MIGIS

China, Cambodia, Using ICTs for strengthening participatory processes

Keywords:- Participation, community development, GIS, Project Planning, Literacy

MIGIS: to make a significant contribution to the quality and effectiveness of participatory planning; by introducing the use of GIS and advanced graphic techniques into the PRA process; and, using the images produced in a way that would enhance the presentation and therefore the authority and impact of information collected in and provided by communities in which development intervention was planned.

The project uses computer GIS systems and enhanced graphics to validate and present information gathered participatorily from illiterate and semi literate communities.

The project strengthens participatory processes and gives a voice to the community to government officials.  It is interesting how the use of “computer presentations” can overcome the bias of some officials who might believe that the poor are ignorant of their situation.