Challenge
Mobile surveys chart food needs in disaster areas
When food shortages occur in areas of disaster, volunteers may have the help, but they don't know where to deliver it. Real-time data on local market prices, food availability and consumption patterns of the local population to be shared with humanitarian workers, who can distribute aid fast and effectively. By using smart phones, people can report their need for assistance, even in delicate situations, much faster than they could face to face as with old reporting systems.
World Food Programme
CISCO Foundation
Google
Humanitarian Innovation Fund
Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Belgian Development Cooperation
MVAM - Individuals are contacted directly through short phone surveys, SMS, live telephone interviews and the Interactive Voice Response system. This allows real-time data on local market prices, food availability and consumption patterns of the local population to be shared with humanitarian workers, who can distribute aid fast and effectively.