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The authors explore the use of Web 2.0 tools for development and introduce readers to the concept of Web2forDev. Web 2.0 tools are radically changing the ways we create, share, collaborate and publish digital information through the Internet. Participatory Web 2.0 for development (Web2forDev for short) is a way of employing web services to intentionally improve information-sharing and on-line collaboration for development. It presents us with new opportunities for change - as well as challenges - that we need to better understand and grasp. The authors consider learning and reflections from practice and consider ways forward.
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The author describes the development of an on-line social networking website. Members of the international Forest Connect Alliance had expressed a strong demand for greater information-sharing. The website provided a platform for members to quickly and easily access and share information about state-of-the-art practice in small and medium-sized forest enterprises. Since its creation, the online social network has 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.
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The authors describe the work of the Busoga Rural Open Source and Development Initiative (BROSDI) in Uganda. BROSDI works with a network of farmer organisations to generate, collect and share local information about effective agricultural practice. BROSDI integrates a range of Web 2.0 tools and more traditional approaches û from digital radio, mobile phones, and blogs to regular Knowledge Sharing Forums and working with Village Knowledge Brokers
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The author explores the potentials for citizen journalism or æcrowdsourcingÆ, and how in Kenya during the 2007 election crisis the innovative Ushahidi website was developed for sharing information. This website enabled citizens to send in and receive news reports either via the internet or by mobile phones. The Ushahidi platform has now been redeveloped to improve its potential in humanitarian crisis situations û integrating a series of Web 2.0 applications.
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The author explores the lessons learnt from the information communication technologies for development (ICT4D) paradigm shift to Web2forDev. ICT4D helped to mainstream ICTs in to development thinking and highlight issues of access and connectivity in the developing world. Whilst ICT4D was mostly driven by technology hype and a narrow approach to how we use the tools, Web 2.00 has a stronger focus on social and decentralised networking. However, key issues remain: access, connectivity, capacity-building, literacy and language. The author argues the need to holistically appropriate, adapt and integrate these technologies in our work.