Daly HAOUA

Thesis project

Provisional title: Introducing new technologies into humanitarian responses in sub-Saharan Africa: issues, challenges and prospects.

In an era of total digitalization, what are the challenges involved in using new technologies as an innovative solution for better management of humanitarian crises in sub-Saharan Africa?

To answer this question, our study will focus on the following technologies: on the one hand, Cash Transfer (use of cell phones), a money transfer program used to meet the nutritional, water, shelter, education, health and other needs of refugees and displaced persons. Telemedicine, on the other hand, ensures health assistance and access to specialized care
in hard-to-reach crisis zones. In addition, telemedicine is a lever for optimizing care for vulnerable people in both emergency and resilience contexts.
Our interest in these technologies is justified by their essential nature and their indispensable role in resolving humanitarian crises. They enable rapid identification, ongoing support, care and regular monitoring of people affected by humanitarian crises.
We can also see that these new technologies provide effective responses to problems linked to: food shortages, lack of educational facilities, lack of housing, almost non-existent health services, lack of employment, lack of security, etc. It should be noted that these are problems that already exist, and to which we are proposing more effective alternative solutions. Indeed, new technologies are now present in all spheres, and the humanitarian sector cannot remain on the sidelines of this evolution. Our study is limited to sub-Saharan Africa, as this geographical zone is currently the focus of major conflicts and is facing major humanitarian crises. In view of the upsurge in humanitarian crises in this part of the world, a number of initiatives and discussions are underway with a view to finding innovative solutions. Our work is part of this dynamic.

Under the supervision of Marc SMYRL, Professor of Political Science, CEPEL - University of Montpellier.