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Data User's Guide

The Data User's Guide section of the website provides information on the data provided through the AidData website. There are three ways to access information in AidData: the live website, the research release and raw data. The live website provides the most current data available through AidData. The research release provides a thorough, comprehensive snapshot of the data for use by researchers and others who need a static copy of the information in AidData. Raw data gives access to other useful datasets not included in the main database.

Need to cite AidData as a source? Learn how here.

AidData Live Website and Research Release

The AidData live website and latest research release contain information on development finance activities for the period 1947-2011. The primary variables are compiled from a range of sources, including the OECD Creditor Reporting System (CRS) database, donor annual reports, project documents from both bilateral and multilateral aid agencies, data gathered directly from donor agency sources, and agency websites and databases.

The AidData User's Guide document describes the information available in the live website and the latest research release. However, information on the website may be updated more frequently than the information about sources and data coverage in the User's Guide--use the links to the left to find the most current information about what is contained in the live website. The AidData User's Guide shows where the data come from, how they relate to physical projects, the types of development finance covered, the additional detail of the sectors targeted by projects and deflation to constant US dollars. Any questions should be directed to info@aiddata.org.

Download the complete AidData User's Guide

AidData staffers are constantly working to improve the data: cleaning up errors, filling in fields, adding additional years and new donors. New rows are published to the searchable live table after they have been added and coded. This helps us provide new data to users quickly but also means that on any given day the newest donor-year segments of data may only be partial (as some rows are still being coded or waiting for data to be provided). While the live website may contain partial donor-year segments, the data are often more current than the latest research release. Search the data.

AidData incorporates PLAID: a project founded and managed by university professors and development professionals who understand the needs of researchers. Research releases offer snapshots of the data that can be utilized by researchers and cited in scholarly work. These static versions of the data allow for replication and comparison by users. AidData’s goal is to make updated research releases available annually (or more frequently if possible and appropriate). View Research Releases.

AidData Raw

AidData Raw is a group of datasets not yet included in AidData's main search interface or research releases, but which may be of use to the public. Because the work of integrating and standardizing data presents technical and methodological challenges not all datasets can be incorporated immediately. AidData Raw is depository where free-standing datasets are stored until such a time as they can be incorporated with AidData’s main searchable table. These datasets come from a variety of sources and descriptions are included for each. Data may be more timely than the data included in the main search interface or it may just be an alternate view of the activities for that donor. Some datasets include only information from the donor themselves -- descriptive information, financial details, etc. -- while others include added sector or geocodes created by AidData staffers. Visit AidData Raw.

If you have difficulty downloading any data, please send an email to info@aiddata.org.