Putting Big Data Innovation into Action for Development

Abstract

As part of the global data revolution, an increasing number of World Bank projects are based on insights from big data sources, including satellite-based measurements. Many use innovative machine- and deep-learning techniques to understand factors key to development. Leading satellite-based initiatives include: • Monitoring Electrification from Space: Through analyzing 2 decades of satellite images for nightly light output from India’s 600,000 villages, this project developed a novel data-intensive strategy to improve the monitoring of rural electricity provision. The data is accessible via an online visualization platform to help optimize electrification planning. • Mapping Poverty by Satellite: To generate inexpensive, timely poverty estimates, this project examined how well satellite indicators contribute to poverty predic- tion, and how this depends on the type of prediction model. When compared with Sri Lankan census data, high-resolution satellite indicators track poverty very well, with potential to improve traditional poverty maps. • Satellite-Based Yield Measurement: Through trials in Uganda, this project is testing a pioneering approach which relates satellite-based data to plot-level ground measures of yields. This enables future yield predictions, which can inform better policymaking to help farmers improve productivity. Putting big data innovation into everyday practice requires collaboration between data scientists, technologists and sector specialists. The World Bank’s experience has shown the value of learning by doing, collaboration and persistence.