REVOLUTIONIZING USAID TRANSFORM WASH DATA MANAGEMENT:
THE POWER OF DIGITAL INNOVATION FOR INFORMED DECISION-MAKING.
Author: Befikadi Bayissa, WASH Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager, PSI Ethiopia; Mekdim Hailu, Project Communication Manager, PSI Ethiopia and Melese Tamiru, MIS Associate Director, PSI Ethiopia
Since 2017, USAID’s Transform WASH activity in Ethiopia has revolutionized water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services through a market-based approach. The initiative aims to create a sustainable sanitation product and service market, focusing on innovation and data utilization for evidence-based decision-making and operational excellence. In today’s fast-paced business environment, data-driven decision-making is an advantage and a prerequisite for customer-centric services and operational efficiency. Transform WASH recognized the limitations of traditional paper-based data management and embarked on a digital transformation two years ago to improve business processes and better serve customers.
We Recognized The Problem.
Outdated data management systems were hindering Transform WASH’s effectiveness. Relying on paper-based methods led to delays, inaccuracies, and a lack of meaningful insights. Issues such as parallel reporting, the need for a review and approval system, and gaps in the data flow structure were identified as significant causes of poor decision-making and inefficiency.
Charting A New Course With Digital Data Management.
The team conducted a thorough data flow analysis involving all stakeholders and uncovered data collection, review, and approval discrepancies. Discussions with stakeholders identified workable solutions that led to the introduction of a new a feature into DHIS2, an open-source data management platform. This feature included data review and approval system and has significantly improved the quality of data reporting, compliance, and accountability. PSI Ethiopia has developed a data-sharing application to ensure further accuracy, establish quality control points, and streamline the data collection process.
A Data Transformation Is Underway.
Before the implementation of the Transform WASH digital solution:
- Identified and prioritized routine and non-routine data, considering collection frequency and error rates.
- Assigned individuals responsible for data collection, review, and approval.
Hands-on training and ongoing coaching ensured a smooth transition during the three-month pilot phase, which evolved into the activity’s formal monitoring and evaluation processes and systems.
A Digital Renaissance For Wash Data Management.
The digital transformation had a significant positive impact:
- Clarity of responsibilities: Clearly defined roles increase accountability and data reliability.
- Efficient data management: Centralized processes have reduced delays and accelerated decision-making and resource allocation.
- Employee engagement with data: Improved data quality and morale at all levels.
- Three-tiered data review and approval system: Multiple rounds of review improve data accuracy.
- Consensus-based decision making: Collaborative efforts ensure practical decision making.
- Confidence in data use: Timely reporting and approval timelines increase confidence in sound decision-making.
Innovation For A Better Future.
Transform WASH’s innovative data management and utilization approach enables the project to make evidence based decision making. By simplifying data management, the project is effectively allocating resources, measureing impact, and fulfilling its mission to provide sustainable sanitation solutions. The success of Transform WASH serves as a model for similar projects in the digital age. It underscores the critical role of leveraging digital solutions for accurate insights and fact-based decision-making.
