Data collection: from field research toward digital government

Data integrity is crucial, from the field measurements to the analysis. It is crucial in a research project, and even more in a humanitarian context in developing countries. The available digital tools could reduce any risk of data loss and allow the researchers to visualize near real-time information and monitor the activities in the field.

The same tools can be adopted at the same time by authorities to improve their capacity and efficiency in daily life. This is what happened in the hands4health project: the data collection system developed for measuring the free residual chlorine at the tap level in Palestinian schools has been adapted for the need of the local authorities. The Ministry of Education representatives can now monitor water safety and identify vulnerable situations for prompt intervention.