Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to illustrate the importance of applying open-source technologies for mobile-based data collection for real-time tracking of seed yam (Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea alata) production. Seed yam data in Nigeria have been predominantly collected using field notebooks in the past, which were subsequently entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or Access database for analysis and reposition. Relevant areas of weakness within the current data systems include time delay in providing feedback and non-availability of data upon demand. As a result, this has hampered direct tracking of seeds at various stages of crop production and management. The main research objective was to develop a seed yam-tracking application using Open Data Kit (ODK) that addresses these data collection challenges. The specific objectives were to evaluate the challenges relative to the existing data collection systems and reporting methods in seed yam production; to evaluate the effectiveness of the prototype developed for collection, entry and capture of seed yam production data; and to improve aggregation of field data and real time visualization of data using mobile technologies. The study provided data collectors with a pre-installed seed yam tracking app for use on an Android device for data collection and management. The system architecture was based on the ODK framework and a custom design based on requirements and lessons learned from literature. The ODK (Aggregate) made data easily accessible in minimum time possible from the point of data collection. The seed yam tracking application was designed as a result and field tested. The results indicated that this method improved efficiency, speed, and convenience in data collection and visualization, showing that this type of system can be used in crop management and research. The ODK system proposed for seed yam tracking is an important and effective solution that should be directed towards solving the identified constraints. Implementation of the system will streamline the process of seed yam data enumeration and aggregation, reduce greatly the time taken to provide information to stakeholders, it will act as an easier, user friendly and efficient system to provide feedback that ultimately informs decision making in the crop sector.
