Severe obstacles to data capturing in rural Africa.

Tuesday, 11 July 2006

Throughout the world there is a need for remote data capturing via technology and there are many devices and systems that address this need. However, our experience shows that the cost and complexity of these systems make them inappropriate for use in the contexts in which we work. One of the problems with remote data capturing devices is their reliance on infrastructure such as telephone connectivity or continuous access to electricity. If the user is unfamiliar with technology then a complex device can also be a problem and require extensive training. Another negative factor is the cost of devices and systems. This problem is twofold, first there is the actual cost and who carries it. Secondly, there is the value of the devices and the target they become for theft. We have seen this problem even with mobile phones where we have been unable to use a phone simply because it makes its owner or handler a target for crime. How do we address these issues? Can we make a cheap device (low in manufacturing costs, with little re-sale value) that is less reliant on existing infrastructure, which is simple to use and does not require extensive training? These are some of the challenges we are facing and attempting to address in this area.

 

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