Hands-On Learning: Managing Data, Strengthening Systems, and Exploring Kenya

In the past two weeks, I worked with the team to create a plan for the data collection process. This is an important process conducted after the Gender, Urban Agriculture and Food System (GUAFS) Training to ensure that all trainees are mapped in the database. Despite receiving training on The Nairobi Farmer mobile application, many farmers did not complete the questionnaire on the app. Mazingira Institute uses enumerators to work with the farmers and help them upload their data into the system. To collect data for the past 7 training cohorts, six enumerators made calls to learn which farmers needed help using the mobile app. They analyzed the information and will visit the field next week. During the data collection process, I developed my attention to detail and organization while working with the farmers’ data. As part of the Mazingira team, I created a report summarizing the results of the phone call process. This was necessary because it gave a detailed account of the farmers’ issues with the app. The report will benefit the project by improving the app and training sessions for the future. 

Though I did not meet with any participants recently, I learned more about project management through the meeting at Waithaka Vocational Training Center. Mazingira Institute met with the Nairobi City County and the school’s principal to finalize a memorandum for the demonstration unit. The farm, which is located in the Waithaka compound, serves as a prototype for promoting agricultural education. I learned more about how projects are managed and how their cost is calculated using the operational and capital costs. My experience working with the Nairobi City County has been positive, and I have networked with some of the employees. I feel that the work I have done has helped improve the mobile app and database, which, in turn, is helping the project progress toward its goal. 

I visited Kenya’s coast at Diani Beach, staying at a resort overlooking the beautiful white sandy beach. Throughout the journey, I experienced coastal culture and Kenya’s famous ‘safari train’, which is known to cut through Tsavo National Park. 

As Mazingira prepares for another training session, I will continue to work with the app and database so they are in optimal condition for the next cohort of trainees.