Don’t Believe the Hype – Humanitarian Tech’s Reality Check for 2024

Technology in the humanitarian sector is a paradox. It's full of potential but often tangled in complexity. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recently released their Don’t Believe the Hype – 2024 report on the most-used technologies. The results reveal a fascinating tension between what's hyped, what's deployed, and where the friction lies.

Dashboards lead. Generative AI rises. Blockchain… let’s not talk about blockchain.

The numbers show that Dashboards (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) top the list, with 11.8% adoption. Generative AI (ChatGPT, anyone?) is right behind at 10.5%, followed closely by Machine Learning and Data Science. It's clear: NGOs and humanitarian orgs are embracing data-driven tools.

But look further down the list. Blockchain? Virtual Reality? Metaverse? Less than 1%. The story is clear: The "future" tech we talk about at conferences isn't making waves in field operations.

Where's all this tech being used?

Two words: Data Collection. More than 20% of tech usage is dedicated to collecting and analyzing data for needs assessments. Monitoring programs, emergency response, and long-term development also top the charts. The work is essential. The impact is real. But it reinforces a hard truth: without accurate data, there's no effective aid.

The challenges? They’re not what you think.

The biggest hurdles aren't about the tech itself; they’re about the context. Implementation struggles are led by "Lack of funding" (18.4%) and "Lack of digital literacy" (16.7%). Data protection, ethical considerations, and infrastructure constraints follow closely.

In other words, it's not just about having the right tools. It’s about having the right ecosystem to make them work.

Why This Matters for Humanity Link

At Humanity Link, we design products that bridge these gaps. Our platform’s bulk messaging, live interactions, AI-powered chatbots, and integrated payment systems aren't just about the latest tech trends — they're about practical, field-ready solutions that solve real problems.

This report highlights three key takeaways for us and our partners:

1. Data-Driven Decisions: Our focus on communication tools and real-time data collection helps humanitarian organizations improve accuracy, speed, and accountability — the top areas where tech is making an impact.
2. Digital Literacy Support: We know that adoption isn’t just about the tech; it’s about the people using it. Our solutions prioritize ease of use, training, and accessibility, ensuring that frontline workers can leverage these tools effectively.
3. Overcoming Funding and Infrastructure Barriers: By offering scalable, cloud-based solutions, we reduce the need for complex on-site infrastructure. We also provide flexible pricing models to ensure that our services are accessible, even in resource-constrained environments.

Humanity Link’s mission is to streamline aid delivery and communication with tools that meet the moment. This report reinforces that the most impactful innovations aren't always the flashiest ones — they're the ones that make a measurable difference on the ground.

A quick takeaway:

If you're building tech for humanitarian organizations, this report is a compass. The hype might be AI, blockchain, or the metaverse. The reality is data, dashboards, and human-centered execution. Tech that improves communication, transparency, and accountability will continue to lead.

The humanitarian sector doesn't need the shiniest tools. It needs the smartest ones.

Would love to hear your thoughts. Is this the reality you’re seeing too?