As a research organisation, EDI Global is dedicated to positively impacting communities by gathering and analysing a diverse array of innovative and supplementary data alongside traditional survey data. Recognising the critical role data plays in fostering meaningful change, we have honed our expertise in collecting and interpreting data from various sources. Our team continuously pushes the boundaries of data utilisation, encompassing categories such as health and neurological, water quality, agricultural and land use, physical activity, and education data.
Figure 1. Examples of supplementary data collected by EDI Global
The challenges of collecting supplementary data differ based on the data type, but common issues arise. Accurate measurements can be hindered by varying techniques, subject cooperation, and environmental factors. Sample contamination or variation during collection, transport, and storage is also a concern. Additionally, sensitive or stigmatised topics may make it difficult to gather precise information. Despite these challenges, our expertise enables us to overcome these obstacles and use the data effectively to inform policy decisions. Our commitment to gathering high-quality data and applying it strategically allows us to drive positive change and progress across various sectors.
Let’s explore some real-world examples of how we implement supplementary data collection at EDI Global!
Collecting plant samples
We implemented a survey that included the collection of plant samples, such as leaf cuttings or seeds. The samples needed careful preservation until arriving at the central laboratory for genotyping. To that end, the field teams had to blot the leaves to remove excess moisture, place samples in envelopes and apply silica gel to dry out, preventing enzyme activity that could degrade the samples. In order to ensure the identification and tracking of the plant samples, each envelope was tagged with barcodes that were scanned using an electronic survey form, allowing genotyping results to be matched with household survey data.
Sosthenes Alex – Project Coordinator at EDI Global (Tanzania)
“I had an opportunity to coordinate the plant sample training, data collection and shipping to the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) headquarters in Morogoro, the experience was so enthralling. The most challenging part was the proper coordination of household data collection, plant sample collection, and the shipment of the samples to the centralized laboratory. For the smooth plant sample shipping, each field team had one member responsible for plant shipping. Each shipping staff delivered the samples to TOSCI staff who examined each sample before certifying the sample as fit for the test. At the end of sample collection, more than 99% of all samples collected and delivered to TOSCI were certified fit for the test. The strong, dedicated, and competent field staff who participated were the key to the success of the activities involved in this survey. Their endless efforts and endurance were encouraging and supportive.”
Conducting chemical tests on water samples
We conducted chemical tests on water points to test the presence of the E-coli bacteria. Those tests were carried out alongside surveys with community interviews and water points observations as part of a rigorous impact evaluation of a programme for increasing the availability and sustainability of rural water points in Tanzania. The chemical tests were affordable, easy to obtain, and required minimal training for standard interviewers to implement and interpret the results. To allow proper analysis of this data, we established a strong linkage protocol using unique barcode system to link each test to the survey data collected on each water point.
Figure 2. A water distribution point in Rukwa region, Tanzania .
Using novel technologies to measure children’s brain development
A recent innovative application at EDI Global involved using two novel technologies to measure children’s brain development and word formation: electroencephalogram (EEG) and Language Environment Analysis (LENA) technologies (see Figures below). These data were collected from a sample of young children aged 6 to 36 months, alongside household surveys. The aim was to understand character virtue formation in early childhood and validate specific psychometric tests on cognitive and language development.
This pilot study in rural Tanzania provided key insights into using advanced technologies with young children in hard-to-reach areas. We developed a strategy to ensure these safe technologies were accepted by the communities and that the experiment could be effectively conducted in remote areas with limited electricity and internet access. To address these challenges, we created a comprehensive training program and field protocols in consultation with experts. We trained specialised interviewers on how to communicate with local communities, introduce the technologies to households, collect ethical consent, and identify suitable spaces in each village to conduct the EEG experiments under optimal conditions while minimizing community disturbance.
Figure 3. Picture of the LENA device inserted in the vest Figure 4. Picture of the EEG technology
Source: https://www.lena.org/technology/#
In conclusion, we’re passionate about collecting and using supplementary and innovative data to create a positive impact in the communities we work in. Our dedication to the transformative power of data inspires us to constantly improve our data collection and management strategies, so EDI Global can continue to drive positive impact.
Authors: Sosthenes Alex, Luz Azlor, Marie Mallet.
