An Audio Wiki for Building Local Repositories of Knowledge in the Developing World

Mobile phone technology has spread across the globe, especially in developing countries where the usage of mobile phones far exceeds that of desktop computers. Here we describe the idea of an Audio Wiki, a localized repository of information that can be accessed using the mobile phone. We aim to create systems that provide users with information in the form of audio recordings of other users’ experiences and knowledge on various topics. Herein we present the design and implementation of such a system empowering the Audio Wiki. The information server can be accessed by any telephone and the user can use speech as well as the keypad to navigate menus, search and edit information on specific topics there in. We envision a broad array of applications for the audio wiki, spanning diverse areas such as agriculture, health, government, and local entrepreneurship.