Is it possible to use Big Data to measure and fight poverty? Having access to timely socio-economic data is one of the major challenges development practitioners face today. The use of non-traditional sources of information (such as social media), called "Big Data" for the size of data sets, could be the latest tool to measure and fight poverty. The rationale behind using #BigData as an alternative way to measure #poverty is to improve existing #data sets by complementing the traditional #information available with more real-time data. Thus, #policy makers would be able to develop strategies based on better, real-time evidence. “The underlying argument is that these new kinds of data, stemming from individuals and communities as they go about their daily lives, contain insights into their experiences that we can mine to help them in return” (Emmanuel Letouzé, Big Data adviser, OECD-Paris 21). Researchers from the QCRI, Harvard University, MIT and UC Berkeley, together with #UNDP #Egypt, are running an experimental research project with Big Data to try to answer the following question: Can an analysis of #twitter traffic in Egypt tell us anything about changes in #unemployment and poverty levels? If the experiment is successful, local #PovertyReduction and development strategies will be better informed, leading to a more efficient local strategy to fight poverty. Check out irevolution.net/2013/06/19/pulse-of-egypt-to-inform-poverty-reduction/ for more info on the project. For more information on Big Data: UN Global Pulse unglobalpulse.org/research "Can big data help deliver better operational results?" (Voices from Eurasia blog) europeandcis.undp.org/blog/2013/01/11/can-big-data-help-deliver-better-operational-results/ Could Big Data provide alternative measures of poverty and welfare? (ODI) developmentprogress.org/blog/2013/06/11/could-big-data-provide-alternative-measures-poverty-and-welfare
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 07:58:21 +0000
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