In the modern M&E landscape, the ability to collect accurate, timely data from remote and challenging environments is a game-changer. This training course is designed to equip M&E and project professionals with the skills to leverage mobile data collection tools, augmented by the power of satellite technology. By moving beyond paper-based systems, participants will learn how to streamline data workflows, enhance data integrity, and gain unprecedented geographic and temporal insights, ensuring their programs are grounded in real-time, verifiable evidence.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on approach to designing and implementing a robust mobile data collection strategy that is resilient to connectivity issues. Participants will explore how to integrate satellite imagery, GPS coordinates, and other geospatial data with survey information, enabling more sophisticated analysis and a richer understanding of program impact. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to improve the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of their M&E efforts, particularly in hard-to-reach areas and post-disaster or conflict settings.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Program Managers
• Field Officers
• Data Analysts
• Researchers
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Survey Coordinators
• GIS Specialists
• Project Managers
• Consultants

Objectives:

• Understand the full potential of mobile data collection for M&E.
• Master the use of key mobile data collection tools and platforms.
• Learn how to integrate satellite tools and geospatial data into M&E frameworks.
• Design and deploy mobile surveys that are user-friendly and robust.
• Ensure data quality, security, and ethical compliance in the field.
• Overcome challenges of data collection in remote and low-connectivity environments.
• Analyze and visualize mobile and satellite data for actionable insights.
• Develop a strategic plan for transitioning from paper-based to digital systems.
• Enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and credibility of data collection.
• Build a more data-driven and responsive M&E function.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Digital Revolution in M&E

• The limitations of paper-based data collection
• The business case for mobile data collection
• An overview of the mobile data collection ecosystem
• The role of technology in improving data quality and speed
• Case studies of successful mobile M&E projects

Module 2: Foundational Concepts of Mobile Data Collection

• Key components of a mobile data collection system
• Understanding the role of form builders and mobile apps
• The importance of offline data collection and synchronization
• Best practices for designing a survey for a mobile device
• An introduction to popular tools (e.g., ODK, KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO)

Module 3: Survey Design for Mobile Tools

• Writing clear and concise questions for mobile forms
• Using skip logic and validation rules to improve data quality
• Designing a user-friendly and intuitive user interface
• The importance of pre-testing and piloting the survey
• Strategies for multi-language and illiterate-friendly forms

Module 4: Geospatial Data in M&E

• The importance of GPS coordinates in data collection
• How to use mobile tools to capture location data
• The fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• An overview of satellite imagery and its applications in M&E
• Understanding the difference between vector and raster data

Module 5: Integrating Satellite Tools

• Sourcing and accessing satellite imagery (e.g., Google Earth Engine, Sentinel)
• Using satellite data for baseline assessment and change detection
• Overlaying survey data on satellite maps for visualization
• The use of satellite-based metrics for environmental monitoring
• The role of drones and aerial imagery in M&E

Module 6: Data Quality and Integrity

• Building data validation checks into mobile forms
• Strategies for real-time data monitoring and cleaning
• The importance of data triangulation with other sources
• Auditing and quality control in the field
• The role of automated checks and alerts

Module 7: Field Operations and Logistics

• Training enumerators and field staff on mobile tools
• Managing and motivating a data collection team
• Developing a clear plan for data collection logistics
• Troubleshooting common technical issues in the field
• The importance of a communication plan

Module 8: Ethical Considerations and Data Security

• The importance of informed consent in a digital context
• Protecting respondent privacy and sensitive data
• Securing data from the field to the server
• Complying with data protection regulations
• The role of data encryption and secure data storage

Module 9: Data Analysis and Visualization

• Exporting data from mobile platforms for analysis
• Cleaning and preparing data for analysis
• Using pivot tables and dashboards for preliminary insights
• Creating maps and other geospatial visualizations
• Telling a compelling story with data and visuals

Module 10: Advanced Geospatial Analysis

• Using GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) for advanced mapping
• Performing spatial analysis and proximity analysis
• The role of geostatistical modeling
• Creating interactive dashboards with maps
• Case studies of advanced geospatial M&E

Module 11: Remote Sensing for M&E

• An introduction to the principles of remote sensing
• Using satellite data for damage assessment and disaster monitoring
• Monitoring crop health and agricultural productivity
• The use of remote sensing for poverty mapping
• How to interpret different types of satellite imagery

Module 12: Transitioning to Digital Systems

• Conducting a needs assessment for your organization
• Developing a phased plan for digital adoption
• Overcoming resistance to change and securing buy-in
• Measuring the return on investment of mobile tools
• Creating a sustainable and scalable system

Module 13: Integrating M&E Data into a Broader System

• The role of APIs for data synchronization
• Integrating mobile data with a central database
• Using business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• The importance of a unified data architecture
• The future of integrated M&E systems

Module 14: Practical Application and Field Simulation

• A hands-on field simulation of a data collection exercise
• Participants design, deploy, and collect data with mobile tools
• Troubleshooting technical issues in a simulated environment
• Analyzing the collected data and creating a report
• Peer review and feedback sessions on the process

Module 15: The Future of M&E Technology

• The role of AI and machine learning in automated data analysis
• The potential of drones for high-resolution imagery
• The use of blockchain for secure and transparent data
• The rise of open-source and collaborative tools
• Anticipating the next wave of technological disruption

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.