The role of adaptation in mobile technology innovation for the water, sanitation and hygiene sector

摘要

While the growing availability of mobile phones has commanded the attention of the development community,rnan estimated 844 million people continue to lack access to basic drinking water and 2.3 billion to adequate sanitation.rnDevelopment has now begun of mobile applications to improve access to water, sanitation and hygienernservices (mWASH). To understand the barriers to innovation, nine mWASH applications were studied using thernFramework for Analyzing a Multi-level Innovation System (FAMIS), a conceptual model. Applying FAMIS to a technologyrnaids in understanding when and why it succeeds or fails, and how key stakeholders and institutions canrnbe targeted for intervention. The analysis highlights ways to overcome barriers to innovation and suggests thatrnthe technology is less important than the way in which it is implemented.