The Data Kitchen is a group of development professionals curious about the good, the bad, and the ugly of data for development. All five of us are enrolled in the Masters of Communication for Development at Malmö University, Sweden. We’re learning that new technology and applications for data are often known as technological ‘advances,’ but they also introduce positive biases. Through this blog, we will delve into the details of new data applications, and raise critical perspectives on data-driven initiatives. Our aim is to encourage exchange of information, advice, professional experiences and the like among fellow development professionals.
What’s the best recipe for data for development?
Over the next four weeks, we’ll bring a critical eye to applications of data for development in the Global South. We want to understand the best recipe for data-driven solutions for development by taking a nuanced view of the impacts of technology-based interventions on the people they should support. And we want to ensure that development professionals always remember that technology is not neutral.
We’re interested in learning about the exciting potential of data-driven solutions for development work. But we also want to understand the risks they bring. For example:
- Is using data-driven algorithms to determine credit worthiness among digital finance users in Rwanda fairer than using loan officers?
- Does the use of cryptocurrency in El Salvador really offer a viable alternative to banking that will improve the lives of its citizens?
- What are the ethical questions behind the use of geospatial data as the basis for designing development interventions?
- Data colonialism and user data protection: In what ways does Kenya’s recent data protection law hold international businesses accountable in the betting industry?
- How can AI help improve the safety of children on the internet?
We won’t be able to cover all these topics in four weeks, but we hope you will stick with us. We’re excited to explore how development workers can deliver data-driven solutions that improve the lives of people in the Global South – without reinforcing inequalities.
Get in touch
Want to get in touch to ask a question, discuss an article or know more about us and the blog? Please get in touch with us via one of the following two channels:
E-mail: thedatakitchenblog@gmail.com
Twitter: thedatakitchen_