The use of ICT in the context of development work has been discussed much over the last years. From the all-healing solution to all problems to a not-really-useful additional difficulty the opinions diverge strongly.

The flexibility of information technology itself probably is at the root of heated discussions - after all, ICT can be used anywhere and for everything. The big question is: how useful will it prove to be in a given context? Will it support the project or will it rather bog down the tasks to be executed, maybe because people are not used to it?

A short introduction about the role of ICT in the project

In the INNOVAFRICA context we initially had many ideas about ICT usage: data capturing and reporting of data for surveys, data capturing for the evaluations, use for distribution of training materials and videos, integration of satellite and weather data, information about supply chains and markets, support of data analysis using BI-based (Business Intelligence) approaches, just to name a few.

We built quite some technology around those ideas, but eventually decided to concentrate on surveys, evaluation of agricultural technologies and data analysis. This is due to the fact that the learning curve was steep and ICT not being the primary project goal, we also had to keep in mind that we wanted to reach the project indicators, improving the situation of the farmers and other stakeolders - ICT in this context was a supporting tool, no less, no more.

Likely one of the most common use scenarios for ICT are surveys. Base- or endlining, documentation of activities or gathering of data for technology or impact evaluation - in some way there always is a survey, or more generally, data capturing which is needed. There are many such tools available for free or paid-for solutions. We used...

When working in a research-focused project, everybody knows how to analyze data in systems widely used in the scientific community. In this section we want to present a different approach to data analyss which might help to vulgarize results from research-related projects.

We all do know the problem:

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Farm-level performance data in agricultural value chains in the Global South are often scarce, cumbersome to capture and, if available, rarely analysed to seize their full potential. KIPUS is a software package offered by Knowledge Intelligence Applications GmbH (KIAG) aiming to support farmers, training providers, companies, and public sector in the mobile collection, management and analysis of data along agricultural value chains. It also assists small-holders in the practical acquisition of agronomic and business-related knowledge, thereby helping them to improve farming techniques, management practices and, ultimately, their livelihoods. The tool is also available as open source.

You may also want to have a look into the screenshots of the different solutions established and used during the project.

Key functionalities of KIPUS developed are:

• Compliance with the whole digital process starting with data collection, data analysis, information processing, and knowledge development for action-oriented learning
• Embedding of weather, satellite and market data for better planning and risk mitigation
• Full traceability providing transparency for consumers and market stakeholders such as for bio-fortified crops
• Development of learning videos and learning material with the target groups on site
• Establishment of digital knowledge platform for practitioners to apply research results and use the experience of experimental trials

Household questionnaire login   

Brachiaria trials login 

Cereal-Legume Intercropping trials login