Ushahidi

Definition

Ushahidi is a crowdsourcing platform that allows users to gather and share information through mapping and data collection, primarily in response to crises or events. It emerged in 2008 after the post-election violence in Kenya and has since been used globally to enhance transparency and accountability in various situations, showcasing the growing role of technology in governance and citizen engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ushahidi was developed initially as a tool to map reports of violence in Kenya during the 2007-2008 post-election crisis, which highlighted the need for real-time information sharing.
2. The platform uses SMS, email, and web reports to collect data, making it accessible even in areas with limited internet connectivity.
3. Ushahidi has been utilized in numerous contexts, including elections monitoring, disaster response, and human rights advocacy, demonstrating its versatility.
4. The software is open-source, allowing developers worldwide to contribute to its improvement and adapt it for various applications.
5. Ushahidi reflects emerging trends in African governance by promoting civic participation and enhancing accountability through technology-driven solutions.

Review Questions

• How did Ushahidi emerge as a response to the political situation in Kenya, and what does this reveal about the role of technology in governance?
  • Ushahidi emerged during the 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya when there was a critical need for real-time information sharing about incidents of violence. This situation highlighted the potential of technology to facilitate civic engagement and empower citizens by providing them with a platform to report and map events. The development of Ushahidi demonstrates how digital tools can play a significant role in enhancing transparency and accountability in governance by enabling citizens to actively participate in monitoring their environment.
• Evaluate the impact of Ushahidi on civic participation in Africa and how it represents an emerging trend in governance.
  • Ushahidi has significantly impacted civic participation by providing a platform for ordinary citizens to report incidents and share information during crises. This tool empowers individuals to become active participants in governance rather than passive observers, promoting transparency and accountability. As an emerging trend in African governance, Ushahidi illustrates how technology can facilitate communication between citizens and authorities, fostering a more informed and engaged populace that holds leaders accountable for their actions.
• Analyze the implications of Ushahidi's open-source nature for its scalability and adaptability across different contexts beyond Africa.
  • Ushahidi's open-source nature allows developers from around the world to modify and improve the platform according to specific needs and contexts. This flexibility has enabled Ushahidi to be used effectively not only in Africa but also in various regions globally for crisis mapping, disaster response, and election monitoring. By fostering collaboration among developers and users, Ushahidi serves as a model for leveraging technology to address local issues while promoting global best practices in governance, ultimately contributing to a more informed citizenry capable of advocating for their rights.

Related terms

Crowdsourcing: The practice of obtaining information or input into a project by enlisting the services of a large number of people, often via the Internet.

Crisis Mapping: The use of mapping tools and techniques to visualize and analyze data related to humanitarian crises, disasters, or social issues.

Open Data: Data that is made available to the public for free, allowing individuals to access, use, modify, and share it for various purposes.