Trends in ICT for relief and development: From mobile data collection to data driven decision making

At CRS we employ information and communications technology for development (ICT4D) across the gamut of our programming-from our signature activities in emergency response, agriculture and health to our complementary efforts in education, microfinance, peacebuilding, and water and sanitation. We also work closely with technology partners to influence the evolution of ICT4D to ensure it meets the needs of developing communities. Over the past five years, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has used information and communication technology for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The use of technology for M&E makes CRS more accountable to donors and program participants, and improves the way learning is shared within the agency and with other relief and development organizations. With increasing amounts of data being collected on mobile devices and geographic information system (GIS) tools becoming easier to use, there is great opportunity to apply mapping and spatial analysis to improve program delivery.