Rain is the main source of water for many regions in Pakistan, which makes farmers almost entirely dependent on small amounts of rainwater.  Lack of rainfall in the past has led to severe shortages of food and water in the region.

In times of disaster, getting relief to the right places is critical. Often times, this depends on how fast information can be gathered from different locations. MapAction creates a 'shared operational picture' through the form of maps.  Having mapped 15 disaster since 2004, MapAction, a UK NGO, deploys its disaster response volunteers all over the world.

At the Future of Mobile-Empowered Development Technology Salon, an audience of development practitioners and technologists had the unique opportunity to host Terry Kramer, Board Member

I've just been introduced to what look like useful new online tools for reproductive health students, faculty, and professionals, produced by The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP). They are: The Global Opportunities Tool (GO Tool): "Discover unique educational and training experiences in reproductive health settings around the world."

The Partnership for Public Service received nearly 400 nominations this year for their annual Service to America Medals and, of the 30 finalists named last week, USAID's Karen Turner and the Global Development Commons team and Amy Meyer of EGAT/Pakistan were among the finalists for the 2009 National Security and Interna

For years, the District of Columbia has provided the public with online access to its operational data. The District provides citizens with the access to its Data Catalog  - 275 datasets from multiple agencies that is a catalyst to ensuring that its agencies are responsive, better performing organizations.

I am a member of the Working Group of the Open Mobile Consortium, a now publicly launching collaboration among organizations around the world focused on developing open source mobile solutions for social impact and change.

Despite the exciting potentials about new technologies for development and, particularly, the latest hype on mobile phones, it is necessary not to loose out sight of the incredible challenges towards Internet access or extended mobile usage.

Inspired by the 45 propositions for social media, below is a modest attempt at putting together some initial thoughts for a Development 2.0 (the application of web 2.0 principles to the development sector) manifesto. This is very much a work in progress, so feel free to add your comments and point out gaps...