The hidden potential of call detail records in The Gambia. (25th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arai, Ayumi; Knippenberg, Erwin; Meyer, Moritz; Witayangkurn, Apichon
• Is Part Of: Data & policy. Volume 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-25
• Subjects: call detail records -- COVID-19 -- crisis response -- data privacy -- developing countries; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Statistical methods -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Decision making -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 320.60727
• DOI: 10.1017/dap.2021.7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2632-3249

Abstract

Abstract: Aggregated data from mobile network operators (MNOs) can provide snapshots of population mobility patterns in real time, generating valuable insights when other more traditional data sources are unavailable or out-of-date. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the value of remotely-collected, high-frequency, localized data in inferring the economic impact of shocks to inform decision-making. However, proper protocols must be put in place to ensure end-to-end user-confidentiality and compliance with international best practice. We demonstrate how to build such a data pipeline, channeling data from MNOs through the national regulator to the analytical users, who in turn produce policy-relevant insights. The aggregated indicators analyzed offer a detailed snapshot of the decrease in mobility and increased out-migration from urban to rural areas during the COVID-19 lockdown. Recommendations based on lessons learned from this process can inform engagements with other regulators in creating data pipelines to inform policy-making.