Digital Technologies Use in Development Programme Design, Delivery and M&E in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Setting

Abstract

This report covers the use of digital technologies for programmes and for M&E in FCAS. It shows how digital technologies have a wide range of potential uses in both peacebuilding programmes and in the reconstruction of post-conflict states. These uses should be informed by key principles such as DFID’s endorsement of the Principles for Digital Development, a commitment to understanding the digital context and a consideration of the privacy and security of the data of people caught up in conflict. However, a review of the literature shows that there is little best practice yet for evaluating the effect of technology tools on peacebuilding. In terms of M&E, the literature consistently highlights the problems caused by lack of data in FCAS but there are also significant challenges in collecting and storing data in line with the goals of the Responsible Data movement. There are significant risks posed by humanitarian and development actors using data-intensive approaches without due consideration of the risks to beneficiaries that these approaches might involve. The sheer amount of data being collected on beneficiaries of humanitarian assistance has led to what has been described as a ‘dataholic’ environment in the sector: with an urgent need to increase understanding of how these data-intensive systems and the use of technology is affecting individuals and communities