The phrase “Data for Development” reflects the crucial role of data in the development and humanitarian sector. Fortunately, the massive growth of technology in recent years has been improving monitoring and evaluation practices in the sector by replacing the time-consuming paper-based data collection process with effective digital tools.
There are many data collection tools available, including KoBo Toolbox, Ona, CommCare, SurveyCTO etc. These platforms are versatile and reliable. They enable users to create unique data collection forms that meet their project requirements while facilitating development professionals to discover and utilise newer and richer data sources. Data collectors are able to reach wider target groups, collect data faster, cheaper, more efficiently and shorten the gap between data collection and decision making.
Digital data collection tools also ensure good data quality with their automated data entry process and the possibility for real-time quality checks. Moreover, their offline functionality allows organisations to collect data with their mobile devices from any corner of the world and in any challenging environment.