World Bank, AidData and Development Gateway geocode aid projects
Researchers from the World Bank, Development Gateway and AidData have just geocoded the Bank’s African and Latin American aid projects. That is, they have added subnational geographical information to plot exactly where aid activities are taking place in each country. Watch this video by AidData which brilliantly explains what geocoding means and why it is so important.
Geocoding will go along way toward improving aid effectiveness and accountability. The International Aid Transaprency Initiative should include standards for geocoding so that projects can always be found by location. This will enable people to see exactly what is going on, and where, to better allocate aid. It will also allow improved evaluation of projects and can decrease donor duplication.