Author(s): Michael J. O. Pocock, Helen E. Roy, Tom August, Anthony Kuria, Fred Barasa, John Bett, Mwangi Githiru, James Kairo, Julius Kimani, Wanja Kinuthia, Bernard Kissui, Ireene Madindou, Kamau Mbogo, Judith Mirembe, Paul Mugo, Faith Milkah Muniale, Peter Njoroge, Edwin Gichohi Njuguna, Mike Izava Olendo, Michael Opige, Tobias O. Otieno, Caroline Chebet Ng'weno, Elisha Pallangyo, Thuita Thenya, Ann Wanjiru, Rosie Trevelyan
We undertook a collaborative prioritisation process with experts in conservation and
the environment to assess the potential of environmental citizen science in East
Africa, including its opportunities, benefits and barriers. This provided principles that
are applicable across developing countries, particularly for large-scale citizen science. We found that there was great potential for citizen science to add to our scientific
knowledge of natural resources and biodiversity trends. Many of the important benefits of citizen science were for people, as well as the environment directly.
Major barriers to citizen science were mostly social and institutional, although projects should also consider access to suitable technology and language barriers. Policy implications.
Citizen science can provide data to support decision-making and reporting against international targets. Participation can also provide societal benefits, informing and empowering people.
URL
https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1365-2664.13279
Region of Study:
East Africa,
Country of Study:
East Africa,
Study Quality
High
