Youth and Digital Mapping in Urban Informal Settlements

Lessons Learned from Participatory Mapping Processes in Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

There is growing interest in the integration of new technology and community development, particularly on the value that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can add to community voices in setting development agendas. In the digital age, youth are emerging as leaders in capturing, packaging, and sharing information about their communities. Yet, there remains little documentation of the connection between in-depth field work with youth, new technology, and community development. To that end, this field report documents experiences of working with youth to map their community in the informal settlement of Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya. These youth created the first open data map of Mathare. The initiative— referred to locally as Map Mathare—offers key insights into how youth from urban informal settlements can utilize GIS technology to further their own development agendas. These youth can be engaged to work with community leaders and development practitioners to create valuable information to inform community development efforts.