Understanding Community-based Information Systems
In the Millennium Villages
Information plays an important role in community development. Mothers want to know about the diseases spreading amongst their children. Farmers want to know where to sell their
crops. Community leaders want to know what issues are causing the most problems. Traditional knowledge systems (TKS) address this exchange of information in communities
(developing and developed) around the world, but they often do so in an inefficient and incomplete manner.
A Community-based Information System (CBIS) builds on TKS with strategic and technological adjustments. Carefully designed, a CBIS collects community data and distributes it
automatically, at a low cost, and in a culturally-cognizant manner. In doing so, it helps people with questions get answers. It empowers communities to make more educated
decisions for their futures.
This website illustrates both the possible tools for a CBIS and insights into the context where one might soon be applied.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
