mClimate app is an SMS channel where the sender can share their stories through the mChannel *679#

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation and the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) launched a mobile application that will enable the marginalised to send and receive information on climate change issues.

mClimate app is an SMS channel where the sender can share their stories through the mChannel *679#.

PIDF secretary general Francois Martel said a lot of climate early warning systems have been set up in the Pacific.

“But the question is how any organisation can reach people who are in the frontline of any climate effects such as crops management risks, forest fire risks and cyclones.

“It doesn’t reach the front line due to the use of emails for most people and it’s not the best way to reach peoples.

“SMS and through the proper utilisation of apps is the best way, because farmers are now using mobile phones.”

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation executive Ambalika Devi said: “Whatever is to be shared on the grassroots community will be put on the SMS channel and the same will be put up on the organisation’s website: www.mobile.com, where all pictures, videos and stories will be shown and saved with more information.

“mClimate, doesn’t stop here, we will continue to have face to face discussions, capacity building trainings for communities who would not be able to understand the application.”

She added that Vodafone ATH has 23 channels that includes mYouth, mDiabetes and mWomen; that address issues on the ground.

The channels reach out to 140,000 people on a daily basis and has free subscriptions.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: losirene.lacanivalu@fijisun.com.fj