WFP Sri Lanka boosts data collection with new computer system

Reuters: Data collection and monitoring has improved at WFP Sri Lanka, as the country office joins several others in adopting Android tablets equipped with specially designed software.

The eWIN software package, developed by WFP, helps staff collect data from beneficiaries and measure project performance and progress in the fight against hunger. It allows for better responses to malnutrition – and facilitates faster analysis by permitting field monitors to enter data directly into an electronic system (rather than collecting data manually and entering it on return to a computer).

The system is currently being tested in the northern part of the country. In the Kilinochchi area, staff visiting health clinics and schools assisted by WFP are seeking feedback from beneficiaries using the new system. They ask a range of questions, for example to check if beneficiaries received the food they were supposed to, if it was of sufficient quality and if the food was delivered on time. They might also ask gender related questions about the need for food assistance.

The new tablets and eWIN system allows these field staff to process this information in about half the time compared to the old paper-based system, saving resources and driving faster solutions when problems are spotted.

eWIN has previously been tested by other WFP offices, including those in Nepal, Lao PDR and the Philippines.