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Using ICTs for poverty reduction and environmental protection in Kenya: “The M-vironment” approach
2005, Wainaina Mungai, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
The author calls for a more significant consideration of environmental issues in the regional and national poverty reduction and ICT discussions in Kenya. Specifically, he recommends addressing poverty reduction as proposed in the MDGs and resolutions of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). Opportunities for quick gains for Kenya lie in e-environment and e-agriculture initiatives. An illustration of a potentially beneficial application of new technologies is found in mobile telephony. The author presents the “M-vironment Framework,” a mobile telephony platform which can help enable financial sustainability for environmental protection efforts; facilitate awareness-raising and exchange of information; strengthen early warning systems; raise environmental consciousness among ICT solutions providers; create employment; and protect livelihoods. The paper presents analyses from Kenya case studies and proposes a framework for sectoral and national policy development (Adapted from author).