As the global development community prepares to finalize a new set of goals and targets for the next 15 years, big data has become a key part of discussions. The post-2015 agenda has 17 sustainable development goals and 169 associated targets, and big data could be essential to monitoring and measuring progress.
More than just collecting large volumes of data, big data is an umbrella term for an ecosystem that allows for real-time collection, storage and analyses of digital information. The goal is to leverage analyzed data and provide insights that can guide policymakers and decision-makers, and practical information for the larger public.
Big data has spurred innovations in the way information is collected and translated into practical applications. In development, for instance, big data is being used for e-government solutions, such as e-social services and e-health. Opening up collected data to the public in a way that makes it easy to filter and sort information can help cut corruption and improve the delivery of government services as well. In addition, big data can provide granular weather forecasts that help farmers optimize their planting, harvesting and crop protection decisions.
About the author
Mario Villamor
Mario is a Devex senior contributor and communications specialist having worked for UNFPA, IOM and Devex advisory services branch. Prior to Devex, Mario was a researcher for the Boston Consulting Group in Boston, Massachusetts, where he supported client engagements in a variety of sectors, including the public sector, global health and the social impact space, among others. Before joining BCG, Mario earned his master’s degree in global affairs from New York University.
