In international development, big data has evolved from being a buzzword to one that has become an important aid effectiveness tool. But a recent Devex survey suggests the industry might not be fully prepared to harness the full potential of big data.

1. The development community is largely split over its preparedness to use big data.The development community is largely split over its preparedness to use big data.
Rank Challenge
1 Availability of data
2 Analytical challenges
3 Access to existing data
4 Privacy concerns
5 Government legislation
6 Digital divide
30%
22%16%
13%
10%
10%
Respondents working in social services, agriculture, education, climate change
and conflict see analytical challenges as the most difficult obstacle.
1 Health 28%
2 Governance 21%
3 Education 15%
4 Agriculture 15%
5 Humanitarian relief 11%
6 Infrastructure 9%
Rank Sector %
6%
Not prepared at all
Somewhat prepared
Very prepared
45%
49%
36% 71%
How ready is the development
industry to use big data?
Devex asked over 500
development professionals.
Here is what they told us:
But respondents from some sectors and regions believe the
development community is actually prepared to use big data.
71% of respondents from developing regions believe the international
development community is somewhat or very prepared to utilize big data,
although only 36% of respondents from developed regions share this view.
Development professionals identify availability of data, analytical
challenges and access to existing data as the three biggest challenges.
There is a wealth of opportunities for big data to drive better analysis, enhance monitoring
and enable effective policymaking, although some sectors have more potential to advance
global development through big data than others:
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