About
OneWorld has been active in the fields of development, energy and climate change adaptation and mitigation in Sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere since 2001.
Problem
There were a range of platforms in use to share and disseminate knowledge on climate change / food security across the Eastern and Southern African regions. The functionality and content of each platform differed, which led to problems in organising an ever expanding research agenda.
Solution
Using our expertise in multi-authored online platforms, we researched and compiled a report on the development of a knowledge-sharing portal for climate change / food security researchers in Eastern and Southern Africa, including a strategy for its implementation. We used an online survey to assess the broader information / knowledge sharing needs of the African climate change community, including but not limited to researchers, policy makers and government and for a more targeted response, we contacted key stakeholders.
We conducted a close analysis of relevant websites, user groups, newsletters and databases and the way in which climate change information was made available through them. We critically assessed these from a technical point of view in terms of their ability to facilitate sharing and collaborative input. We then considered the functionality and usability of these resources, highlighting where improvements could be made in terms of identified information/knowledge sharing needs.
Result
A summary of research recommendations was provided, with suggestions on possible ways in which information/knowledge sharing could be improved to best suit identified user needs. We advised OneWorld on what we feel the best platform for this type of resource would be, provided examples of similar projects as well as the best types of software and applications to manage it. We also provide a mock up design of what the platform could look like and made recommendations on how to implement Search Engine Optimisation and the use of social media networks and Web 2.0 technologies to ensure an integrated web presence. The report was discussed at regional Eastern and Southern African level by OneWorld and their partners, and the portal could be implemented at a future date.
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