In the modern development sector, the location of an intervention and its beneficiaries is a crucial dimension of impact that is often overlooked in traditional M&E. This training course is designed to empower M&E and project professionals to leverage the power of geospatial tools. By integrating location-based data into their work, participants will learn how to visualize project activities, identify geographic disparities, and analyze spatial relationships, providing a powerful new lens for understanding project reach, performance, and impact.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for sourcing, managing, and analyzing geospatial data. Participants will gain skills in everything from collecting data with GPS devices and mobile apps to creating thematic maps and conducting advanced spatial analysis. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of their M&E efforts, ensuring that their projects are not only effective but are also optimized for the specific places and communities they serve.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• GIS Specialists
• Program and Project Managers
• Urban Planners
• Researchers
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Environmental Scientists
• Government Officials
• Public Health Practitioners
• Consultants

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of GIS and its applications in M&E.
• Master the process of collecting and managing spatial data.
• Learn how to use mobile data collection apps for M&E.
• Develop a framework for integrating GIS into the project cycle.
• Enhance the ability to visualize and communicate M&E data spatially.
• Overcome the technical and organizational challenges of implementation.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and ethical considerations.
• Identify and address geographic disparities in project delivery.
• Build a culture of data-driven, proactive project management.
• Apply geospatial tools to a wide range of sectors and contexts.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Geospatial M&E

• The limitations of traditional, non-spatial M&E
• Defining GIS, spatial data, and their relevance to M&E
• The business case for geospatial tools in project management
• An overview of the geospatial M&E workflow
• The difference between basic mapping and advanced spatial analysis

Module 2: Foundational Concepts of Spatial Data

• Understanding different types of spatial data (vector and raster)
• The role of coordinate systems and map projections
• The importance of spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution
• Sources of spatial data (e.g., GPS, satellite imagery, field surveys)
• An introduction to open-source GIS software (e.g., QGIS)

Module 3: Geospatial Data Collection

• An introduction to GPS devices and their use in M&E
• The importance of mobile data collection apps (e.g., ODK, KoboToolbox)
• Designing digital forms for geo-enabled surveys
• Best practices for ensuring data accuracy and quality in the field
• Practical labs on mobile data collection

Module 4: Geospatial Data Management

• The importance of a clear data management plan
• The process of importing and managing field data in GIS software
• The role of data cleaning and validation
• The importance of a clear file and folder structure
• Ensuring data security and privacy

Module 5: Basic GIS Operations

• An introduction to the GIS interface
• The importance of adding and managing data layers
• The role of a base map and a coordinate system
• The process of joining tabular and spatial data
• Practical labs on basic GIS operations

Module 6: Geospatial Data Visualization

• The importance of a clear and compelling map
• Using different visualization techniques (e.g., choropleth, heatmaps)
• The role of a "story map" in communicating findings
• Best practices for designing a map for M&E reporting
• Practical labs on creating a final map layout

Module 7: Spatial Analysis

• The importance of a clear and testable hypothesis
• The role of a buffer and an overlay analysis
• The use of proximity and distance analysis
• The importance of "hotspot" analysis
• Practical labs on spatial analysis

Module 8: M&E for a Diverse Audience

• The importance of knowing your audience
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Designing maps for non-technical audiences
• The importance of accessibility and inclusivity
• Case studies on communicating with different audiences

Module 9: Mainstreaming Geospatial M&E

• How to integrate geospatial tools into existing M&E systems
• The importance of a phased implementation strategy
• The role of a geospatial M&E framework in the project cycle
• Building a culture of geospatial-aware, adaptive management
• Case studies on successful integration

Module 10: CBM and Geospatial M&E

• The potential of community-based monitoring with spatial data
• Training community members as mappers
• The importance of a participatory approach
• The role of a feedback loop for continuous learning
• The long-term benefits of a community-led system

Module 11: Sector-Specific Applications (Agriculture)

• The use of GIS for crop monitoring and yield estimation
• The role of remote sensing in agricultural planning
• Mapping land-use change and deforestation
• The importance of GIS for supply chain management
• The use of GIS for food security early warning systems

Module 12: Sector-Specific Applications (Public Health)

• The use of GIS for disease surveillance and outbreak mapping
• The role of a GIS for health facility planning
• Mapping access to essential health services
• The importance of a GIS for vaccination campaigns
• The use of GIS for a health information system

Module 13: Sector-Specific Applications (Disaster Response)

• The use of GIS for pre-disaster planning and risk assessment
• The role of a GIS in a real-time disaster response
• The importance of a GIS for damage assessments
• The use of GIS for tracking population displacement
• Case studies on disaster response with GIS

Module 14: Practical Application and Simulation

• A hands-on simulation of a real-world project
• Participants work in teams to design and execute a monitoring plan
• Troubleshooting common challenges in data collection
• Analyzing and interpreting a set of spatial data
• Peer review and feedback sessions on the process

Module 15: The Future of Geospatial M&E

• The role of AI and machine learning in automated analysis
• The potential of new data sources (e.g., drones, real-time satellite imagery)
• The rise of complexity-aware M&E
• The long-term implications for the sector
• Anticipating the next wave of challenges

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.