IDIA2009 Conference
Re-thinking Acute Emergencies Response through Communication Technology in African Rural Communities
Kathleen Diga
Jason Musyoka
International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Abstract
Local rural communities frequently receive little assistance in resolving acute emergencies. Some African governments have attempted to implement emergency hotline numbers to facilitate a rapid response to emergency situations, but in most cases coverage is limited to urban areas or transport routes. Despite the growth of mobile phone usage, these emergency hotlines remain unknown to, and unused by, many rural citizens. A further problem with these free numbers is that abusive prank calls are made to the emergency call centres which tie up hotlines and fatigue emergency service dispatchers. In rural areas, emergencies are thus resolved using alternative local mechanisms and adapted practices mediated through available technologies. The research findings from the case study in Winneba, Ghana, revealed that respondents would contact radio stations to report accidents, or collect personal phone numbers of emergency service personnel, local clinic doctors or police chiefs. However, local mechanisms may lead to various barriers such as potentially asymmetrical emergency information to a certain population and can remain on a “who-you-know” basis. Individuals who are new to an area or those disadvantaged with poor social networks are limited to time-consuming and costly options for assistance during emergencies.
