THE South can now begin challenging the stereotypes about itself that had been sold so enticingly till now. The Environmental Liaison Centre International (ELCI), in Nairobi has launched a project to assist Kenyan non-governmental organisations to gain access to electronic communication.

For every 1,000 words sent out by the North, the South sends back only 10! Global media is dominated by a clutch of wealthy news agencies operating from the North. And this results in a skewed image of happenings in the South. No wonder, then, that images of starving people reaching out for help have become ingrained in the public mind all over the world as a synonym for South. But the elci will mark the beginning of a change.

To encourage authentic exchange of information, ELCI is working with Econews Africa, Climate Network Africa and other organisations to set up "bulletin boards" where information will be shared directly. Specific areas which have been targeted are sustainable agriculture, health, urban environment, and the role of women in development.