One of our students analyzes work in Kenya, Sweden

Christine Robby, a CES alumna now supported by CES to do her Masters in Environmental Science at Kenya’s Embu University, is enthusiastic about protecting the natural environment. A big part of this is data collection. Christine has experience collecting data in Kenya as well as in Sweden, where she has also studied.

Here, Christine talks about what she’s found to be the differences in environmental data collection in Kenya, compared to Sweden:

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Data collection is an important part of the research and decision-making processes. The feasibility of data collection in Kenya refers to the extent to which it is possible to collect accurate and reliable data in a particular context or setting. When it comes to data collection in East Africa in general, there are many questions raised between different parties across the world. These need to be addressed by different experts with experience in the field. Among the key issues and concerns is the safety, security and accuracy of data and information collected by scientists from abroad when in the field. Data collection has become easier and more efficient because of good practices and partnerships that have recently emerged. 

1.     Means of transport

Transportation in East Africa is less expensive than in other countries. Depending on the kind of project ones is to start up, most places are accessible. With recent development, most roads heading to interior places have been renovated and much easier to negotiate. This makes it easy to collect data not only during spring but also during rainy seasons. The cost of hiring a car is also cheaper in East Africa than in Europe.

2.     Data Privacy and Security

This is a critical issue as many people from outside Africa experience ‘fear of the unknown’. Yes, it’s the will of everyone to consider safety as a priority. The Kenyan government is committed towards data collection that ensures safety by developing a national data policy. When it comes to collecting data on a project, there are factors one needs to consider: 

i.         Providing incentives: offering incentives, such as compensation or gifts, can help build trust with participants. Participants may be more willing to provide accurate and reliable data if they feel they are being compensated for their time and effort.

ii.        Connect to stakeholders - from where you are conducting the project, be familiar with the authority. Get support from a few people who are aware of the norms and culture of the place. They can act as guides in the field. Also if possible, appreciate them for taking their time.

It is therefore important to ensure that you collect data in a manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of the respondent. Be transparent about the data collection and how the data will be used. 

3.     Cultural Aspects

People are cultural beings in terms of belief system and morals. Kenya is a diverse country with over 40 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique language, culture and customs. This diversity presents an opportunity for collecting data on a wide range of topics. It is therefore important to do enough research so as to avoid provocative situations during interactions. For example, mode of dressing -  in most Kenyan offices the dress code is more official, but some prefer casual wear. So in this case, if you don’t know, ask ahead of time so as not to appear disrespectful.

Some forests and hills are considered sacred by some cultures so invasion in the same may invoke anger and wrath. It’s also good to avoid some questions about norms of people because some people are not easy going and may resent another point of view as being critical of theirs.

4.     Building Trust

Kenya has a vibrant civil society that is actively engaged in advocacy and social justice issues. In the case of interviews, clearing doubts is important. A challenge may occur during an interview in that it may take a little time to build trust. Therefore, one should consider writing a summary of your research in layman’s terms. For example, when dealing with animal diseases, you can simplify it with a diagram of an animal infected. This helps capture the attention of a person and creates an atmosphere that enhances communication, and in addition builds a relationship with the participants.

Researchers can build trust by establishing a relationship with the participants before data collection. This can involve introducing themselves, explaining the purpose of the study, and addressing any concerns the participants may have. Ensure that participants understand their rights, including the right to refuse to participate or withdraw from the study at any time. Ensuring confidentiality and privacy of participants will increase the trust level in data collection process. It is important that Africans believe their information is being kept confidential and secure.

5.     Accessibility of Resources

This impacts the feasibility and the quality of data collection process. Accessibility of resources for data collection in Kenya has improved over the years. Resources are available at a walking distance. Hiring local staff or purchase of specialized equipment is less expensive and there are now more trained enumerators, supervisors, and coordinators available to conduct data collection activities.

6.     Technology

Kenya has one of the highest mobile phone penetration rates in Africa, with over 96% of the population owning a mobile phone. This presents an opportunity for collecting data using mobile phone service, which can be a cost-effective and efficient way to reach a large number of people. This is especially relevant in areas where traditional data collection methods such as face-to-face interviews are not feasible.

Mobile phones can be used for various data collection methods, including surveys, polls, and real-time data collection. One of the significant advantages of using mobile phones for data collection is that they allow researchers to reach people in remote areas. They can be used for remote data collection in real-time, where participants can respond to surveys or polls through their mobile phones. They enable researchers to collect data faster and more efficiently and can be automated, saving time and resources. Sending SMS is cheaper and affordable and helps reduce the risk of data entry errors, as participants enter data directly into their mobile phones.

In conclusion, assessing the feasibility of data collection in Kenya is essential to ensure that data collection activities are accurate, reliable, and appropriate for the population being studied. It requires careful consideration of the availability of resources, accessibility of the population, the nature of the research questions, and the cultural and social context of the population being studied. There are many opportunities to collect high quality data that can inform policies and programs that benefit the world. By leveraging the opportunities for data collection, we can ensure that data is collected in a manner that is ethical, rigorous and meaningful for all.