Front row L to R: Thinah Moyo, Greenwell Matchaya, Martha Nandi, Mamolemo Pomela, Arijoana Voahangy, Sibusiso Nhlengethwa
Back row L to R: Helder Gemo, Readwell Musopole, Anand Sookun, Auckland Kuteya, Joao Mutondo, John Pali- Shikhulu, Angela Faria, Fortress Netili and Donald Makoka
The Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support Systems for Southern Africa (ReSAKSS-SA) facilitated by the International Water Management Institute for Southern Africa (IWMI-SA) convened the 7th Regional Methodology Data Collection workshop, on 30 July, in IWMI-SA office in Pretoria. The workshop was attended by national collaborators from the following Southern African Development Community (SADC) region member states: Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia, Mauritius, Swaziland, Namibia and Madagascar. The workshop was primarily aimed at meeting the following objectives: (i) present and discuss the data collection tool that IWMI-SA (ReSAKSS-SA) has developed, (ii) Introduce participants to the 2014 reports theme for Southern Africa, (iii) strengthen the capacity to monitor and evaluate agricultural sector performance, growth and poverty trends in Southern Africa in the context of Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and Southern African Development Community (SADC)- Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and (iv) Draw a work plan for the delivery of the required data.
Sibusiso Nhlengethwa, IWMI-SA Research Statistics presented the data collection tool (questionnaire), and his presentation provided participants with an opportunity to dissect various sections of the questionnaire, and also give constructive feedback and make recommendations in terms of what they thought would work in their respective countries based on their unique circumstances.
The following points came out during the discussions:
- The importance of getting disaggregated data versus aggregated data (disaggregated data provides an in depth picture of the agricultural performance)
- Collaborators were advised to fill out the table in the questionnaire completely when collecting the data, if blank spaces are left, reasons should be provided
- Collaborators were trained on how to collect data to ensure that it is usable and authentic
- Guidelines were also provided with regards to sources where some data could possibly be obtained
Participants made significant input on the structure and context of the questionnaire and ReSAKSS-SA team will amend the questionnaire in accordance to input gathered from the national collaborators and thereafter circulate it for further review. Once the review process is completed, collaborators will commence the data collection phase in their respective countries.
Participants discussing the data collection tool with Dr Greenwell Matchaya and Sibusiso Nhlengethwa facilitating the discussions
Dr Greenwell Matchaya, ReSAKSS-SA Coordinator also emphasized that once the data collection phase commences, it is critical that collaborators keep the ReSAKSS-SA team updated on their progress and challenges faced – for example, with access to data and data sources so that the ReSAKSS-SA team will provide assistance where necessary.
Subsequent to the data collection phase, a Data presentation/validation workshop will be held in September where countries will present the data they collected using the questionnaire that was presented and discussed in the 7th Regional Methodology workshop.
This survey is part of an M&E system developed by ReSAKSS-SA to monitor the progress being made by SADC countries in implementing the CAADP and other regionally shared policies and goals. The data obtained through this process will be utilized to produce the 2014 Annual trends and outlook report (ATOR) for Southern Africa.
To access more pictures of the workshop here.
This article is written by Thokozani Dlamini, Communications Officer at IWMI-SA.