Using ICTs for Poverty Reduction and Environmental Protection in Kenya The "M-vironment" Approach
Wainaina Mungai · 2005
Mungai recommends 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 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. This paper is dedicated to my son, Jesse—the first of the next generation that will, as a result of aggressive national m-vironment initiatives, inherit a more sustain-able world. A Developing Connection 43 “Nations are like the traditional African three-legged stool. When the three legs of peace, democracy and equitable sharing of environmental resources are firm, there is a seat for sustainable, productive development to take place. Wobbly legs, make for wobbly nations.”1