Sociological realities have to be taken into consideration when developing technology. It is well and good to have technology that will solve humanitarian needs, but people who need help in identified areas might not be conversant with the technology.

Mobile technology is recognised as one of the best tools for citizen media. The main advantage it brings is the fact that a large number of people or ordinary citizens are already in possession of a cell phone and are able to use it.

Mobile Tech in Citizen Participation, facilitated by Jose Carlos Vaz is one of the sessions I attended today. He made a presentation on Mobile Technology for e-democracy: m-democracy. This is based on an initiative to get ordinary citizens into governance issues through the use of mobile technology.