2017 ICT4D Conference

This session will share learning from Oxfam’s experiences integrating ICTs throughout the humanitarian project cycle through its Sida-funded Scaling Humanitarian ICTs Network (SHINE) programme. Running since June 2014, this three year multi-country programme is dedicated to scaling the use of Information Communication Technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of humanitarian aid. Launched initially in Ethiopia, the programme has since expanded to Mali, DRC, Iraq and Indonesia, supporting the integration of ICTs into activities ranging from assessments, registrations and delivery of aid to ongoing monitoring.

The session will reflect on the challenges of integrating ICTs into a variety of contexts and programme activities encompassing remote programmes, insecure environments and longer-term response projects in fluid contexts. We will discuss how SHINE programme experiences are informing Oxfam’s wider organisational strategies for best practice usage of ICTs and reflect on the planning, implementation and monitoring of activities and the expected and unexpected implications of the introduction of ICTs. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in open and frank discussion about the field realities of humanitarian ICT usage and Oxfam’s learnings to date relating to ICT introduction, integration and sustainability across the humanitarian project cycle. A variety of types of technologies and activities will be discussed encompassing mobile data collection, beneficiary information management and electronic cash and vouchers. In so doing, the session will discuss what has made for a successful integration of ICTs in a variety of humanitarian contexts and the major benefits (and the odd challenge) of seeking to do so.