2025-11-14 –, Way
Data Readiness is the ability to use quality and timely information in humanitarian operations and programmes. This presentation will introduce the collaborative 5-year journey of the British and Nigerian Red Cross, where OSM was used to build foundational data capabilities to enhance effective humanitarian decision-making and community engagement.
Building on experiences from 2018 and 2019 flood responses in Nigeria, the British Red Cross (BRC) partnered with the Nigerian Red Cross (NRCS) to strengthen disaster response through data-driven decision making.
Together, we applied the IFRC Data Readiness Framework, comprising Data Literacy, Data Preparedness, and Data-Driven Decision Making, using OSM as a foundational tool, as part of a community resilience programme.
Data Literacy: OSM and its tagging system was used to develop skills in collecting, cleaning, storing, and interpreting data, in a map format through mapathons.
Data Preparedness: we worked with communities to design surveys and conduct field mapping, collecting vulnerability and capacity data. This information was added to OSM, making it accessible to communities and stakeholders to inform decisions and address challenges.
Data-Driven Decision Making: we supported decision-makers and leaders in using and integrating data, including maps, to inform planning and response.
These activities later enabled NRCS flood responses. In Lagos, to independently develop and deploy data and GIS tools to guide distributions. In Borno, mapping supported targeted interventions in livelihoods and health services.
Today, NRCS continues to expand data readiness work across new States, integrating additional OSM tools like MapSwipe to strengthen activities.
missing maps, humanitarian, red cross, data
Affiliation:British Red Cross
I am the Data Culture and Community, Manager at the British Red Cross, bridging the gap between data, users and communities, aiming that insight or products are used effectively to mobilise the power of humanity so that people can prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis. I advise and support British Red Cross International programmes with GIS and data, and coordinate the Missing Maps Project in the British Red Cross. I have been engaged with OSM since 2014, and continue to contribute, and learn from community!