre- inamessage • Usingtheletters‘RT’ withintheirmessages. ‘@username’ to aparticularuserbyusing conversation ordirect theirmessages • Userscanalsomaintaina Twitter memberwhois ‘following’ them. Twitter pageandare visibletoanyother Updates willappearonthe Web2forDev The Web2forDev web portalnowuses Twitter. manage multipleblogging,micro- accounts easierandenableusersto make managingmultipleTwitter third partyapplicationsdesignedto • There are agrowing numberof showing theURLofphotograph. update totheirTwitter account Twitpic willalsoautomaticallysendan which willappearontheirTwitpic page. have takenontheirmobilephone Twitpic.com tosendaphotographthey Twitter. Peoplecanuseserviceslike other servicesare integratingwith • ManyotherWeb 2.0websitesand Rsstotwitter.com. such asTwitterfeed.com or with anRSSfeedbyusingservices • UserscanalsofeedTwitter itself on otherwebsites. stream ofmessagestobedisplayed searches forkeywords, enablingthe user’s updates,oroftheresults of • Twitter alsoprovides RSSfeedsof TIPS FOR TRAINERS 109 4 3 Tips for trainers Tips Full URL: www.web2fordev.net/component/content/ Full URL: www.digiactive.org/wp- Other similar micro-blogging tools Other similar micro-blogging • Identi.ca: http://identi.ca www.yammer.com • Yammer: Resources article Web2fordev.net of 140 characters ‘Micro-blogging: gossip or added value for development organisations?’ • http://tinyurl.com/twitterfordev for DigiActive Guide to Twitter Activism (PDF) • http://tinyurl.com/digiactive-twitter article/1-latest-news/68-micro-blogging content/uploads/digiactive_twitter_guide_v1-0.pdf 3 4 2 Full URL: http://dotsub.com/view/665bd0d5-a9f4- • Global Voices: http://twitter.com/globalvoices • Kabissa: http://twitter.com/kabissa • MobileActive: http://twitter.com/mobileactive Also in French, German, Also in French, Portuguese and Spanish. Also with multiple language subtitles at Dotsub.com: • www.commoncraft.com/twitter • http://tinyurl.com/dotsubtwitter Video: Twitter in Plain English Twitter Video: 4a07-9d9e-b31ba926ca78 2 1 For more information about Ushahidi and For more FrontlineSMS see Okolloh, p.65 (this issue). FrontlineSMS 1 • Web2forDev on Twitter: • Web2forDev http://twitter.com/web2fordev Examples of development Twitter organisations using Where to get started Where blogging and messaging platforms. blogging and messaging in which Twitter • Many of the ways implemented can be used can be SMS and phone-based through like bulk messaging software through and FrontlineSMS.com implementations like Ushahidi.com. Tips for trainers

Some tips on creating a wiki • Visit other wikis to get a feel for how Wikis they work and what they do. • You can either sign up to a free-to-use wiki platform via one of the many wiki providers – or download the software to Tips on online collaboration using wikis run on your own web space. • List your known requirements and preferences in detail before selecting a wiki platform. Can it expand to meet TIPS FOR TRAINERS TIPS FOR future needs? Can you migrate from What are wikis? easier to edit content online.2 one wiki platform to another later on? • Wikis are online collaborative • Most wikis also enable users to • Try to choose an open source wiki workspaces.1 upload e.g. documents and photos. platform so that if your partners wish • A wiki is a simple, text-based web • Wikis are also particularly good for to start their own wiki, it will be freely page or collection of web pages developing complex documentation. available for them to use.3 4 where teams of people can work • Many individuals also use wikis much • Plan and organise how you want to together online from different physical like an online personal notebook, to structure your content. A well-devised locations. store and develop ideas. structure will be important as your wiki • Wikis are like very basic websites in grows. Remember you can also modify style and structure. They are designed Why use a wiki for development? the structure as the project expands. to be read and edited using a web Wikis can be used to… • Include a table of contents on each browser. • quickly and informally share, develop page for ease of navigation. • Unlike conventional websites, wikis and organise ideas and information • Regularly check internal wiki links and enable anyone who has access to together online external web links to ensure they are write, edit, discuss and comment on • foster participatory and collaborative still active. the wiki content, including each working online from individuals, • One useful feature about working on other's contributions. Users can project teams, community groups and a wiki is the ability to create pages that constantly modify and organise the organisations to international networks should exist, even if you do not have content. and the general public the content or the information to fill • Wikis can be made public or private. • collate resources from project them yet. This encourages others to Administrators can choose who can information and meeting minutes to add the missing content and create access a wiki and specific sections trip reports and photos relevant pages. within it and define users’ rights. • create and edit content from sharing • When creating a new wiki page, • All wiki page versions are kept, from ideas, developing projects, and writing think about where you want this page when a wiki page is first created. documents to developing online to be linked from. Then edit those Collaborators can monitor and training manuals pages to include a link to your new compare recent and past changes and • enable project partners to contribute page. revert to older versions if needed. and provide a workspace for them to • Give new pages sensible names. Do • Wikis will also show which user has adapt content to local conditions not use abbreviations but ensure the edited the content. • find agreement and/or consensus • Wikis separate formatting from among users 3 Open source software (OSS) is usually computer content, so people can work on • easily create simple community or software where the source code and certain other rights are in the public domain. See glossary, p.122 improving content without concern project websites and jointly develop (this issue). for layout. Most wikis offer a content on them 4 Choose one that is distributed e.g. under a GNU General Public or Creative Commons License (which WYSIWYG editor, which makes it 2 WYSIWYG or ‘What You See is What You Get’ is enhances free use and development) and is a computing term to describe a system in which supported by an active wiki community (who will be able to provide advice and support). See e.g. 1 content displayed during editing appears very Wiki is Hawaiian for ‘very quick’. similar to the final output. www.creativecommons.org

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Wikipedia is a free online encyclopaedia that anyone can edit. Wikipedia is multilingual and is now the ninth most popular website in the world. Where to get started TIPS FOR TRAINERS There are many free, easy-to-use wiki platforms. Here are some examples.

Free or very low-cost wiki platforms • http://pbworks.com (formerly PBwiki) • www.wikispaces.com • www.wikidot.com

Downloadable wiki platforms To run on your web space: • www.dokuwiki.org • www.mediawiki.org • www.tikiwiki.org name is short and descriptive. • Usually for best results, a disciplined • www.atlassian.com/software/ • For larger or more formal projects, workflow is needed with good confluence wikis require constant maintenance. communication among all With multiple people contributing to a collaborators. For more tips on using wikis wiki there will be many works in • http://tinyurl.com/wiki-tips5 progress. Budget for and appoint a Keep in mind… coordinator to maintain the wiki, • Choosing whether or not to create Compare available wiki platforms ensure consistency and keep things in and use a wiki should be a • www.wikimatrix.org good order (style and formatting, collaborative process. Who is the navigation etc.). intended community of users? Who Video: Wikis in Plain English • Set aside time to agree on shared can participate and who cannot? Is a Also in French, German, Portuguese editorial guidelines on how to use the wiki the most appropriate platform? and Spanish. Also with multiple wiki – and then follow them • While wikis can be very informal, you language subtitles at Dotsub.com: consistently. still need to write clearly. Avoid the use • www.commoncraft.com/video-wikis- • Make sure the guidelines are easy-to- of slang terms which others may not plain-english follow and provide training if necessary. be familiar with. • http://tinyurl.com/dotsub-wiki Users need to know how your wiki • As with all online publishing tools, works before editing and contributing always quote your information sources Examples of wikis used in development to it. and provide links where available. • Agropedia: http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in • Include a practice page (known as a Clearly distinguish between opinions • Appropedia: ‘sandbox’), which allows people to and facts. http://www.appropedia.org experiment. It helps encourage people • If converting existing materials to a • Kabissa Space for change in Africa to familiarise themselves with how the wiki format you may need to revise wiki: http://wiki.kabissa.org wiki works. some materials to best suit the change • Web2forDev wiki: • Before opening up your wiki to a in publishing medium e.g. a training http://wiki.web2fordev.net larger group of participants ask a few manual. • Wiki Advocacy: people for comments and feedback. • Wikis are based on collaboration and http://wikiadvocacy.org Making universal changes to an can be used to encourage debate. • Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org extensive, existing wiki is harder than However, they are not necessarily the doing so at the start. best place for finding consensus See e-participation for more • Decide who will have access and amongst dissenting voices. A mailing information about the websites listed contribute to what (and when). You list or face-to-face meetings may be (p.130, this issue). may want to open up access to others more appropriate for these types of 5 Full URL: www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2006/ gradually as your wiki develops. discussions. 07/07/what-is-a-wiki.html

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relationships with them (e.g. via LinkedIn) Online social • keep up-to-date about work carried out by your peers

networking Comparing different types of social networking platforms and websites Tips on using online social networks for development • For most people who are interested in using online social networks, joining TIPS FOR TRAINERS TIPS FOR and contributing to an existing What are online social networks? • These services are designed to be network is sufficient. However, if you • Online social networks are a new straightforward to use, from signing are thinking of creating an online generation of online community up and logging on, creating a profile social network, you may want to start platforms which are similar to and inviting people to access it, a new group on an existing website or websites but offer specific interactive through to interacting with friends, create an independent one. features and tools. colleagues, partners, and even people • Existing social networking websites • An online social network brings you have never met. often allow users to create new people together and enables them to groups within them. They are often find others who share common Why use online social networks more appropriate for less sophisticated interests or activities and who are for development? forms of networking, which focus interested in learning more about Online social networks can be used more on promoting topics, issues or each other and what they do. to… events within a more public sphere. • They enable users to establish and • target, create or enhance networks • Such websites work well for basic make visible relationships, discuss or communities of practice networking tasks but often the topics of interest, access material, find • foster and enhance participation infrastructure is not available for more contacts and encourage the growth of and collaboration and promote a collaborative working. Examples networks of people. sense of membership and solidarity would be Facebook or LinkedIn (which • Membership can be restricted or within these networks has a more professional focus open. • interact with particular audiences compared to Facebook). • You can start a new ‘group’ of e.g. civil society groups, policy makers, • Social networking platforms like Ning people with similar interests on an private sector allow you to create your own existing social networking website or • facilitate better linkages between customisable online social network. create your own using free-to-use groups, for example partners, service They contain a package of useful platforms. providers and decision makers features, such as online forums, groups, • Social networks can range from • easily share and access information – blogs, and video and photo libraries. As friends and family, small dedicated from event announcements, work you have control over the appearance communities of practice or interest, opportunities and reports to practical of your website it allows for a more professional networks, to networks manuals, photos and videos professional online presence. with global membership. • enable greater information-sharing • The third option is to download • Most online social network services and support dialogue on key issues software to run on your own web provide a variety of ways for users to within the network server, but this requires more technical interact, such as messaging and • build capacity by providing expertise and resources. instant messaging, membership information and resources on • Running your own social networking profiles (sometimes including particular topics platform on your own web server curriculum vitae), online discussion • learn about the professional provides far more security for your forums, blogs, photo- and video- background of people sharing your data and your users since you are in sharing, and other digital resources. interests and establish professional control of every part of the service.

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• Free open source content your safety and security – or that of clearly defined audience. This helps to TIPS FOR TRAINERS management systems (CMS) such as other people. create a genuinely interested and Drupal or Joomla can be used to • Consider who you will be active membership with useful create more customisable online social networking with – and who will see experience to share. networks. They offer a wider range of your profile. Social networks can be • Decide whether to create an tools and applications, enabling you to used for ‘professional’ or ‘social’ independent online social networking customise your social networking purposes. Some are a combination of website or a new group within an website even further. the two – however, some people use existing one. • Elgg is another free open source different profiles to separate their • If creating one, determine what platform which is designed specifically professional and personal identities. features your website should contain. for social networking websites. It is • If in doubt, keep your profile • Develop a framework. Begin by mostly used in the educational sphere, information private or restricted. Think uploading a few useful reports, where it has been used to power social about whether to use your real name example blog posts, discussion topics, networks for various institutions and or a pseudonym when you sign up. photos and videos to stimulate communities, such as Eduspaces.net • Always consider others when interest. with over 20,000 members. It is also uploading content. Get permission • Once you have set up your group or the platform that the new before uploading e.g. someone else’s website, invite potential members to Unionbook.org website has used.1 work, culturally sensitive information join. • Buddypress is a newly-updated suite or photos of other people. • All new members should receive a of plug-ins which turns Wordpress MU • Consider the tradeoff between welcome message. Encourage them (a popular multi-user blog platform) making information publicly available to invite others who might find the into a fully-featured social networking and who may use it and for what website useful. platform. purposes.2 • Send members regular, short email • Is the material you want to add digests to inform them of recent Some tips on joining an online appropriate? Remember to check and updates. social network adhere to any editorial policies before • Encourage repeat visits and new • Typical examples of social networking adding content. members. Keep the content fresh with sites are LinkedIn and Facebook as well • Be clear about who owns the links to new information e.g. reports, as photo- and video-sharing websites information that you enter on your manuals, announcements, resources, like Flickr and YouTube. profile or that you upload. Always discussions, blog posts, photos and • Look for relevant communities. check the terms of service before videos. Subscribe to a social network whose joining an online network – some • If you are creating an online social members share your interests. service providers retain the right to use networking website for an existing • Popular social networking websites your material without your network, ensure that important vary from country to country. For permission.3 Find out what rights the content from the network is example Orkut.com is popular in India service provider has in terms of using published, e.g. interesting news and Brazil, Hi5.com in South America, your data and what rights you have to features, workshop reports, country and Friendster.com in the Philippines. recall/delete your data. developments etc. • Keep content relevant, informed Keep in mind… Some tips on creating an online and up-to-date, especially if you want social network to lead discussions. When joining an online social • Be clear about the purpose for your • If your website includes forums or network social network and ensure you have a blogs, help start interesting • Stay safe: never upload personal discussions and encourage active 2 For further discussion, see Overview, p.8 (this issue). information that may compromise 3 For example, Facebook and YouTube retain the rights debate. Use thoughtful discussion to use any information uploaded by members. In topics and summaries to which addition, some websites such as Facebook may retain a participants can respond. 1 See www.ericlee.info/2009/02/unionbook_launched. permanent archive of all material uploaded – even after html deleted by the member from their own profile page. • Encourage members to take a

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Research and Media Network is an online social network built using Ning that brings people together to improve communication of research findings. proactive role in contributing to the network – uploading material, notifying people of forthcoming events, writing event reports or messaging other members – this participation will provide wider exposure to member’s ideas and materials, as well as generate new content for the website. • You may want to stipulate that key TIPS FOR TRAINERS TIPS FOR members share materials – participation is critical to broadening future contributions. • Remember to offer guidance in the form of a help page and a Frequently Deleting or rejecting unwanted Review of various popular social Asked Questions (FAQ) page on how content should, wherever possible, networking platforms similar to Ning: to use and contribute to the website. always be mutually agreed between • http://tinyurl.com/tcrunchsn4 • Consider running a blog covering the the moderator and the contributor. development of your social network • Keep an email contact list for the Privacy and security issues website, describing new features and members of your social networking For further discussions on issues gathering feedback from users. website in a different location to the related to social networks, terms of server that is hosting the website. Should service, privacy and intellectual Keep in mind… anything go wrong with your social property rights see Ashley et al., p.x networking website (e.g. if your account (this issue) and also e.g.: When creating an online social is closed or a company goes out of • http://tinyurl.com/bbcfbook network… business and ceases service etc.) you will • http://tinyurl.com/ericlee-faceb • Social networking websites may not still be able to contact your members. • http://tinyurl.com/wikipfbook be appropriate for your target • http://tinyurl.com/wikipmsp audience. Other, more accessible Where to get started • http://tinyurl.com/digiactivefb5 communication platforms (such as There are several free or low-cost email discussion lists, DGroups.org or platforms to choose from – either as a Examples of social networking regular face-to-face meetings) may be new member of an existing network websites for development more appropriate. or to create your own. Here are some • Africa ICT Network: • Remember that managing online examples. http://ictafrica.ning.com social networking websites takes energy • Forest Connect: and time. Allow at least one hour per Social networking platforms http://forestconnect.ning.com day. Larger, more active networks may • www.linkedin.com • i-genius: http://i-genius.org/home require longer daily maintenance. • www.facebook.com • OneWorld TV: Remember to budget for the time. • www.meetup.com http://tv.oneworld.net • Avoid members adding inappropriate • www.ning.com • Research and Media Network: material to your website with clear • www.buddypress.org http://researchandmedia.ning.com editorial guidelines or moderation. Use • www.elgg.org • Web 2.0 Mapping and Social polite, private messages explaining • http://drupal.org Networks Group: why such material is inappropriate. • www.joomla.org www.meetup.com/webmapsocial

4 Full URL: www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/24/9- ways-to-build-your-own-social-network 5 To see the full URLs for these websites, see e- participation, p.130 (this issue).

114 TIPS FOR TRAINERS 115 6 5 Tips for trainers Tips 4 For further discussion and critical reflection on the For further discussion and critical reflection See Social bookmarking, p.119; also Tagging, Widgets mini portable applications which can are 4 5 6 use of filtering see Ethan Zuckerman, p.87, (this issue). p.117 (this issue) additional be easily added to a website to provide functionality and dynamic content. Widgets can also new functionalities. be combined to create • There are various websites that allow are • There • When subscribing to RSS feeds, blogs, websites, spend time searching social networks and social bookmarking websites to find relevant of information. and trusted sources as such • Some online feed readers Bloglines allow you to see other users’ RSS subscriptions – it is useful to see also what others in your field are online. reading • If bandwidth is an issue in your download a feed reader community, application and install it on your which will enable you to computer, your RSS feeds offline. read with • Users can choose the frequency checks RSS which their feed reader feeds for new information. Decide how often you want to receive updates. • Personal start-pages such as Pageflakes, iGoogle and Netvibes and customise allow you to create your own web page, integrating multiple RSS feeds and other social networking applications and widgets. • improve information-sharing, • improve especially with the combined use of tags, social bookmarks and RSS feeds Some tips on using RSS feeds incorporate content from your website from incorporate content by • add value to websites relevant automatically incorporating other websites information from • keep the level of content received manageable, targeted and relevant forget that using filters – don’t problem information overload is a real for many web users 3 Other syndication icons include Atom or XML. • Some feed reader applications will applications • Some feed reader download the content onto your viewing. computer and enable offline popular with • RSS feeds are a powerful publishers as they are and can tool marketing and outreach many automatically by be produced website platforms and blogs etc. web popular too with • RSS feeds are developers as they can incorporate and display external RSS feeds on their RSS their own website and share feeds with other websites. • The RSS icon on a web page shows visitors they can subscribe to an RSS feed by clicking on it or by the copying and pasting the link from RSS icon into their feed reader. Why use RSS feeds for Why development? With RSS feeds you can … the visibility and accessibility • improve of development content online your organisation, news, • promote or ideas by allowing campaign, project other websites to automatically • Content from multiple RSS feeds • Content from into one place i.e. can be aggregated a new RSS feed, a web page or a feed be manipulated They can also reader. either using filters – to increase mash-ups – to – or through relevance of information, combine sources adding value to the original content. 3 They have become very

1 2

Atom is another data format used in syndication. Syndication is where material on one website is Syndication is where popular with publishers and users alike owing to the ease and simplicity and use. of their production • Each RSS feed is comprised of one feed ‘items’. Each item or more consists of a URL, text and (optionally) multimedia content. An RSS feed could contain the latest news stories, the latest weather reports, or even releases, publications, press radio or television programmes. • Individuals can subscribe to RSS them, or RSS feeds can feeds to read be incorporated into other websites. popular with users for • RSS feeds are keeping track of news and new any number of websites content from directly delivered because updates are to them without the need to visit each of the websites in turn. Feeds could RSS enabled websites, come from news websites, blogs, social networks and social bookmarking websites. (or • Users can use a feed ‘reader’ to subscribe to and view ‘aggregator’) can RSS feeds. A feed reader different either be an online website/service or application installed on a software your computer. • RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a data format used for syndicating web content in the form of RSS or web ‘feeds’. What are RSS feeds? are What 1 2 made available to multiple other websites. See also p.124 (this issue). glossary,

Tips on using RSS feeds to access and share development online development share Tips on using RSS feeds to access and content – and how to filter it for relevance RSS feeds 116 TIPS FOR TRAINERS Tips fortrainers feeds onyourphone. youcanaccessyourRSS Internet, • Ifyourmobilephonecanaccess the Feedmarklet. tool tocreate RSSfeedsis be usedinthisway. Anothersimple bookmarking websiteDeliciouscan website isnotRSSenabled.Social content onyourwebsiteif create yourownRSSfeed of new pages. Thiscouldthenbeusedto manually bookmarkingspecificweb website eitherautomaticallyorby an RSSfeedofcontentfrom any • Somewebsitesallowyoutocreate reader ordisplayedonotherwebsites. then besubscribedtousingafeed producing anewRSSfeedwhichcan relevance ofthecontentand of RSSfeeds–improving the (aggregate) and/orfilterthecontent you tomanipulate,combine Pacific countries. in African, Caribbean, and development practitioners news withagricultural feeds andemailtoshare NewsforDev.org usesRSS available. Here are some examples. There are manyfeedreaders Where togetstarted for details). filter newcontentonline(seebelow Online isproject where peoplealso value. Forexample,GlobalVoices into otherlanguagesaddadditional expert commentaryandtranslate meaningful contexts,whichhave portals thatputnewsinto incredibly useful.However, web and well-filtered multiplesources are • RSSfeedsfrom trustedwebsites Keep inmind… Rsstotwitter.com. Twitterfeed.com or service Twitter.com anRSSfeedvia • You cansendmicro-blogging 7 (this issue). characters inlength.SeealsoMicro-blogging, p.108 Content received viaTwitter isonlyupto140 7 4bc8-a511-bb0a1ee95e12 9 8 feed reader functionality. Firefox orOperaalsoincludebasic Note: severalwebbrowsers e.g. (forMac) NetNewsWire • www.newsgator.com/Individuals/ • www.newsfirerss.com (forMac) FeedDemon (Win) • www.newsgator.com/Individuals/ Downloadable feedreaders • http://feedshow.com newsGatoronline • www.newsgator.com/individuals/ • www.google.com/reader • www.bloglines.com Web-based feedreaders • NewsForDev:www.newsfordev.org • IIED:www.iied.org/rss-feeds http://globalvoicesonline.org/feeds • GlobalVoices Online: http://blog.afrigator.com/about • Afrigator: using RSS Examples ofdevelopmentwebsites • http://tinyurl.com/dotsubrss english • www.commoncraft.com/rss_plain_ language subtitlesonDotsub.com: and Spanish.Alsowithmultiple Also inFrench, German,Portuguese Video: RSSinPlainEnglish • http://tinyurl.com/rssbbc Very basicguidetoRSSfromBBC • www.feedmarklet.com • www.zaptxt.com • http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes • www.filtermyrss.com • www.feedsifter.com • www.feedrinse.com RSS feedfilters, mashersandeditors Full URL:http://dotsub.com/view/69aa48a4-a95f- Full URL:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/help/3223484.stm 8 9 TIPS FOR TRAINERS 117 Tips for trainers Tips 6 For example, during the Web2forDev conference, For example, during the Web2forDev 6 participants were encouraged to use the tag participants were to describe any uploaded content ‘Web2forDev’ to the event, e.g. blog posts and photos. related Some tips on using tags possible, always tag • Where information or data that you upload blog online e.g. online presentations, posts, photos, videos and reports. • See what tags other people in your For using for similar content. field are example, social bookmarking websites list popular tags chosen by other Internet users to describe they have online resources bookmarked. • Assign multiple tags to a piece of content. Include the most important What year Is it a report? keywords: was it published? Is it about an event? Which organisations? Which countries? Which topics? unique tags is an • Creating important way of differentiating content. This can be particularly where useful for events/conferences organisers encourage participants to unique tag to use a pre-specified that event identify material from write-ups, photos or (such as reports, blog posts). Why use tags for development? Why be used to… can Tags find and share • organise, structure, development content for possibilities • open up more sharing and collaboration, making it online interesting easier to share content on particular themes with others information-sharing, • improve especially with the combined use of tags, social bookmarks and RSS feeds collections of popular • create development tags used by others (e.g. a development folksonomy). 4 This is 3 5 2 See also RSS feeds, p.115, this issue. two or more A mash-up is combining data from Internet bookmarks (or ‘Favourites’) are stored web Internet stored bookmarks (or ‘Favourites’) are See glossary on p.121 for a definition of folksonomies. also especially useful for content it has which cannot be tagged where been uploaded. that support tagging will • Websites often allow an RSS feed to be generated for a particular tag or set of tags. This RSS feed enables tagged content to be syndicated to other via a feed reader. websites or read • Geotags are tags that give a • Geotags are geographic location for a piece of content (e.g. a photograph) often using longitude and latitude information. Flickr allows photographs to be geotagged and geotagging is important becoming increasingly especially for use in mash-ups. • Social bookmarking websites like Delicious allow users to add their own tags to Internet bookmarks to help them. organise and remember • Tagging is particularly important for • Tagging media such as photo, video and audio, which unlike text does not content other have word-searchable than a title or short description. • The practice of ‘social tagging’ to with others is quickly resources share A 2.0. becoming a staple of Web collection of online user-generated to as a tags is often referred ‘folksonomy’. external online sources. See glossary, p.122 (this issue). external See glossary, online sources. page locations (URLs) that can be retrieved. See Social page locations (URLs) that can be retrieved. bookmarking, p.119 (this issue). 5 2 3 4

It is a 1

Metadata is a form of data assigned to any piece Tagging one-word descriptor or keyword that descriptor or keyword one-word a user can assign to online content, such as documents, blogs, photos and videos. describe and categorise content • Tags and allow it to be found again by the Internetsearching using that keyword. also usually hyperlinks, are • Tags which if clicked, will show all content tagged with that keyword. to organise makes it easier • Tagging and describe information in a manner that is personally meaningful. to the chosen according are • Tags of the user. personal preferences existing While some websites provide categories of tags for users to choose their own users can also create from, tags or keywords. cloud’ is a • A ‘tag cloud’ or ‘word visual list of tags that have been used on a website or blog etc. The tags shown in used most often are that are larger font sizes and/or different colours. • Most blogs and social networking websites allow users the option to tag Ning and their content e.g. Flickr, Technorati. • Tagging is the process of assigning is the process • Tagging or tags. online content with keywords • A tag is a form of metadata. What is tagging? What 1 of data, which allows it to be retrieved. See glossary, of data, which allows it to be retrieved. p.122 (this issue). Tips on using tags and tagging for development Tips on using tags and tagging for development Tips for trainers

The cover image of this special issue represents some of the more widely-used keywords or ‘tags’ associated with Web2forDev.

Keep in mind… • Some keywords can have several meanings. For example, ‘orange’ can refer to the colour, the fruit or the telecommunication brand. • Be consistent in the way you use tags to identify content related to a particular topic. This enables yourself and others to find information more easily. TIPS FOR TRAINERS TIPS FOR • If you want a community of users to use tags e.g. members of an online social network, provide easy-to-follow guidelines on how to create and use tags as well as a list of popular or specific tags that are used in the specific area of interest. • If you are creating tags for a specific topic, event, website or online group to use, decide on your unique tags in advance – and make sure people • http://technorati.com (for blogs) website see e.g.: know what they are. This will prevent • www.youtube.com (for videos) • www.web2fordev.net the need to retag numerous • www.slideshare.net (for presentations) • https://twitter.com/web2fordev documents later on and ensure that related content can be found more To see an example of how content Create graphical tag (or ‘word’) easily by others. tagged with a particular keyword clouds for any text, feed or Delicious (web2fordev) is displayed in Delicious, user’s tags: Where to get started see e.g.: • www.wordle.net • http://delicious.com/tag/web2for Some common examples of websites dev Video: Introductions to tagging and using tags folksonomies • www.flickr.com (for photos) To see how content tagged with • http://k12onlineconference.org/? • www.delicious.com (for bookmarks) ‘web2fordev’ is syndicated on a p=273

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Some tips on using social TIPS FOR TRAINERS bookmarks Social bookmarking • Social bookmarking websites often have downloadable add-ons (or ‘extensions’) available for your web browser to make it easier to Tips on using social bookmarks for development bookmark web pages and content with one mouse click. • If your website is not able to produce RSS feeds, you can create your own by bookmarking and What is social bookmarking? most common tags that have been tagging your new content in • Social bookmarking allows users to used to classify a particular web page. Delicious. This allows you to manually tag and save links to web pages and • Tagging is a key element of social create and add new items to a new online documents in the form of bookmarking. Users can search for RSS feed of the content tagged with a bookmarks that they want to bookmarks using one or more tags.1 specific keyword. The RSS feed could remember and/or share. • Many social bookmarking websites then be displayed on your website • Social bookmarking websites have provide RSS feeds for lists of and would also be available for others evolved from free online bookmark bookmarks created by users or tagged to use. websites, which simply allowed you to with particular keywords. This allows • In the same way, you can use store your web page bookmarks (or subscribers to see new bookmarks as Delicious to create and manually add ‘favourites’) online so you could access they are tagged, saved and shared by items to new RSS feeds highlighting them from any computer connected to other users and for RSS feeds to be content from any website. Used the Internet. incorporated on other websites.2 strategically, this is a way of classifying • Social bookmarking websites now • Some social bookmarking websites and then promoting content by allow users to tag, organise, search allow features such as adding notes or making it available for syndication to and share their own and other people’s commenting on bookmarks, rating other websites and viewing in feed bookmarks, often producing RSS feeds bookmarks, and saving copies of the readers.3 and sometimes allowing comments content being bookmarked. and discussion of particular Keep in mind… bookmarks. Why use social bookmarks for • When tagging bookmarks, some • People increasingly use social development? keywords can have several meanings. bookmarking to organise, share and Social bookmarks can be used to… For example, ‘orange’ can refer to the promote content. • organise, structure and share colour, the fruit or the • Social bookmarks are saved on a development content with others telecommunications brand. remote web server, not on your • follow what websites and • Just because you create a bookmark computer, so can be accessed from documents other people in your field for a web page or online document, it anywhere with an Internet connection. are reading does not mean that page or • Most commonly, bookmarks can be • enable others to find information on document will always be there. either public or private, but it is the particular themes more easily Content on the Internet can be ability to share with others that builds • create collections of popular moved or removed without warning. collaborative value. bookmarks related to development It is a good idea to save a copy of any • Users can view other users’ and share these lists with other users important information you want to bookmarks chronologically and also • share information in a more keep. see how popular different bookmarks powerful way by combining the use of 3 are i.e. how many times particular web social bookmarks, tags and RSS feeds For example, http://forestconnect.ning.com uses Delicious to create a list of documents already pages or documents have been available online as well as website links, and then 1 bookmarked by others, as well as the See also Tagging, p.117 (this issue). uses the RSS feed from Delicious to display the list 2 See also RSS feeds, p.115 (this issue). of documents and links on their Ning website.

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An example of how bookmarked content tagged with ‘web2fordev’ is displayed in Delicious. TIPS FOR TRAINERS TIPS FOR

Where to get started • Digg: http://digg.com An example of how content tagged There are several social bookmarking • Diigo: www.diigo.com with a particular keyword (e.g. websites that you can join. Here are • Muti: www.muti.co.za web2fordev) is displayed in Delicious: some examples. • Stumbleupon: • http://delicious.com/tag/ www.stumbleupon.com web2fordev Social bookmarking websites • Delicious: www.delicious.com Review of top ten social An example of how this content can • Technorati: http://technorati.com bookmarking websites: be syndicated on a website: • Google Bookmarks: http://tinyurl.com/bookmarks- • www.web2fordev.net www.google.com/bookmarks review4 • https://twitter.com/web2fordev

4 Full URL: http://websearch.about.com/od/best websites/tp/freebookmarks.htm

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on the user's computer. Many TIPS FOR TRAINERS external applications exist for Glossary of managing bookmarks online (see Social bookmarks). Web 2.0 terms Content Management System (CMS) This glossary lists most of the commonly-used terms describing Web 2.0 A server-based software used to 1 tools that are found in this special issue of PLA. Please note that the publish, edit and control the glossary is not an exhaustive list and does not include more technical workflow of content in a website. It computing terms. integrates many functions that enhance web services and their Aggregator (see also RSS feeds) an important part of blogging. Most interfaces can be freely customised. An aggregator (or ‘news aggregator’ blogs are primarily textual although For example, web portals are or ‘feed reader’) is a piece of some focus on photographs structured using CMS. software or online service that (photoblogs), videos (vlogs), or audio receives and displays multiple web files (audio blogs or Podcasts) and are Crowdsourcing feeds of syndicated web content part of a wider network of social Crowdsourcing means to outsource a such as news headlines or blog media. To ‘blog’ or to be a ‘blogger’ task to a crowd of undefined, posts. An aggregator could be a means to maintain or add content to generally large group of people. website displaying the latest a blog. Commonly used in Web 2.0 projects headlines from multiple other news such as citizen journalism where the websites or a feed reader application Blogosphere input of individuals is solicited. For that a user downloads to run on Blogosphere is a collective term example, Okolloh (this issue) describes their computer to enable them to encompassing all blogs and their the use of crowdsourcing to gather subscribe to, and view, RSS feeds of interconnections. It is the perception and distribute citizen reports. the latest content from multiple that blogs exist together as a websites without having to visit each connected community (or as a Feeds (see RSS feeds) website in turn. collection of connected communities) or as a social network.2 Feed reader (see Aggregator) Audio blog (see Blog and Podcast) Bookmarks (see also Social Folksonomy (see also Tags) Blog bookmarks) The term ‘folksonomy’ (combining the A blog (short for ‘web’ and ‘log’) is a Internet bookmarks are stored web words ‘folk’ and ‘taxonomy’) refers to website, usually maintained by an page locations (URLs) that can be a collection of online user-generated individual. Blogs contain regular retrieved. As a feature of all modern tags. Folksonomies are created commentary, descriptions of events, Internet web browsers, their primary collaboratively when people create or other material such as photos, purpose is to easily catalogue and and use tags to annotate and audio files or videos. Blogs often access web pages that a user has categorise content such as blog posts, provide commentary or news on a visited and chosen to save. Saved photographs, web links and other particular subject, such as food, links are also sometimes called web content. This bottom-up politics, or local news. Some function ‘favourites’. Bookmarks are normally classification system has emerged as more personal online diaries. A visible in a browser menu and stored from social tagging, also known as typical blog combines text, images, collaborative tagging, social 1 and links to other blogs, web pages, Throughout this special issue, we make reference classification, and social indexing.3 to Web 2.0 ‘tools’, which includes applications, and other media related to its topic. platforms and services. See our definition of Web 2.0 The ability for readers to leave tools in this glossary. 2 Source: Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ comments in an interactive format is Blogosphere 3 Adapted from: Wikipedia.

121 122 TIPS FOR TRAINERS Tips fortrainers Aggregator) News aggregator (see clips. be text,photosorveryshortvideo Micro-bloggingInternet. updates can or instantmessagingaswellviathe including SMStextmessaging,email submitted viaavarietyofmeans publish veryshortposts,commonly A formofbloggingwhere users Micro-blogging metadata. picture orfile.Tags are aformof information aboutthesizeofa webpage describingthecontent,to from keywords inthehtmlofa Metadata isdataaboutotherdata, Metadata publishers ofthecontentsources. necessarily intended)bytheoriginal or servicethatwasnotprovided (or sources toproduce anewsetofdata that actuallycombinesonlinedata A more advancedmash-upisone feeds, suchastext,pictures orvideos. different contentfrom multipleRSS creating awebpagethatpullsin its simplest,amash-upcouldbejust onlinesourcesexternal together. At combining datafrom oneormore A mash-upisaggregating or Mash-up through mash-ups. used tocreate visualmapsofdata posts orRSSfeeds.Itisincreasingly photographs, video,websites,blog to variousmediasuchas geographical identificationmetadata Geotagging istheprocess ofadding Geotagging Software) (FOSS) (seeOpenSource Free OpenSource Software open_source_software 5 4 Personalised start-page Open source software (OSS) Social networking) Online socialnetworking syndicated. to themethodbywhichitis either totheseriesofcontentitselfor term broadcast, Podcastcan refer content isaddedviaafeed.Likethe downloaded automaticallywhennew be syndicated,subscribedtoand digital mediaformatsbyitsabilityto is distinguishedfrom most other APodcast distributed viatheInternet. digital mediafilesautomatically A Podcastisaseriesofaudioorvideo Podcast networking applicationsandwidgets. multiple RSSfeedsandothersocial customised webpage,integrating that allowuserstocreate theirown Personal start-pagesare webpages PC2PC (see to asFOSS). (for thisreason, theyare oftenreferred manner. OSSare typicallyfree-to-use developed inapublic,collaborative unmodified form.Itisveryoften redistribute itinmodifiedor improve thesoftware, andto permits userstouse,change,and the OpenSource Definition.This such asthepublicdomain)thatmeets copyright license(orarrangement code ismadeavailableundera which thehuman-readable source defined ascomputersoftware for Open source software (OSS)canbe A post(orposting)refers tocontent Post Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasting Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_ 5 4 VoIP ) (see blogs isreferred toasapost. Typically, commentarywrittenon that isuploadedtotheInternet. similar contentsyndicationformat. Really SimpleSyndication.‘Atom’isa defined asRichSiteSummaryor radio ortelevisionprogrammes. RSSis publications, press releases, oreven weather reports, thelatest could containthelatestnewsstories, multimedia content.AnRSSfeed consists ofaURL,textand(optionally) one ormore feed‘items’.Eachitem reader. EachRSSfeediscomprisedof individuals tosubscribeviaafeed available tootherwebsitesorfor for websyndicationtomakecontent RSS isawebfeeddataformatused RSS feed(seealso communicate and collaboratewhile or webservicethatallowspeople to Social software isatypeofsoftware Social software classified byotherusers. topic, astheyare noted,tagged and aware ofnewresources foragiven This allowssubscriberstobecome based ontags,oraparticularuser. allow userstosubscribewebfeeds many socialbookmarkingservices is acontinuouslyevolvingprocess, classification andrankingofresources of folksonomytechniques.Sincethe and search linksthrough thepractice popular waytostore, classify, share Social bookmarkingwebsitesare a service tosharebookmarks. Internet Social bookmarkingisaweb-based Social bookmarks Messaging Service,orSMS. telephone isknownasShort Sending atextmessageviamobile Mobile phonetextmessagingservice. Short MessagingService(SMS) Web feed) TIPS FOR TRAINERS 123 Tips for trainers Tips The term Web 2.0 was first used The term Web With the first phase of the web, They make the discovery of new Web 2.0 Web to a 2.0 refers The term Web of web second generation perceived development and design that facilitates communication, secure information-sharing, cooperation and Widecollaboration on the World to as the Sometimes referred Web. 2.0 and write’ web, Web ‘read concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities, hosted services, and applications. These include applications such as social networking websites, video- and photo-sharing websites, wikis and blogs. by Eric Knorr in December 2003 and became notable after the first O'Reilly in 2004. 2.0 conference Media Web Although the term suggests a new Wide it version of the World Web, to an update to any does not refer technical specifications, but to changes developers and in the ways software end-users utilise the web. most people could only read 2.0 information online. New Web technologies now make it possible for most Internet users e.g. to edit and their own content on websites create that incorporate these technologies. They allow non-web designers to put their own content (writing, audio, video, etc.) online easier than ever They make content more before. portable than ever and easier to remix, in a different mash together or reuse 2.0 tools utilise this user- context. Web generated content and the economy of scale/network multiplier effect to draw valuable connections created users and content. between related example of a VoIP service. See: example of a VoIP www.skype.com ) Tag ) (see Tag (see also Blogs) Vlogs A form of blog that contains video content. (VoIP) over Internet Protocol Voice or low-cost free services are VoIP online platforms which enable you to ‘phone make individual or conference one computer to another calls’ from to as PC2PC). Skype is one (referred Trackback content User-generated The concept of enabling a community of users – not just individual authors – the content on a website, to create there, contribute to what is already govern determining its accuracy, it by and ensure usefulness, and relevance is updated as that the resource content is needed. User-generated such typified by information resources On as Wikipedia or YouTube.com. these websites, user-generated content is everything: without the is no content. users there Tagging A trackback (or linkback) function on a blog is to notify another blog that them on your referencing you are own blog. Tag cloud (see also Tag is a cloud’ A ‘tag cloud’ or ‘word showing visual list of tags or keywords tags or of user-generated groups website content. A tag cloud links together a collection of other tags popular associated tags. More shown using larger font sizes are colours. and/or different association of keywords (metadata) to association of keywords that makes it the file or document an Internet-easier to locate during content. for related based search Personalised Start- Personalised Tags Web syndication) Syndication (see Web or term keyword A tag is a (relevant) associated with a piece of online article, content (like a picture, website, or video clip) to describe the a piece of content will item. Typically, than one tag associated have more mostly chosen are with it. Tags informally and personally by the or the consumer of the author/creator item – i.e. not as part of some formally-defined classification scheme (taxonomy). A collection of online tags is often referred user-generated is the Tagging to as a folksonomy. Start-page (see page) Social networking Online social networking tools focus on building online communities of and/or interests people who share a new activities. Social networks are generation of online community tools devoted to Internet-based to similar networking, which are specific interactive websites but offer A social and processes. features network service brings together common interests, people who share such as photography or a social issue in exploring interested and who are of others and learningthe interests about their peers. Social more networking websites make the between people visible. relationships using the application. Email, blogs, using the application. all are and even instant messaging Many examples of social software. tools believe advocates of using these actual community, that these create and have adopted the term ‘online communities’ to describe the social that they claim result. structures 124 TIPS FOR TRAINERS Tips fortrainers we are referring toasWeb 2.0tools. tools, methodsandtechnologiesthat to coverallthedifferent applications, tool. We generallyusetheterm‘tools’ depending ontheactualuseof been more appropriate touse technology orapproach mighthave terms webapplication,method, mentioned inthisspecialissue,the wikis, andblogs. websites, video-sharing tools includesocialnetworking information. ExamplesofWeb 2.0 ways wecreate, share, andpublish Web 2.0).Thesecanenhancethe referred toastheparticipatorywebor applications andservices(often free orlowcostinteractiveweb based. There are dozensofemerging also forapplicationsthatare web- computer software applicationand Tool isusedhere asshorthandfora Web 2.0tools access, store andrecall. information thatanyofusare ableto exponentially increase theamountof than everbefore. content more automatedandrelevant Wherever webtoolsare They havethepotentialto one websiteismadeavailableto Web syndicationiswhere materialon Web syndication Web log(see Web feed(seeRSS perspectives. development information,ideasand moderating andmediating combining, aggregating, generating, Web2forDev isaboutintegrating, content released byothers. information andredistribute piecesof material, decideonlevelsofaccessto produce andpublishtheirown connect tootherstakeholders, development actorscanrelate and development. Itisabouthow about theactiveuseofthesetoolsin Web2forDev isthatWeb2forDev is between Web 2.0toolsand development. Thedistinction production ofcontentfor information-sharing andcollaborative services tointentionallyimprove short –isawayofemployingweb development –orWeb2forDev for Participatory Web 2.0for Web2forDev Blog) ) subscribers (usingRSSorwebfeeds). multiple otherwebsitesorindividual pick andchoosefrom. libraries ofwidgetsfortheirusersto personalised startpagesprovide social networkingwebsitesand functionalities. Manyblogplatforms, combined tocreate new canalsobe content. Widgets additional functionalityanddynamic added toawebsiteprovide applications whichcanbeeasily are miniportable Widgets Widgets such asWikipedia. specific wikisites,e.g.encyclopaedias of suchawebsite,ortocertain engine) thatfacilitatestheoperation collaborative software itself(wiki The termwikialsocanrefer tothe tool formasscollaborativeauthoring. operation makesawikianeffective This easeofinteractionand linking amonganynumberofpages. change content.Italsoallowsfor allows userstoadd,remove, editand workspace. Awikiisawebsitethat A wikiisanonlinecollaborative Wiki IN TOUCH 125 Duncan Green From Poverty to Poverty From Power How active citizens and effective states can change the world Amartya by Foreword Sen eas: politics, markets, and Active citizenship is a combination states can guarantee Effective states? History has Why effective vulnerability. In each case it finds that vulnerability. best to tackle inequality are efforts of a combination achieved through states. active citizens and effective of rights and obligations that link individuals to the state, including paying taxes, obeying laws, and the full range of political, exercising civil, and social rights. Active citizens the quality use these rights to improve of political or civic life, through involvement in the formal economy or the sort of formal politics, or through collective action that historically has to allowed poor and excluded groups For those make their voices heard. who do not enjoy full rights of citizenship, such as migrants or (in women, the first step some cultures) is often to organise to assert those rights. and can security and the rule of law, design and implement an effective inclusive economic strategy to ensure states, often known Effective growth. as ‘developmental states’, must be accountable to citizens and able to guarantee their rights. Oxfam International, 2008 Oxfam International, ISBN 978-0-85598-593-6 to grapple efforts This book explores with inequality and poverty in three key ar Book reviews in touch in . Do you methodologies? Are you a trainer methodologies? Are of any key you aware yourself? Are training materials that you would with other trainers? like to share Publications. Do you know of any key publications on participatory methodologies and their use? Have you (or has your organisation) or any books, reports, produced videos that you would like other to know about? readers information Electronic conferences know of any electronic or pages on the Internet which information on exchange or provide participatory methodologies? Other information. Perhaps you have ideas about other types of information that would be useful for this section. If so, please let us know. • • • to: Please send your responses Participatory Learning and Action, London IIED, 3 Endsleigh Street, WC1H ODD, UK. Fax: + 44 20 7388 2826; Email: [email protected] audience, to put you, as a Networks. Do you have links with local, national or recognised international networks for practitioners of participatory learning? so, what does this If – training? network provide newsletters? resource material/library? a forum for sharing experiences? Please tell us about the contact details network and provide for other readers. . Do you know of any Training forthcoming training events or courses in participatory Welcome to the In Touch section of to the In Touch Welcome Participatory Learning and Action. to these pages we hope Through participatory resource a more create for the Participatory Learning and Action readers. in touch with other reader, want this section to be a key We of up-to-date information on source training, publications, and networks. help is vital in keeping us all in Your touch about: • • Book reviews

shown that no country has Participatory Livestock prospered without a state than can Development: An Emergency actively manage the development Introduction Guidelines and process. The transformations of Azmal Hussain Standards (LEGS) countries such as South Korea, Santap Sanhari Mishra Practical Action IN TOUCH Taiwan, Botswana, or Mauritius have ISBN: 81-314-0799-3 Publishing, 2009 been led by states that ensure health The Icfai University ISBN 978-1-85539- and education for all, and which Press, 2008 679-3 actively promote and manage the process of economic growth. The A participatory approach to The Livestock Emergency Guidelines road to development lies through development has emerged mainly and Standards (LEGS) are a set of the state. because of the recognition of the international guidelines and standards Why active citizenship? People limitations of the conventional for the design, implementation and working together to determine the approach. The major limitation of assessment of livestock interventions course of their own lives, fighting for the conventional approach is that it to assist people affected by rights and justice in their own does not necessarily hold all the humanitarian crises. They provide societies, are critical in holding stakeholders accountable. guidance on the identification of states, private companies, and others Participatory approach involves local appropriate livestock responses, to account. Active citizenship has people, development agencies, and followed by detailed information on a inherent merits: people living in policy makers, deciding together number of interventions, namely: poverty must have a voice in how progress should be measured, destocking, veterinary services, the deciding their own destiny, rather and how results are acted upon. It provision of feed, the provision of than be treated as passive recipients can reveal valuable lessons and water, livestock shelter and of welfare or government action. improve accountability. The settlement, and restocking. LEGS is a This book argues that active incorporation of “local knowledge” multi-agency initiative supported by a citizenship and effective states are in development projects is now number of donors and based on compatible, as well as desirable. The commonplace and this has been consultation and contributions from a challenge is to combine them as made possible only through the broad range of individuals and early as possible in a country’s introduction of participatory agencies from around the world. development. However, the development modules. The post-publication activities are relationship between the two is This book focuses on how as follows: complex. They march to different participatory development is • Development of training materials rhythms, the steady grind of state attracting interest from many based on LEGS; machineries contrasting with the quarters by offering new ways of • Recruitment of a team of ‘consultant ebb and flow of civil society assessing and learning from changes trainers’ to carry out Training of activism. In many cases, long-term that are more inclusive, and more in Trainers courses based on LEGS; development requires an element of tune with the views and aspirations • Implementation of the training in 12 deferred gratification, requiring of those directly affected. It provides regions across the world; businesses to reinvest rather than an opportunity for development • Translation of LEGS into French and skim off profits, rich people to organisations to focus better on other languages (to be made available accept redistribution of wealth and their ultimate goal of improving as soft copies for download from the income for the sake of national people’s lives. website) stability and growth, and poor Price: US$ 17 (PB) (Overseas Orders) • Application to the Sphere Project for people to limit demands for the INR 425 (Special Indian price) ‘companion module’ status (see: improved wages and social spending Available from The Icfai University Press. www.sphere.org); that they so desperately need. www.icfaipress.org Email • Maintenance of a technical support Available from Oxfam Publications. [email protected] capacity. www.oxfam.org.uk/publications If you are interested in hosting a

126 Book reviews

training in your country, please purpose is to provide insights and dependent on fuel imports, national IN TOUCH contact the LEGS Coordinator: lessons for academics and practitioners oil production could make a long-term [email protected]. involved in CBNRM in many contexts. contribution to poverty alleviation. But Available to purchase in hard copy from Available from Earthscan: for sustainable development to occur, Practical Action at http://developmentbookshop. www.earthscan.co.uk participatory governance must ensure com/product_info.php?products_id=1534 that people are involved in the and available to download for free in pdf Village voice: decision-making processes affecting format from the newly updated LEGS towards inclusive their lives. This paper first analyses the website: www.livestock-emergency.net information adequacy of the existing legal technologies framework on access to information Partnerships for IIED Briefing Paper and participation. On the basis of Empowerment. Ben Garside interviews and focus group studies it Participatory IIED, 2009 further examines the main practical Research for barriers to better public participation. Community-based A decade ago it was dubbed the The author finds that in practice, Natural Resource ‘digital divide’. Now, the gap in public participation is subject to Management information and communications several financial, technical and political Edited by Carl technologies (ICTs) between North and constraints. The culture of secrecy Wilmsen, William Elmendorf, Larry Fisher, South is slowly shrinking. The within government bodies, weak civil Jacquelyn Ross, Brinda Sarathy and Gail Wells developing world accounts for two- society structures as well as the politics Earthscan, 2008 thirds of total mobile phone of patronage remain substantive ISBN 9781844075638 subscriptions, and Africa has the challenges for the fair and equitable world’s fastest growing mobile phone management of natural resources in Participatory research has emerged as market. By gaining a toehold in Uganda. an approach to producing knowledge affordable ICTs, the poor can access Downloadable at www.iied.org/pubs/ that is sufficiently grounded in local the knowledge and services they need display.php?o=14574IIED needs and realities to support to boost their livelihoods. But to be community-based natural resource sustainable, technologies need to Legal tools for citizen management (CBNRM), and it is factor in social realities. These include empowerment: touted as crucial to the sustainable how people already share knowledge, Increasing local management of forests and other and adapt to introduced technologies. participation and natural resources. Participatory approaches that keep benefit in Mali’s This book analyses the current development concerns at their core mining sector state of the art of participatory and people as their central focus are Amadou Keita, research in CBNRM. Its chapters and key. Moussa Djire, with Kadari Traoré, Kader case studies examine recent Downloadable at www.iied.org/pubs/ Traoré, Djibonding Dembelé, Arouna experiences in collaborative forest display.php?o=17051IIED Dembelé, Mamadou Samassekou, and management, harvesting impacts on Moussa Doumbo forest shrubs, watershed restoration in Public Participation IIED, 2008 Native American communities, civic and Oil Exploitation ISBN 978-1-84369-713-8 environmentalism in an urban in Uganda neighbourhood and other topics. Gatekeeper 138 Mali’s mining sector has grown greatly Although the main geographic focus Christoph Schwarte since the early 1990s, and is now the of the book is the United States, the IIED, 2008 second largest source of export issues raised are synthesised and ISSN 1357-9258 income. But while the state receives discussed in the context of recent significant revenues, at the local level critiques of participatory research and In 2006 oil was discovered in Uganda. mining operations have been CBNRM worldwide. The book's With the country’s economy highly associated with loss of land rights and

127 Book reviews / Events & Training

environmental pollution. This study In recent years, many legal Organization of the UN, the identifies legal tools that can be used services organisations have International Institute for by local people to better secure their developed innovative ways for using Environment and Development, and land rights and to participate more legal processses to help the Faculty of Law of the University effectively in investment decisions and disadvantaged groups have more of Ghana jointly organised an

IN TOUCH benefits. secure rights over their land. The international workshop to promote Also available in French. Downloadable at approaches, tools and methods used an exchange of experience among www.iied.org/pubs/display.php?o=12554IIED vary widely across contexts – from practitioners. This report captures legal literacy training to paralegals the highlights of workshop Legal empowerment programmes; from participatory discussions. in practice. Using methodologies to helping local www.iied.org/pubs/display.php?o= legal tools to secure groups register their lands or 12552IIED land rights in Africa negotiate with government or the edited by Lorenzo private sector, through to legal To subscribe to IIED e-newsletters Cotula, and Paul Mathieu representation and strategic use of (e-news and new publications), FAO and IIED, 2008 public interest litigation. In 2008, please email [email protected] ISBN 978-1-84369-703-9 the Food and Agriculture or visit www.iied.org

theoretical understanding of Website: www.theworkshop.in Events and participatory approaches and tools as Praxis website: www.praxisindia.org well as the opportunity to apply them training in the field. The ten days include Participatory Appraisal Workshop The Workshop 09 - 13th general and specific module based 7-11 September 2009, the University of International Commune on theory, three days in various rural, Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences, Institute of Participatory Development peri-urban and urban field settings, as Atmospheric and Environmental Science 30 September-9 October 2009 appropriate to the module content, Kerala Institute of Local Administration and finally a sharing, reflection and An intensive five day workshop (KILA) Campus, Thrissur, Kerala, India feedback session. organised by the Office of Lifelong The following training modules Learning, concentrating on the practical will be included: applications of PA and including a • Child Participation: Methodology placement at the end of the week to put and Good Practice the skills learned into practice. Previous The Workshop is an annual event • Community-led Local Level Planning placements have taken place with the where development workers, policy • Community-led Monitoring and Bilston Wood Community Project and makers and proactive individuals Evaluation the Woodland Trust Scotland. come together from across the world • Community-led Poverty The cost of the workshop is £575 to share information, experiences and Assessments (volunteer rate £375 by special keep themselves abreast of the latest • Participatory Methods and application) which includes all tuition in the field of participatory Approaches costs, in-course transportation, development. • Participatory Theatre documentation, refreshments and a This is the 13th Workshop • Public Accountability: Approaches sandwich lunch on four days. organised by Praxis – Institute for and Challenges Registration deadline: 10 August 2009 Participatory Practices as part of its • Training of Trainers Full information can be found on the efforts to promote participation in all Fees: INR 25, 000 for Indian participants website at www.lifelong.ed.ac.uk/cpd/ forms of human development. Euro 1,400 for International participants courses/geosciences where you can Workshop 09 is a residential 10- For more details and/or to apply: download the registration form and course day workshop and provides both a Email: [email protected] flier and also book online.

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Environmental Consensus & Conflict sandwich lunch on four days during theories, ethics, applications, and IN TOUCH Resolution the course. Registration deadline: 4 methods of community-based 1-3 September 2009, the University of August 2009. mapping and its role in participatory Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences, Institute Full information can be found on the learning and action as well as larger of Atmospheric and Environmental Science website at www.lifelong.ed.ac.uk/cpd/ processes of integrated community- courses/geosciences where you can based development. This course, This is an intensive 3-day workshop download the registration form and course while drawing on many of the recent which applies theory and consensus flier and also book online. case studies, academic writings, and building skills in a practical way and reports from the field, will be highly encourages participants to work in Community-based Mapping (on-line interactive and will emphasize the depth on their own case study course) sharing of experiences, ideas, and material. The scope and format of the 28 August-2 October 2009, International insights from course participants. workshop has been developed in Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) This is an online course, organised response to positive feedback from at Colorado State University in a seminar format with weekly previous participants, who have been readings, presentations and attracted from government agencies, Mapping can be a powerful tool for assignments along with discussion business and NGOs. communities to use to better manage among participants. While participants The cost for this workshop is their resources, plan for the future, are not required to access the courses £450. A special discount rate of £350 record and utilise local knowledge, at specific times it will be necessary to is available for a limited number of raise awareness about areas of access the course at least two or more volunteers (a special application concern in their environmental and times each week to download should be made for the volunteer social landscape, and communicate assignments, post reactions, and give rate). The fee includes all tuition costs, their priorities and concerns to feedback to other course participants. in-course transportation, external agencies or government For more information visit www.colostate. documentation, refreshments and a officials. This course will explore edu/Orgs/IISD/courses/Mapping.html

129 130 IN TOUCH docid=-2469769595078354835 1 between, peopleandorganisations experiences of,andbuildingbridges An onlinespaceforsharingthe Communication InitiativeNetwork Dotsub for‘Commoncraft’). multiple languagesubtitles(search available onDotsub.comwith can bedownloadedforafee.Also Portuguese. Free towatch online – French, Spanish,Germanor English withtheoptiontowatchin tools andideas.Presented in Plain to awideselectionofsocialmedia A seriesofshortvideointroductions Common Craft: SocialMediaPack communication technologies(ICTs). through theuseofinformationand movements andindividualsin and supportorganisations,social organisations thataimstoempower A globalnetworkofcivilsociety Communications Association forProgressive with themedia. starting acampaignandengaging A campaigningmanualwhichcovers Manual Amnesty InternationalCampaigning Rural CooperationEU-ACP(CTA). Technical Centre forAgriculturaland in AfricabyPeopleTVandthe have beenusingWeb 2.0applications Educational videoonhowfarmers Web 2.0in Africa Agriculture andNew Technologies: e-participation www.comminit.com www.commoncraft.com/social-media-pack www.apc.org 2001/en www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ACT10/002/ http://tinyurl.com/ctaweb2inafrica Full URL:http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay? c=d84f51bb-0442-4f21-bd84-1a03e0d68cef social developmentandchange. communication foreconomicand engaged inorsupporting bulletin ICT Update: acurrent awareness and theUK. students andcommunitiesinGhana awareness, workingwithteachers, tools topromote development used videoandotherdigitalmediaas A developmenteducationproject that The Fiankoma Project information ondevelopment. tools toshare, accessandassess repository, eventlistings,andsearch directories, anemaildigest,online thematic dossiers,organisation including alerts,countryprofiles, web-based informationservices, applicationstoproduceUses Internet Euforic Development. with topicsrelated toWeb 2.0for Electronic discussiongroup dealing Group DGroups: Web2ForDevDiscussion 2 countries. Caribbean andPacific(ACP) rural developmentinAfrican, relevant toICTs foragriculturaland issue focusesonaspecifictheme technologies fordevelopment.Each about informationcommunication ICT Updateisabimonthlybulletin http://ictupdate.cta.int www.fiankoma.org www.euforic.org http://tinyurl.com/dgroupsweb2fordev Full URL:http://dgroups.org/Community.aspx? 2 4 3 (IICD) Communication andDevelopment The InternationalInstitutefor initiatives indevelopingcountries. understand theimpactofinformatics policy-makers andconsultantsto be usedbyICT4Dpractitioners, Presents asetofframeworksthatcan compendium ofapproaches Development Projects: a Impact Assessment ofICTfor publications/wp/di/di_wp36.htm practitioners inACPcountries. with agriculturaldevelopment RSS andemailtoshare information NewsforDev isaCTA project thatuses professionals NewsForDev: Newsfordevelopment and canaddtagstobookmarks. Users bookmarkandvoteonURLs Africans orthoseinterested inAfrica. dedicated tocontentofinterest to A socialbookmarkingwebsite Muti State University. Professor MichaelWesch, Kansas Educational videoonWeb 2.0by The MachineisUs/ingUs development. specialises inICTasatoolfor IICD isanon-profit foundationthat www.iicd.org http://tinyurl.com/ICT-SED http://NewsForDev.org www.muti.co.za http://tinyurl.com/machine-us Full URL:www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLlGopyXT_g Full URL:www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/research/ 4 3 e-participation

Open Forum on Participatory Web2forDev 2007 International Digiactive IN TOUCH Geographic Information Systems Conference website http://tinyurl.com/digiactivefb and Technology http://2007.web2fordev.net Blog post by Gaurav Mishra: ‘The www.ppgis.net This website offers a collection of Perils of Facebook Activism: walled Supports community mapping for resources including recorded gardens, serial activists and hackers.’8 conservation, development, natural presentations by keynote speakers at resource management and customary the Web2forDev conference. Eric Lee blog property rights. http://tinyurl.com/ericlee-faceb Web2forDev Gateway Blog post by Eric Lee: ‘Bandwagons Personal Media Learning Center www.web2fordev.net and Buzzwords: Facebook and the www.ourmedia.org/learning-center A virtual meeting point for innovators Unions.’9 A rich educational resource for dealing with the use of Web 2.0 everything you wanted to know applications in development. Provides Global Voices Advocacy about user-created video, audio, and access to a number of related social http://tinyurl.com/gvbloganon other forms of citizens' media. networking spaces. Recommends Article by Ethan Zuckerman: websites dealing with Web 2.0 for ‘Anonymous Blogging with Social Bookmarking Sites Development. Wordpress & Tor.’10 http://tinyurl.com/bookmarks-review Review of the top ten social Web2forDev WebRing Wikipedia bookmarking websites.5 http://tinyurl.com/web2fordev-ring http://tinyurl.com/wikipfbook This is the hub of the ring of websites, http://tinyurl.com/wikipmsp The 59 smartest non-profit blogs and wikis sharing common Discussions related to social organisations online interests in collaborative online networking websites Facebook and www.squidoo.com/org20 applications used in the context of MySpace.11 12 These charities were chosen for their development work. This WebRing excellence in online storytelling and aims to facilitate access to relevant EXAMPLES OF ONLINE SOCIAL collaboration with their donors and Web2forDev information and peer-to- NETWORKS FOR DEVELOPMENT because of their use of Web 2.0 tools peer knowledge exchange.6 to engage their constituents far Africa ICT Network beyond asking them for donations. ARTICLES ON PRIVACY CONCERNS http://ictafrica.ning.com OVER WEB 2.O TOOLS A networking community for people Video for Agricultural and Rural who are professionally involved in the Development For further discussions on issues African ICT Industry. http://video.cta.int related to Web 2.0 and privacy, This video portal initiated by CTA in censorship, terms of service and Development CAFE 2004 is a collection of video clips and intellectual property rights see e.g.: www.thedevelopmentcafe.org films about ARD issues in ACP Development CAFE is an interactive countries. This portal shares BBC News online social network for experience/knowledge about using http://tinyurl.com/bbcfbook development professionals for people video for agricultural and rural News article: ‘Websites “keeping development. deleted photos”.’7 8 Full URL: www.digiactive.org/2009/04/17/the- perils-of-facebook-activism-walled-gardens-serial- activists-and-hackers 9 Full URL: www.ericlee.info/2007/11/bandwagons_ and_buzzwords_faceb.html 10 Full URL: http://advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org/ projects/guide 6 Full URL: http://h.webring.com/hub?ring=web20 11 Full URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of fordevelop1 _Facebook 5 Full URL: http://websearch.about.com/od/best 7 Full URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/ 12 Full URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_ websites/tp/freebookmarks.htm 8060407.stm Myspace

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from all over the world to meet and reduction and international EXAMPLES OF DEVELOPMENT BLOGS interact and share information and development through the use of resources based on the development appropriate technology and the Afrigator sector. sharing of project information. http://afrigator.com Afrigator is a social media aggregator IN TOUCH The Environment Site Kabissa: Space for change in Africa and directory built especially for www.theenvironmentsite.org/forum http://wiki.kabissa.org African digital citizens who publish A social network for people interested An online wiki manual for African civil and consume content on the Web. in environmental issues. society organisations who want to learn more about integrating Web 2.0 Alive in Baghdad Forest Connect technology into their work. http://aliveinbaghdad.org http://forestconnect.ning.com A website and blog dedicated to A social network dedicated to Small Telecentres-Africa showing the conflict through the voices and Medium Forest Enterprises (SMFEs). www.share4dev.info/telecentres of Iraqis, with testimonies from individual A platform for sharing experiences Iraqis, footage of daily life in Iraq, and i-genius about telecentre activities in Africa. short news segments from Iraq. http://i-genius.org/home Includes a wiki which provides a Supports social change and helps collaborative space for sharing related Blogsessive members develop partnerships with experiences. http://blogsessive.com established organisations. A website which includes blogging Web2forDev on Wikipedia tips, Wordpress tools and plug-ins, OneWorldTV http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web2fordev themes and answers to your blogging http://tv.oneworld.net Editable description and definition of related questions. Non-profit video-sharing network the Web2forDev concept on Wikipedia. aimed at people interested in BROSDI audio blog development, environment, etc. WikiAdvocacy http://audioblog.podbean.com http://wikiadvocacy.org The Busoga Rural Open Source and Research and Media Network WikiAdvocacy is a free, reader-built Development Initiative audio blog about http://researchandmedia.ning.com guide, as well as an online community effective local agricultural practice. A social network for people who for advocacy. communicate about sustainable Brussels Development Briefings development research. WikiEducator http://brusselsbriefings.net www.wikieducator.org This blog includes all the relevant Social Source Commons An online collaborative community documents about the regular http://socialsourcecommons.org project that focuses on the learning development briefing sessions in A useful website to find new for development agenda. Search for Brussels on key issues and challenges communications tools. Lists groups of Community Empowerment, a new for rural development in the context web-based tools from different and evolving section on the new of EU/ACP cooperation. people working in the non-profit WikiEducator website. sector, grouped into ‘toolboxes’ and CEDICT: Communication, Education ranked by popularity. Wikipedia and Development using ICT http://en.wikipedia.org http://cedict.blogspot.com EXAMPLES OF DEVELOPMENT WIKIS Wikipedia is a free online A blog about individual and community encyclopaedia that anyone can edit. development using new information Appropedia Wikipedia is multilingual and is now and communication technologies, www.appropedia.org the ninth most popular website in the especially e-learning, open educational This wiki explores collaborative world. Includes useful development resources, open source, Web 2.0, solutions in sustainability, poverty content. blogs, wikis, social networking, social

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bookmarking, semantic web and other topics of circumventing Internet filtering, Roxanna Samii blog IN TOUCH social software. anonymous blogging and effective use http://rsamii.blogspot.com of Internet-based tools in campaigns for This blog talks about development, CrissCrossed social and political change.13 knowledge management, change www.crisscrossed.net management, organisational CrissCrossed focuses on how social I collaborate, e-collaborate, we behaviour, ICTs, rural livelihoods, changes occur via communication, collaborate leadership, management and other online tools, their impact, potential www.icollaborate.blogspot.com related subject matters. and challenges in the context of This blog is run by the members of cultural diversity. Includes topics related the E-collaboration learning Web2fordev Blog to network learning and knowledge community who work in http://blog.web2fordev.net management for development. development organisations based in Developed during the Web2fordev 2007 the Netherlands. conference, this blog is an archive of CTA Brussels interesting debates and resources related http://brussels.cta.int ICT-KM Programme to Web 2.0 methods, approaches and This blog shares information on key http://ictkm.wordpress.com applications for development. ACP-EU programmes and events from The ICT-KM blog focuses on the Brussels relevant to agriculture and promotion and support of the use of Voices of Africa rural development in ACP countries. information and communications http://voicesofafrica.africanews.com Users can subscribe online to the technology (ICT) and knowledge An African blog, which aims to help weekly e-newsletter. management (KM). talented Africans build a career in media, using currently available Ghana GINKS storytelling blogs Indian Kisan Blog technologies that are not yet www.ginks.blogspot.com http://kisan.wordpress.com financially affordable in Africa. GINKS is a network of individuals and Discussions, data, figures and articles organisations that seeks to promote on issues related to food security in EXAMPLES OF ONLINE PLATFORMS ICT4D in Ghana. Includes a video blog India. USING MOBILE PHONES (vlog). Mashable Mobileactivism Global Voices http://mashable.com http://mobileactive.org http://globalvoicesonline.org Mashable is the world's largest blog A community of people and An international advocacy network. focused exclusively on Web 2.0 and organisations using mobile phones for Collates, translates and reports on Social Media news. social impact. blogs and citizen media everywhere, with an emphasis on voices that are Reporters Without Borders Ushahidi not ordinarily heard in international www.rsfblog.org www.ushahidi.com mainstream media. Brings together free speech activists Crowdsourcing citizen reporting tool and other Internet users who are that uses FrontLine.com SMS services Global Voices Advocacy: Blog for a concerned about what is happening to enable citizens to upload and Cause! in the world and provides a way to receive reports, breaking news etc. http://tinyurl.com/globalvoicesblog publish information that is censored Developed for humanitarian crisis A series of manuals focused on the in their own countries. situations.

13 Full URL: http://advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org/ projects/guide-blog-for-a-cause

133 RCPLA Network

In this section, we update readers on activities of the Tel/Fax: +94 1 587361; Email: [email protected] Resource Centres for Participatory Learning and Action West Africa Region: Awa Faly Ba Mbow, IED-Afrique, BP Network (RCPLA) Network (www.rcpla.org) and its 5579 Dakar Fann, Senegal. Tel: +221 33 867 10 58; members. RCPLA is a diverse, international network of Fax: +221 33 867 10 59; Email: [email protected] national-level organisations, which brings together Website: www.iedafrique.org development practitioners from around the globe. It was European Region: Jane Stevens, Participation, Power and formally established in 1997 to promote the use of Social Change Group, Institute of Development Studies participatory approaches to development. The network is (IDS), University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK. dedicated to capturing and disseminating development Tel: + 44 1273 678690; Fax: + 44 1273 21202; RCPLA NETWORK perspectives from the South. For more information please Email: [email protected]; Website: contact the RCPLA Network Steering Group: www.ids.ac.uk/ids/particip RCPLA Coordination and North Africa & Middle East Region: Participatory Learning and Action Editorial Team, Ali Mokhtar, Near East Foundation – Middle East Region, International Institute for Environment and Development Center for Development Services (CDS), 4 Ahmed Pasha (IIED), 3 Endsleigh Street, London WC1H 0DD, UK. Tel: +44 Street, 10th Floor, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt. Tel: +20 2 795 207 388 2117; Fax: +44 207 388 2826; Email: 7558; Fax: +20 2 794 7278; Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; Website: www.planotes.org [email protected]; Website: Latin America Region: Jordi Surkin, Grupo Nacional de www.neareast.org/main/cds/default.aspx Trabajo para la Participación, PO Box 3371, Santa Cruz, Asia Region: Tom Thomas, Director, Institute for Bolivia. Tel/Fax: +591 3 3376076; Email: [email protected]; Participatory Practices (Praxis), S-75 South Extension, Part II, Website: www.gntp.org New Delhi, India 110 049. Tel/Fax: +91 11 5164 2348 to 51; Eastern Africa Region: Eliud Wakwabubi, Participatory Email: [email protected]; www.praxisindia.org Methodologies Forum of Kenya (PAMFORK), Jabavu Road, Jayatissa Samaranayake, Institute for Participatory PCEA Jitegemea Flats, Flat No. D3, PO Box 2645, KNH Post Interaction in Development (IPID), 591 Havelock Road, Office, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel/Fax: +254 2 716609; Email: Colombo 06, Sri Lanka. Tel: +94 1 555521; [email protected]

News from the RCPLA Network participation as an active process to know that PLA 57 entitled: Coordinator throughout the project cycle and Immersions: learning about poverty identify the challenges faced in face-to-face is now available online Deepening Participation for Social deepening the use of participatory in Arabic. Guest edited by Izzy Birch Change approaches. The case of the Young and Raffaella Catani (Praxis), with Although the concept of Women Leadership Program (YWLP) Robert Chambers, the theme for this participation has become a popular implemented in Egypt will serve as a special issue centres on experiences one in development activities, there successful model for deepening the of face-to-face learning, or is often a remarkable lack of an participatory approach for social immersions – opportunities for actively participatory process in the change. The publication will also development professionals to spend implementation of projects. include tips on how to monitor and a period of time living with and Deepening Participation for Social evaluate the process of learning from a poor family. See Change was identified by the RCPLA implementing the participatory www.rcpla.org/page. members as the theme for the year approach and will be followed by a php?pg=publications#arabic 2008-09. In this context the network training manual on adopting and The RCPLA website has been is planning a publication that aims to strategising this approach. updated; new publications and promote the effective adoption of resources are now available at the participatory approach. Participatory Learning and Action 57 www.rcpla.org This publication will present now available in Arabic To join the network, please conceptual reflections on Readers in the Middle East and North contact Ms Passinte Isaak, email: participation in development, analyse Africa will be particularly interested [email protected]

134 RCPLA NETWORK 135 (Eyben, R. and Applications are now open for the Applications are Last autumn saw the publication Napier-Moore, R.). Napier-Moore, News from the European Region: the European News from at the Institute of PPSC Group Development Studies (IDS) The Participation, Power and Social has been at IDS Change (PPSC) Group working on a range of issues over months. Amongst many recent activities, colleagues have been facilitating a workshop in Mali focusing on rights-based approaches; session and final convening the third of the BINGO (Big International who have been NGOs) group of social as agents exploring their role the impacts change; and researching of the food, fuel and financial crisis people. poorest on the world’s of Robert Chambers’ new book, Revolutions in Development Inquiry, published by Earthscan, which was launched at the Edinburgh Radical Also published by the team Book Fair. the IDS Bulletins Reclaiming were Feminism: Gender and Neoliberalism (Cornwall,A.) and Intergeneartional Cultivating Agency? Transmissions: J.). The Citizenship (Moncrieffe, Centre Development Research published the IDS Focus Policy Briefing 05, Building Responsive States: Citizen Action and National Policy Change and the Pathways of Women’s published Empowerment programme Conceptualising Women’s Empowerment in International Development Agencies with Cooperation Housing Foundation (CHF) International and of Municipal the Bolivian Federation implementing a Associations that is the to strengthen five year project management and investment capacity of municipalities in Bolivia. For more information visit www.gntp.org GNTP is part of a new consortium This campaign will be GNTP’s environment and sustainable environment GNTP’s on is working landscapes programme Withtwo key projects. Conservation International it is running a conservation and knowledge that focuses on management project landscape conservation, sustainable economic development, They comanagement and other areas. to analyse also starting a project are and Adaptation Human Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Madidi PRA landscape (Bolivia). In this project methods will be used to examine how feeling the impacts communities are of climate, the adaptation mechanisms they have developed, and how climate change will affect their well-being. This participatory will be combined with a research scientific analysis of climate change and historical models, predictions more weather data, to produce results. project rigorous News from the Latin America the Latin News from Nacional de Grupo Region: la Partipación para Trabajo (GNTP) with the affected people for whom with the affected for the last the river has been flooding of the Kosi five decades. The people their anger and spoke basin expressed of their demands. A people’s manifesto was generated in the visited and each community process by the team came up with a plan to Lok candidates of the 15th confront Sabha elections with their manifesto. profiled Issues and vulnerabilities were using participatory video, GPS and satellite imageries, and participatory processes. research fully in a future documented more information issue of PLA. For more visit www.praxisindia.org/kosi section. The area between the The area Praxis initiated a boat journey Voices of the Kosi – of the Kosi Voices A pre-election aroundf the Kosi campaign people’s Basin During April 2009, Praxis coordinated a campaign in Purnia district, Bihar state to connect with inhabitants of the Kosi basin along part of the The campaign of the Kosi river. stretch was undertaken by a number of civil society organisations prominent of Bihar and media representatives. The overall aim was to give excluded, marginalised and vulnerable groups along the Kosi river an active voice in their own equitable and sustainable development. embankments of Kosi river comprises over 380 villages and houses nearly 12 lakh people, and it exemplifies the most glaring form of exclusion from basic services and development opportunities. Since the construction of the Kosi barrage in the early 1950s and subsequent submergence of the have villages, inhabitants of the area with any never been provided in blatant violation of recourse, of compensation made to promises them by the then Prime Minister Mr. Jawahar Lal Nehru, which included of land, employment and provision houses. of the Kosi river the stretch across between embankments to connect Workshop 09 Workshop 09 – for Workshop Praxis is preparing the Annual Praxis Commune on Participatory Development, to be held to 9th 30th September in Kerala from details see Events For more October. in the In Touch and Training News from the Asia Region: the News from India – Institute for Praxis Practices Participatory 136 RCPLA NETWORK RCPLA Network the needtotransformagricultural autonomous foodsystems Towards FoodSovereignty. Reclaiming multimedia bookinthemaking The latestchapterofanonline food andagriculturalresearch Democratising thegovernanceof (IIED) Environment andDevelopment International Institutefor News from theEuropean Region: [email protected] any oftheactivitiespleasecontact For more informationontheMAor deepening theirknowledgeandskills. critically reflect ontheirpracticewhile change activiststheopportunityto development workersandsocial course offers experienced October thisyear. Thisactionlearning Change whichwillcommencein Participation, PowerandSocial 2009 MastersProgramme in focuses on and forpeople. andactionby,enhance learning with knowledge producers andusersto expand horizontalnetworksof research system.Thesecondseeksto and runningofastrengthened public other citizensintheactualgovernance a more centralplacetofarmersand two pronged approach. Thefirstgives and technocraticelites.Heproposes a ahead ofthoseprivatecompanies which research serveslocalinterests research prioritiestogether, andin scientists andlocalpeoplesetstrategic working inwhichpolicymakers, knowledge andwaysofknowing.” the chapteriscalled“Transforming science. Authored byMichelPimbert, knowledge systemsandwestern and equivalencybetweenindigenous as wellnotionsofcognitivejustice conservation andnaturalresource use of knowledgeassociatedwith research. Italsoaddresses thepolitics Pimbert proposes anewwayof org/pubs/display.php?o=G02493 governance-learning-group resources/key-issues/forestry/forest- website: www.iied.org/natural- GroupLearning isavailableontheIIED information ontheForest Governance completed byautumn2009.Further Asian countries.Thefilmsare duetobe members inseveralotherAfricanand GroupForest Learning Governance as wellmaterialcontributedby andUganda, Malawi, Ghana,Vietnam overview pluscasestudiesfrom achieved. Thesefilmswillincludean worked on,andhowthiscanbe justice, andthatsuchproblems forest problems are related tosocial short videostoshowthatmanykey working withafilmmakertoprepare Learning Group, IIED’s partnersare As partoftheForest Governance sustainable forestuseusingfilms Promoting practical, justand Download thechapteratwww.iied. can be 56 57 58 56 57 participatory learning and action58 participatory learning and action participatory learning and action participatory learning and action General issue Towards empowered 57 Immersions: participation: stories 56 learning about 58 and reflections Come on board, good citizens! poverty face-to-face 're here to give 57 Weyou a voice in a 56 deliberative 58 democratic Look! process! some new people to 57 engage 56 58 with! 56 57 58 Deliberative what? 57 Couldn't you stop 56June 2007 December 2007 our crops being 58June 2008 © Kate Charlesworth washed away again? 56 57 58 order form The Participatory Learning and Action series has teamed up with IngentaConnect, a leading international online publisher. Recent and current issues are now available to purchase online. Visit: www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iiedpla/pla Prices: Download whole issue in PDF format: US$32.00/£18.00 Subscribers to the series can access their Download per article/PDF: US$15.00/£7.50 subscription online at no extra charge. Most back issues can be downloaded free of charge from our website www.planotes.org See our subscriptions form for details. Quantity Order no: required Issue 59: Jun 2009 US$32.00 14563 IIED Change at hand: Web 2.0 for development ...... Issue 58: Jun 2008 US$32.00 14562 IIED Towards empowered participation: stories and reflections ...... Issue 57: Dec 2007 US$32.00 14558 IIED Immersions: learning about poverty face-to-face ...... Issue 55: Dec 2006 US$32.00 14523 IIED Practical tools for community conservation in southern Africa ...... Issue 54: Apr 2006 US$32.00 14507 IIED Mapping for change: practice, technologies and communications ...... 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144 participatory learning and action

Guidelines for contributors involved in participatory approaches; now housed by the Institute of For a full set of guidelines, visit our • an assessment of the impacts of a Development Studies, UK. Practical website www.planotes.org or contact us participatory process; information and support on participation at the address below. • potentials and limitations of scaling up in development is also available from the and institutionalising participatory various members of the RCPLA Network. Types of material accepted approaches; and, This initiative is a global network of • Articles: max. 2500 words plus • potentials and limitations of resource centres for participatory illustrations – see below for guidelines. participatory policy-making processes. learning and action, which brings • Feedback: letters to the editor, or together 15 organisations from Africa, longer pieces (max. 1500 words) which Language and style Asia, South America, and Europe. The respond in more detail to articles. Please try to keep contributions clear and RCPLA Network is committed to • Tips for trainers: training exercises, tips accessible. Sentences should be short and information sharing and networking on on running workshops, reflections on simple. Avoid jargon, theoretical participatory approaches. behaviour and attitudes in training, terminology, and overly academic Each member is itself at the centre of etc., max. 1000 words. language. Explain any specialist terms a regional or national network. Members • In Touch: short pieces on forthcoming that you do use and spell out acronyms in share information about activities in their workshops and events, publications, full. respective countries, such as training and online resources. programmes, workshops and key events, We welcome accounts of recent Abstracts as well as providing PLA information experiences in the field (or in workshops) Please include a brief abstract with your focused on the particular fields in which and current thinking around article (circa. 150-200 words). they operate. participation, and particularly encourage More information, including regular contributions from practitioners in the References updates on RCPLA activities, can be found South. Articles should be co-authored by If references are mentioned, please in the In Touch section of Participatory all those engaged in the research, include details. Participatory Learning Learning and Action, or by visiting project, or programme. and Action is intended to be informal, www.rcpla.org, or contacting the network In an era in which participatory rather than academic, so references coordinator: Ali Mokhtar, CDS, Near East approaches have often been viewed as a should be kept to a minimum. Foundation, 4 Ahmed Pasha Street, 10th panacea to development problems or Floor, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt. Tel: +20 2 where acquiring funds for projects has Photographs and drawings 795 7558; Fax: +2 2 794 7278; Email: depended on the use of such These should have captions and the [email protected] methodologies, it is vital to pay name(s) of the author(s)/photographer attention to the quality of the methods clearly written on the back. If you are Participation at IDS and process of participation. Whilst we sending electronic files, please make sure Participatory approaches and will continue to publish experiences of that the photos/drawings are scanned at a methodologies are also a focus for the innovation in the field, we would like to high enough resolution for print (300 dpi) Participation, Power and Social Change emphasise the need to analyse the and include a short caption and credit(s). Group at the Institute of Development limitations as well as the successes of Studies, University of Sussex, UK. This participation. Participatory Learning and Format group of researchers and practitioners is Action is still a series whose focus is We accept handwritten articles but involved in sharing knowledge, in methodological, but it is important to please write legibly. Typed articles should strengthening capacity to support quality give more importance to issues of power be double-spaced. Please keep participatory approaches, and in in the process and to the impact of formatting as simple as possible. Avoid deepening understanding of participation, asking ourselves who sets embedded codes (e.g. footnotes/ participatory methods, principles, and the agenda for participatory practice. It endnotes, page justification, page ethics. It focuses on South-South sharing, is only with critical analysis that we can numbering). exchange visits, information exchange, further develop our thinking around action research projects, writing, and participatory learning and action. Submitting your contribution training. Services include a Participation We particularly favour articles which Contributions can be sent on paper or by Resource Centre (open weekdays) with contain one or more of the following email to: The Editors, Participatory an online database detailing materials elements: Learning and Action , IIED, 3 Endsleigh held. The Group also produces a • an innovative angle to the concepts of Street, London WC1 0DD, UK. newsletter and operates an email participatory approaches or their Fax: +44 20 7388 2826 distribution list. application; Email: [email protected] For further information please • critical reflections on the lessons learnt Website: www.planotes.org contact: Jane Stevens, IDS, University of from the author’s experiences; Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK. • an attempt to develop new methods, Resource Centres for Participatory Learning Tel: +44 1273 678690 or innovative adaptations of existing and Action (RCPLA) Network Fax: +44 1273 621202 ones; Since June 2002, the IIED Resource Centre Email: [email protected] • consideration of the processes for Participatory Learning and Action has Website: www.ids.ac.uk 59 59 59

Web 2.0 tools and approaches are radically changing the ways we create, share, collaborate and publish digital information through the Internet. Participatory Web 2.0 for development – or Web2forDev for short – is a way of employing web services to intentionally improve information-sharing and 59 online collaboration for development. Web 2.0 presents us with new opportunities for change – as well as challenges – that we need to better understand and grasp. This special issue shares learning and reflections from practice and considers the ways forward for using Web 2.0 for development.

Participatory Learning and Action is the world’s leading informal journal on participatory approaches and methods. It draws on the expertise of guest editors to provide up-to-the minute accounts of the development and use of 59 participatory methods in specific fields. Since its first issue in 1987, Participatory Learning and Action has provided a forum for those engaged in participatory work – community workers, activists, and researchers – to share their experiences, conceptual reflections and methodological innovations with others, providing a genuine ‘voice from the field’. It is a vital resource for those working to enhance the participation of ordinary 59 people in local, regional, national, and international decision-making, in both South and North.

ISBN: 978-1-84369-716-9 ISSN: 1357-938X 59 Order no: 14563IIED

International Institute Technical Centre for Agricultural for Environment and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA) and Development Postbus 380 3 Endsleigh Street 6700 AJ Wageningen London WC1H 0DD, UK The Netherlands 59

Tel: +44 20 7388 2117 Tel: +31 317 467100 Fax: +44 20 7388 2826 Fax: +31 317 460067 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.planotes.org Website: www.cta.int IIED website: www.iied.org 59