Comparative Use and Valuation of Spatial Data Products in Zimbabwe’s Disaster Risk Reduction Environment

This paper investigated the comparative use and perceived value of spatial information across the National Civil Protection Coordination Committee (NCPCC) in Zimbabwe. The revealed preference approach was used in determining the economic value placed on spatial data by disaster practitioners based on their experiences in Zimbabwe. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was the primary tool used in the ranking and weighing of attributes related to spatial data, thus revealing the choice and Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) for the products. Data Interoperability (14%), trusted sources (11%), accurate attribute data (10%) and high spatial coverage (10%) had the greatest influence in WTP. Organisations in Zimbabwe’s DRR industry made use of a diverse set of spatial datasets which were housed within each organisation’s offline repository. This resulted in data redundancy and reduced collaboration between disaster practitioners. Block-chain based file sharing can offered a viable solution to monetising spatial data, increasing collaboration and reducing data redundancy.