Quality data is the catalyst for driving impact

Written by David Etienne on May 4, 2023

Why quality data is essential for demonstrating impact

In 2020, as my colleague and I were studying international development and cooperation, we immediately recognized the pressing need for organizations to measure their impact. Impact is the tangible, positive change that an organization creates in the communities it serves. It is becoming increasingly critical for organizations to be able to demonstrate impact, in order to secure funding and build credibility with stakeholders. However, measuring impact requires quality data.

Quality data is accurate, reliable, relevant, and timely information that is collected and analyzed in a systematic and standardized way. This means that the data is collected using well-defined methods, and that it is checked for errors and inconsistencies to ensure its accuracy and reliability. Relevant data is information that is directly related to the questions an organization is trying to answer, and timely data is information that is available when it is needed, so that decisions can be made quickly and efficiently. Collecting and analyzing quality data is thus essential for determining the effectiveness of interventions, making it a sine qua non condition for demonstrating impact.

Investing in quality data despite high costs

In the course of collaborating with NGOs to design impact evaluations for specific projects, we encountered a significant obstacle that these organizations commonly face. The high costs associated with quality data collection and analysis present a major barrier to many organizations. For instance, to establish a robust baseline prior to intervention, sufficient amounts of quality data must be acquired. However, this process can be both expensive and time-consuming, especially for smaller organizations. As a result, these organizations are often forced to choose between allocating resources towards data collection and analysis or direct program implementation, despite recognizing the importance of the former.

The value of quality data collection and analysis extends beyond the international development and cooperation sector. In the last decades, data has become a critical asset and many industries have had to adapt by becoming data-driven businesses. By leveraging quality data, organizations across various sectors have been able to gain a competitive advantage in strategic and operational decision-making. The same holds true for international development and cooperation organizations. By investing in quality data collection and analysis, these organizations can better understand the impact of their programs, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions on resource allocation.

Insights from SAT's journey to becoming a data-driven organization

planet10's project with Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) focuses on standardizing data collection and analysis using KoboToolbox for field data collection and a centralized web application for cleaned and structured information storage. What is especially remarkable in this project is SAT's natural transition to a data-driven organization. While a large basis of data was already available, it was not easily accessible or well-organized. Re-organizing and presenting it in new ways by leveraging modern digital tools has instantly triggered valuable ideas from staff. By improving its data quality, SAT is able to uncover untapped potential.

Here is a concrete example: SAT's vision is to promote the use of recognized agroecological methods by the majority of farmers to improve livelihoods, preserve the environment, and reduce pressure on natural resources. To measure progress towards this goal, tracking the number of farm plots operated according to SAT's standards is relevant. However, SAT's core business actually lies in the trainings it teaches, which provide farmers with the tools to practice organic farming on their plots. Visualizing all the trainings that have been taught to achieve this goal in an appealing dashboard provides a powerful sense of purpose and motivation for SAT's staff. Linking these trainings to the progress being made towards SAT's vision makes its impact evident and drives the team's efforts.

When staff look at the map or dashboard, discussions instantly arise around the potential of organic farming in a certain area or how traingings could be restructured. This illustrates how easily SAT operates in a data-driven way, given that quality data is provided and easily accessible. Naturally, the team's efforts are re-aligned with SAT's mission. In that sense, quality data not only improves efficiency and credibility in front of stakeholders and donors, but also provides a sense of fulfillment in regard to one's commitment to its own vision.

A Competitive edge in the age of AI

Investing in quality data is a wise business decision that can have a significant impact on international development and cooperation. By becoming a data-driven organization, operations can be improved, activities can be aligned with the vision, and the direct impact of work can be demonstrated. The benefits of quality data are endless, and the investment will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.

Finally, it goes without saying that organizations with quality data will have a significant advantage in the rapidly developing field of AI. In a next post, we will explore the possibilities offered by the AI revolution in more detail.