CommCare

CORIGAP’s computer-assisted interviewing (CAPI) tool for agronomic and socio-economic  research

Background

Paper-based questionnaires have been a standard data collection tool for many researchers and development practitioners. Among the mobile data collection platforms available, CommCare provides functionality for data collection, analysis and sharing. Designed by Dimagi, Inc., CommCare was identified by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) as a useful, effective tool to facilitate Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

CommCare is an app-based data collection tool that is currently used by the Closing Rice Yield Gaps in Asia (CORIGAP) project to gather agronomic and socioeconomic-related data. 

Challenge

Researchers from a variety of disciplines traditionally use paper-and-pencil interviewing tools to gather data from their respective fields. However, human error can jeopardize the integrity of these data during manual collection, collation and analysis.

Using real-time data collection tools such a CommCare can help facilitate this
type of evidence-based decision making for impact at scale.

How does it work?

CommCare is an app-based data collection tool that is currently used by CORIGAP to gather agronomic- and socio-economic-related data. It has two main components: 

CommCare HQ is the application-building environment that offers an array of features for data point validation; calculate and display configurations for easier interviewing; and is operated through a cloud-based server with unlimited data storage. CommCare HQ receives data submitted by mobile workers and allows management of access to data and mobile workers.

CommCare Mobile is a free Android-supported application for mobile workers who personally visit community/survey locations to gather data from the target respondents. It has integrated audio visual multimedia, enables the use of multiple languages, and allows for off-line data collection. In addition, data transmission is enabled once internet connectivity is available.

Next Steps

The project team aims to collaborate with the Rice Departments of Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka to gather additional data to determine project impacts and outcomes.

The team is open for a cost-sharing opportunity with other projects that are planning to digitize their data collection system, and to form a centralized support group for knowledge sharing and training.

For more information, visit www.dimagi.com or Contact: Dr. Melanie Connor (m.connor@irri.org)