The Power of Farm-Level Data and Partnerships

Revelations from four years of IDH-Akvo Partnership on Data Collection

IDH and the Akvo Foundation collaborated on a four-year initiative to optimise farmer data collection strategies, addressing significant challenges faced by African farmers, such as limited access to inputs, markets, and financing. The partnership developed a semi-standardised data collection methodology, conducting 50 data exercises with over 15,537 farmers. The collaboration emphasised the value of engaging proficient data service providers to enhance data collection and management, offering practical recommendations for partnering organisations, such as meticulous planning, contextual survey design, and robust data quality control. IDH also encourages sector-wide collaboration for improved data sharing and transparency.