There are 4.2 billion texters in the world. That's 3 out of 5 humans on earth.-MBA Online
I once bought a meal from a Kenyan street vendor with a text message. The system I used is called M-PESA and it made me feel like I was in the future. As a travelling American, I had the luxury to view my experience as an amazing novelty. For many Kenyans, M-PESA is a lifeline. People are free to have access to cash without carrying it. In Nairobi and Mombasa, where theft is common, this fact alone lifts a huge burden from people's lives. In the info-graphic posted below, a variety of case studies like this are presented. It's extremely informative and well presented, please check it out.
I learned about this graphic from Anahi Ayala Iacucci, a crisis mapper who always tweets useful things. I suggest following her on Twitter.
