Algorithms in the distribution of COVID-19 relief funds in Zimbabwe: A discourse or actual practice?

In this research paper, I used a qualitative research approach to explore the decision by the government of Zimbabwe to use an algorithm based response to distribute cash relief. I wanted to get an understanding on the discourses at play, politics of decision making, benefits as well as negative effects of using algorithm based responses to disasters. To collect the required data the I used a remote research design to conduct interviews with key informants drawn from various fields such as Information Technology (IT), government, technology experts and civil society organisation. In the analysis of the data, I developed a theoretical framework to set as a basis for analysis and this data was triangulated with secondary data that was collected from documents generated by agencies such as the Auditor General of Zimbabwe. The findings show that the use of the algorithm by government points to alleged abuse of the funds through fraud and corruption, politics of patronage at play, creating exclusions, abuse of power and use of the algorithm to deflect any wrong doing or blame on government. However, the use of the algorithm to make the cash-based transfers has positive impact as it resulted in faster, cheaper and simpler distribution of the funds and also allowed for monitoring and tracking of the funds. The main limitations to the study were the COVID-19 restrictions which hindered in-person interviews and lack of access to some key informants as permission was not granted. To overcome these challenges, I used remote research design and interviewed experts in the field I was researching.