Citizen science for development: Potential role of mobile phones in information sharing on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Laikipia, Kenya

摘要: Abstract Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) constitute a lethal widespread problem in many tropical areas, with major ramifications for livestock production, wildlife management, human health livelihoods. Despite various control strategies applied, TTBDs remain complex problem, integrated approaches must be developed to them effectively. To address this Wageningen University Research established an interdisciplinary project 2015 – Environmental Virtual Observatories Connective Actions (EVOCA) that focuses, among other things, on mobile phone-based information sharing platforms Kenya. This study Laikipia, semi-arid savanna area of Kenya, is designed (i) identify issues complicate effective TTBD control, (ii) explore whether how local people use phones problems, including TTBDs, (iii) reflect what citizen science can contribute the development TTBDs. The study, conducted between November 2016 August 2017, adopted mixed-methods approach comprising 21 interviews, field observations, document reviews, workshop. Results suggest compounded by combination issues. Insecurity, human–wildlife conflicts, occurrences notifiable zoonotic are most pressing affect influence kind they share using phones. motivation insecurity conflicts stems from urgent need collaborate facilitate prompt action security agencies expectations compensation government damages, respectively. Mobile phone adoption rate Laikipia ∼70%, suggesting (simple smart) widely used socioeconomic activities: communicate family members friends access issues, forming issue-based networks communication. economic activities such as businesses banking services have empowered economically, improving their livelihoods, whereas those without probably excluded (disconnected). suggests that, despite phones, does not seem priority residents, or take precedence. design should consider confounding factors connect affecting people.