Ushahidi

Ushahidi (Swahili for "witness" or "testimony") is a non-profit technology company and open-source software platform developed in Kenya. It is primarily known for its web-based platform that allows users to crowdsource, visualize, and map information during crises or events. Ushahidi enables citizen journalists and ordinary individuals to report incidents via SMS, email, the web, and other channels, which are then aggregated and displayed on a map.

The platform aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness by making critical information available to the public, humanitarian organizations, governments, and other stakeholders. By providing a centralized and easily accessible resource, Ushahidi helps to improve situational awareness, coordinate relief efforts, and monitor human rights violations.

Ushahidi's origins lie in the aftermath of the 2007 Kenyan presidential election, when the platform was initially created to map reports of post-election violence. Since then, it has been adapted and used in a variety of contexts around the world, including disaster relief, election monitoring, environmental monitoring, and public health emergencies.

The Ushahidi platform is built on open-source principles, meaning its source code is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This has fostered a global community of developers and users who contribute to the platform's ongoing development and improvement. The Ushahidi organization also provides training, support, and consulting services to organizations and individuals seeking to use the platform effectively.