The data deficit: the case of East Africa

Accurate data is crucial in humanitarian response. Data contributes to planning processes by showing gaps in national capacities, supporting rapid decisions by reflecting humanitarian need and providing the evidence base for advocacy. Lack of data has implications for gaining an accurate understanding of regional vulnerability. OCHA’s Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) team established a Data Lab in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2014 to offer data services to partners and connect data from across the region. One of its first projects was a data-hunting exercise to collect information on 43 indicators at the state level across 10 countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda).

Related Subject(s): Développement économique et social