Humanitarianism has evolved over the years with a few innovations thrown in month after month. And thanks to the constant evolution of technology, humanitarianism has taken a new turn. Like I always said, each environment or community has a unique problem that you must tackle differently.
Unique problems will usually cause you to think outside the box and develop an approach that may have never been used before. For instance, the school boat system developed by the Roli Mabo Foundation in the Niger Delta creeks.
Ready to see the innovative humanitarianism approaches used today? Let’s go!
Innovations Driving The Future Of Humanitarianism
Humanitarian works are usually an uphill and inspiring one. And thanks to the stories and testimonies from individuals around the world, we’ve come to learn about the innovative ways people are getting help. Here are some innovative humanitarianism approaches used today:
1. Digital Technology and Mobile Solutions
We can’t doubt the fact that tech has spread across every sector and aspect of our lives. And humanitarianism isn’t left out of the evolution. For instance blockchain technology has been employed for aid distribution. A good example is the World Food Programme’s Building Blocks project. This project is all about using blockchain to securely distribute ash to refugees.
Mobile solutions are also an aspect of tech that has woven into humanitarianism too. Nowadays, organizations use mobile money platforms to make direct cash transfers to people in need. Plus, there are a handful of apps like RefAid and HelpSteps that connect refugees and migrants with local services. These apps also real-time information about where to find medical care, shelter, food, and even legal assistance.
2. Drones and Satellite Imagery
Another high-level tech, drones and satellites are now used to capture real-time images and collect data from disaster zones. This data can now be used to assess damage and plan interventions without the need to be in the location physically.
For instance, after a hurricane or earthquake, images captured by a satellite can be analyzed and used to identify the places that suffered the most impact. Scans can show zones with heightened structural damage or severe flooding. This data helps organizations prioritize their rescue operations and aid distribution.
Drones are also being used to deliver food, medical supplies, and other important items to remote and dangerous locations. And after a natural disaster, like an earthquake or hurricane where land movement can be complicated, drones can be deployed to assess the structural integrity of buildings, map out safe routes for responders, and also locate survivors.
3. Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Thanks to Data Analytics and AI, organizations are now taking advantage of predictive analysis and crisis mapping. For instance, with predictive analysis, organizations can predict where humanitarian crises like natural disasters are likely to occur.
Organizations are using Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence to forecast floods, hurricanes, droughts, etc. A good example is the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) which uses data analytics to predict famine and food insecurity. With this information, they can take pre-emptive action, respond in time, and distribute food and resources.
When it comes to crisis mapping, organizations are taking advantage of tools like Ushahidi to visualize disaster-affected areas and allocate resources more efficiently. This tech was notably used in the 2010 Haiti earthquake to map incidents and coordinate relief efforts. It was effective at allowing responders to identify the areas that needed immediate assistance.
4. Sustainable and Resilient Solutions
Using eco-friendly and sustainable ways and resilient solutions are an innovative way to deal with today’s humanitarianism problem. Eco-friendly tech like solar-powered devices and shelters are being used to reduce the environmental impact of humanitarian aid.
For instance, there are tons of communities with no power supply. Solar lanterns and solar-powered pumps are pieces of tech that can be used to improve quality of life. Modular housing units and sustainable building materials like recycled plastic and bamboo are also used to fend for the homeless.
Resilience building is one way organizations are using to help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from disasters. This is one of the most innovative ways humanitarians have come up with to help improve the wellness of others. Examples of resilience building ranges from agricultural training to offering loans, and providing vocational training.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
VR and AR can be used to simulate almost anything, including crisis locations and training. Aside from partnering with Google and Microsoft to use advanced tools for crisis response and data management, organizations are also taking advantage of VRs and ARs. They do this by training humanitarian workers for disaster response, which aims to improve their readiness and prepare their mind.
VR experiences help raise awareness and empathy about humanitarian crises among the public and potential donors. With this tech, people can have a better understanding of what refugees, migrants, and people who live in remote places go through. And also prepare their minds for what they may face if they embark on a physical journey to crisis locations.
Conclusion
These innovative approaches highlight how much technology, community involvement, and sustainable practices are enhancing humanitarian efforts. Humanitarianism has gone past traveling to a remote location and giving food. In this age, there are a lot of things that make humanitarian efforts easy and smooth. Plus, they are effective ways to get the job done faster.
Over to you now; which innovative humanitarianism approaches inspire you? What innovative approach should organizations begin taking advantage of?
I’d love to hear from you! Spill your mind in the comments below. Your idea might just be the solution a lot of communities have been waiting for in Africa.