Humanitarian Technology Newsletter

As part of my master’s thesis on the role of technology in humanitarian response, I gathered deep insight into how technology has affected humanitarian response, the opportunities it creates, and the challenges faced. This weekly newsletter will be based on the thesis, with additional comments and insights from my work in the sector. Given the academic origin of the material, each edition will contain a bibliography for those seeking further information.

This first edition provides an overview of how technology has become integral to humanitarian response.

Technology and the Humanitarian Sector

Rapid advancement and integration of technology have led to a profound transformation of the humanitarian sector in recent decades (IFRC, 2013). This is quite evident by the fact that IFRC has identified digital transformation as one of the critical transformational focus areas in their 2030 Strategy (IFRC, 2018). Technology has, therefore, reshaped how humanitarian organizations respond to crises, manage resources, and deliver aid to affected populations. As images from crises in faraway corners of the world are streamed in near real-time, humanitarian crises now get the world’s attention much sooner than before and are not slowly arriving through journalistic or diplomatic channels (de Leeuw & Bergstra, 2007; Hopkins, 2013). From the early adoption of satellite communication to report what is going on to the current exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, it is evident that technology has become an indispensable tool in enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and reach of humanitarian efforts (Sandvik et al., 2014).

One of the earliest recorded use of technology in humanitarian response within the literature can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s when organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) began leveraging satellite communication to improve coordination and deliver medical aid in remote and disaster-stricken areas (Garshnek & Burkle Jr, 1999). This ability to establish reliable communication links marked a significant milestone in overcoming geographical barriers of the challenging environments of humanitarian crises. The ability to maintain contact with field teams and coordinate efforts across vast distances revolutionized how humanitarian organizations operated, setting the stage for future technological innovations.

As technology continued to advance, the 1990s witnessed the widespread adoption of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in humanitarian response operations. Organizations like UNHCR began utilizing GIS for spatial analysis, mapping, and more data-driven decision-making in complex emergencies (Goodchild & Glennon, 2010). GIS technology allowed organizations to precisely map affected areas, track refugee movements, and more effectively plan resource distribution, improving situational awareness and enabling more targeted and effective responses. Ever since, GIS technology has become integral to humanitarian operations, facilitating better planning, resource allocation, and impact assessment.

The turn of the millennium led to a new era in humanitarian technology with the advent of mobile communications (Avvenuti et al., 2016). Even in developing countries, the proliferation of mobile phones created an unprecedented opportunity for real-time data collection, the issuing of emergency alerts, and more effective early warning systems. Mobile platforms like RapidSMS have also been employed for disease surveillance, allowing for timely response to outbreaks and more efficient health interventions (Musabyimana et al., 2016). Mobile technology has enhanced the speed and accuracy of information dissemination in humanitarian operations and empowered the affected communities to participate more actively in humanitarian efforts (Palen & Liu, 2007).

The rapid restoration of mobile networks in the aftermath of crises and the ability to track mobile phone movements have enabled humanitarian organizations to leverage information about population movements for strategic and tactical decision-making (Bengtsson et al., 2011). This capability has proven invaluable in many humanitarian response scenarios, allowing more accurate assessments of displaced populations and more efficient resource allocation. Integrating mobile technology into humanitarian operations has fundamentally altered the landscape of humanitarian response, enabling organizations to provide a more agile and responsive approach that better addresses the humanitarian needs of the affected populations (Verhulst et al., 2021).

Another paradigm shift in humanitarian response operations has been the rise of social media platforms, which revolutionized information dissemination during humanitarian crises. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become valuable tools for humanitarian organizations to provide real-time reporting, resource mobilization, and coordination (Meier, 2015a). These platforms have enabled humanitarian organizations to reach a wider audience more quickly, raise awareness about crises, and mobilize support more rapidly than ever. Additionally, the ability of social media to facilitate two-way communication between aid organizations and affected populations allows for more responsive and tailored assistance (Chan & Purohit, 2020; Crowley & Chan, 2011).

A complimenting factor to the rise of social media has been crowdsourcing initiatives that have emerged as a powerful force in humanitarian operations (Meier, 2015). Crowdsourcing platforms like Ushahidi and OpenStreetMap (OSM) have empowered the affected communities to contribute to data collection and crisis mapping, providing valuable on-the-ground information to aid organizations and responders (Zook et al., 2010). As a result of this participatory approach to information gathering, the accuracy and timeliness of crisis data have improved, and it has fostered a sense of community engagement and resilience in the face of disasters (Bryant, 2022).

The drive for data-driven operations and decision-making, prevalent in other sectors and industries, has also permeated the humanitarian field (Bag et al., 2023; Diepeveen et al., 2023). Data analytics has become a critical tool for humanitarian organizations consistently seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their work (Qadir et al., 2016). This trend has led to the emergence of crisis informatics as a distinct field of research, study, and practice (Palen & Anderson, 2016; Palen, Vieweg, et al., 2007). Crisis informatics combines state-of-the-art information and communication technologies in disaster preparation, response, and recovery, emphasizing the importance of data analysis and information management in humanitarian contexts.

When adapting and integrating new technologies into the humanitarian sector, it is essential to carefully evaluate their potential benefits and risks (Searle, 2019). While technological innovations, at first glance, may offer promising solutions to longstanding challenges, their use may also introduce new threats or ethical dilemmas (Sandvik et al., 2014). The humanitarian sector must, therefore, develop robust frameworks for assessing and implementing new technologies to ensure that humanitarian principles and the best interests of affected populations always guide innovation and adaptation of new technologies.

The future of humanitarian technology lies in empowering affected communities and local actors (IFRC, 2018, 2024). Participatory approaches to technology design and implementation are critical in ensuring that solutions are contextually appropriate and sustainable (van Stam, 2012). By involving crisis-affected populations in developing and deploying technological interventions, humanitarian organizations can create more inclusive and effective solutions that resonate with local needs and capacities.

As the humanitarian sector evolves in the digital age, it must balance embracing technological innovation and preserving its core principles and values (Pearn et al., 2022). The potential of technology to enhance humanitarian action is immense, but it must be harnessed in a way that reinforces, rather than undermines, the human-centered nature of humanitarian work. This requires ongoing dialogue, critical reflection, and adaptive learning within the sector to ensure that technology is a tool for empowerment and positive change (Raymond & Card, 2015; Sandvik et al., 2017; Tequeda & Verity, 2022).

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Avvenuti, M., Cimino, M. G., Cresci, S., Marchetti, A., & Tesconi, M. (2016). A framework for detecting unfolding emergencies using humans as sensors. Springerplus, 5(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-1674-y

Bag, S., Rahman, M. S., Srivastava, G., Giannakis, M., & Foropon, C. (2023). Data-driven digital transformation and the implications for antifragility in the humanitarian supply chain. International Journal of Production Economics, 266, 109059. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2023.109059

Bengtsson, L., Lu, X., Thorson, A., Garfield, R., & von Schreeb, J. (2011). Improved response to disasters and outbreaks by tracking population movements with mobile phone network data: a post-earthquake geospatial study in Haiti. PLoS Med, 8(8), e1001083. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001083

Bryant, J. (2022). Digital technologies and inclusion in humanitarian response. ODI. https://odi.org/en/publications/digital-technologies-and-inclusion-in-humanitarian-response/

Chan, J. L., & Purohit, H. (2020). Challenges to Transforming Unconventional Social Media Data into Actionable Knowledge for Public Health Systems During Disasters. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 14(3), 352-359. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31610817/

Crowley, J., & Chan, J. L. (2011). Disaster Relief 2.0: the Future of Information Sharing in Humanitarian Emergencies. OCHA. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/disaster-relief-20-future-information-sharing-humanitarian-emergencies

de Leeuw, K., & Bergstra, J. (2007). The History of Information Security - A Comprehensive Handbook. Elsevier. https://shop.elsevier.com/books/the-history-of-information-security/de-leeuw/978-0-444-51608-4

Diepeveen, S., Filer, T., Czibor, E., Ganduri, T., & Molana-Allen, L. (2023). Silent Crisis: information, decision-making, and communities on the frontlines of climate change. ODI. https://odi.org/en/publications/silent-crisis-information-decision-making-and-communities-on-the-frontlines-of-climate-change/

Garshnek, V., & Burkle Jr, F. M. (1999). Applications of telemedicine and telecommunications to disaster medicine: historical and future perspectives. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 6(1), 26-37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC61342/

Goodchild, M. F., & Glennon, J. A. (2010). Crowdsourcing geographic information for disaster response: a research frontier. International Journal of Digital Earth, 3(3), 231-241. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17538941003759255

Hopkins, M. (2013). Humanitarian Perspective on Social Innovation. In T. Osburg & R. Schmidpeter (Eds.), Social Innovation - Solutions for a Sustainable Future (pp. 35-55). Springer. https://econpapers.repec.org/bookchap/sprcsrchp/978-3-642-36540-9_5f4.htm

IFRC. (2013). World disasters report 2013: Focus on technology and the future of humanitarian action (IFRC Disaster Report, Issue. IFRC. https://www.ifrc.org/document/world-disasters-report-2013-focus-technology-and-future-humanitarian-action

IFRC. (2018). Strategy 2030. IFRC. https://solferinoacademy.com/strategy-2030/

IFRC. (2024). Collaborating and Delivering Digital Products & Solutions at the IFRC. IFRC. https://digital.ifrc.org/story/how-can-we-collaborate-and-scale-our-network

Meier, P. (2015). Digital humanitarians: how big data is changing the face of humanitarian response. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Digital-Humanitarians-How-Big-Data-Is-Changing-the-Face-of-Humanitarian-Response/Meier/p/book/9781482248395

Musabyimana, A., Grépin, K., Ngenzi, J., Nzabonimana, E., Law, M. R., & Ruton, H. (2016). Evaluating the Impact of RapidSMS. https://catalog.ihsn.org/citations/80749

Palen, L., & Anderson, K. M. (2016). Crisis informatics-New data for extraordinary times. Science, 353(6296), 224-225. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aag2579

Palen, L., & Liu, S. B. (2007). Citizen communications in crisis: anticipating a future of ICT-supported public participation. Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems,

Palen, L., Vieweg, S., Sutton, J., Liu, S. B., & Hughes, A. (2007). Crisis informatics: Studying crisis in a networked world. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on E-Social Science,

Pearn, K., Jabbar, S. A., & Verity, A. (2022). Mitigating physical risk posed by technology - To responders in volatile situations. DHNetwork. https://digitalhumanitarians.com/mitigating_physical_risk_posed_by_technology_to_responders_in_volatile_situations/

Qadir, J., Ali, A., ur Rasool, R., Zwitter, A., Sathiaseelan, A., & Crowcroft, J. (2016). Crisis analytics: big data-driven crisis response. Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 1(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41018-016-0013-9

Raymond, N., & Card, B. L. (2015). Applying humanitarian principles to current uses of information communication technologies: Gaps in doctrine and challenges to practice. H. H. Initiative. https://hhi.harvard.edu/publications/applying-humanitarian-principles-current-uses-information

Sandvik, K. B., Gabrielsen Jumbert, M., Karlsrud, J., & Kaufmann, M. (2014). Humanitarian Technology: A Critical Research Agenda. International Review of the Red Cross, 96(893), 219-242. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1816383114000344

Sandvik, K. B., Jacobsen, K. L., & McDonald, S. M. (2017). Do no harm: A taxonomy of the challenges of humanitarian experimentation. International Review of the Red Cross, 99(904), 319-344. https://doi.org/10.1017/S181638311700042x

Searle, M. S. (2019). Striking a Balance: Emerging Technologies, Humanitarian Needs, and Other Public Goods. SRIS. https://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/nts/emerging-technologies/

Tequeda, O., & Verity, A. (2022). Where Technology Meets Ethics - The Humanitarian Principles and Their Problematic Relationship to Technology. DHNetwork. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/where-technology-meets-ethics-humanitarian-principles-and-their-problematic-relationship-technology-september-2022

van Stam, G. (2012). Is Technology the Solution to the World’s Major Social Challenges? 2012 IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference,

Verhulst, S., Ramesh, A., Young, A., & Zahuranec, A. J. (2021). Where is Everyone? The Importance of Population Density Data: A Data Artefact Study of the Facebook Population Density Map. The Importance of Population Density Data: A Data Artefact Study of the Facebook Population Density Map (September 21, 2021). https://thelivinglib.org/where-is-everyone-the-importance-of-population-density-data/

Zook, M., Graham, M., Shelton, T., & Gorman, S. (2010). Volunteered geographic information and crowdsourcing disaster relief: a case study of the Haitian earthquake. World Medical & Health Policy, 2(2), 7-33. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2202/1948-4682.1069