Virtual Training Session on Enhancing Data Collection and Climate Monitoring with the KMD Mobile App and Web Dashboard

Akshatha A. 2024. Virtual Training Session on Enhancing Data Collection and Climate Monitoring with the KMD Mobile App and Web Dashboard. AICCRA Report. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA).

The AICCRA-KMD Mobile Application is a cutting-edge, Android-based tool developed through a collaborative effort between the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), and the CGIAR Initiative on Digital Innovation (CGIAR-DI). Designed as a user-friendly platform, the app serves to collect vital agro-meteorological and rainfall data directly from the field, leveraging manual rain gauges installed in farmers' fields across Kenya.

The AICCRA-KMD mobile app is specifically tailored to support County Directors of Meteorological Services (CDMs), Ward Agricultural Extension staff, and enumerators in the efficient collection and management of critical climate and crop data. CDMs utilize the app to register rain gauge locations, while field enumerators are responsible for recording daily rainfall and capturing key crop-related information, such as Crop types and varieties, Pest infestations, Disease prevalence, Weather-related hazards, Crop yields. This data, collected across the eight KCEP-CRAL counties Embu, Kilifi, Kitui, Kwale, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, and Tharaka-Nithi is uploaded in real-time through the app and made accessible via a web-based dashboard for visualization and analysis. By minimizing unintentional errors in data collection and streamlining analysis, the app empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, improving resilience and adaptation to climate variability. The app’s availability on the Play Store ensures easy access for registered users, while its secure login system maintains data integrity and user accountability.

To strengthen the implementation and ensure the success of this initiative, a virtual training session was organized on 30th Sep to 2nd Oct 2024. The session was a joint effort by KMD and ILRI under the AICCRA project and aimed to build the capacity of the following key stakeholders a) County Directors of Meteorological Services (CDMs): To oversee and coordinate the data collection framework b) Enumerators: To collect rainfall and crop-related data from the field c) Ward Agricultural Extension Staff: To provide supervisory support, ensuring data accuracy and sustainability. The training’s overarching objective was to enhance the use of the AICCRA-KMD Mobile Application and Web Dashboard, reinforcing the initiative's framework for reliable agro-meteorological data collection and long-term sustainability. This effort not only strengthens the existing agricultural value chains but also improves access to climate-smart decision-making tools for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers.