In this issue (September 2011)

Abstract

It’s hectic times for the web magazine. Activity is incessant, and the stakes are high. We are preparing to move to the Open Journal Systems (OJS), a journal management and publishing system that we believe will allow us to improve the quality and reach of Glocal Times. And we have a special issue in the works in collaboration with Nordicom Review, to be published in 2012.

While we move forward with what’s to come, we are proud to present Issue # 16, fully devoted to contributions authored by recent graduates of Malmö University’s Master’s course in Communication for Development. The articles in this issue speak to the rich diversity of concerns, interests and points of view that has become a characteristic strength of the course.

In “Mobile phones in Tanzania: tools for social change?”, Adela Rodrigo calls our attention to the differential accessibility to mobile telephony among youth in Tanzania and discusses the need to pay attention to the social, economic and political context in which so-called technologies for change are deployed.

In “The field diary as a bridge between theory and practice”, Rosalind Yarde shares with us a selection of notes from her field diary as a source for self-reflexivity in research, and reminds us of the importance of paying close attention to subtleties when communicating with others.

In “Using social media for conservation fundraising in Kenya: the case of Wildlife Direct”, Elizabeth Mwambui looks into the positive features and concrete obstacles that characterize efforts by non-profits to raise funds for wildlife conservation, suggesting ways to strengthen pros and overcome cons.

In “The International Tribunal on Climate Justice: cultural meanings and social change”, Carys Hughes explores the potential of civil society initiatives promoting an alternative legal space to foster new ways of understanding and responding to matters that affect us collectively.

In “Using participatory photography to stimulate critical thinking: a collaborative project work in Australia and Tanzania”, Cassandra Doyle and Karen Marie Thulstrup address the importance of collaboration among practitioners/researchers as the basis for comparative studies.

Last but not least, in “Looking for agency in film for change” Søren Sønderstrup departs from his field experience to consider how the future of participatory media-making should look like in light of the technical possibilities currently available.

We hope that you will find these contributions from graduates of the Master’s course in Communication for Development inspiring. Your comments are most welcome atflorenghel@gmail.com