Using smartphones to combat climate change

Source(s): Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

In cooperation with network operator Digicel and the United Nations, GIZ has developed a mobile phone quiz with more than 40 multiple choice questions for the citizens of the island state of Vanuatu, which is particularly at threat from disasters. Text messaging was used to inform residents on even the most isolated islands about climate change and explain how they can protect themselves and their harvests from storms and floods. They also learned how to lay stocks by for emergencies, provide secure shelter for their livestock and plant fast-growing cereal crops. When the severe cyclone 'Pam' struck Vanuatu in 2015, many of the 70,000 people who had completed the quiz were able to draw on this knowledge.

Immediately after the storm, those affected were able to use a special smartphone app adapted for the purpose by GIZ and the Ministry of Agriculture to report on their situation regarding supplies.

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Country and region Vanuatu
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