2016 ICT4D Conference

MERCY CORPS Nepal is implementing program "Managing Risk through Economic Development (MRED)" in far west region of Nepal focusing on sugarcane plantation along the river banks to reduce the impact of flood while building resilience and providing economic opportunity in previously floodplain areas.
Together with existing database of Sugar mill, MC was involved in collection of primary data for existing sugarcane cultivation in two districts. This was an effort to support the stakeholders understand and realize the potential of low cost innovative technological solutions for the collection of data on existing sugarcane cultivation. Details of sugarcane cultivated were taken as per discussion with multiple stakeholders.
The technology employed is itself simple and replicable. Open data collection platforms easily accessible through the android based mobile devices were used for the process of mapping of sugarcane cultivated plots. These accessed both online or offline. It collects details of sugarcane cultivated and the farmers. The GPS data helps monitor surveyed plots and distance from different stakeholders.
Public, private and civil participation has been promoted throughout the project. Open sharing of private data by sugar mill indicating support for the project and positive expectation of increasing benefit to the sugarcane industry. This data will help government sector be more aware of the status of sugarcane cultivation and plan strategize for the promotion of the sugarcane sector. The mapping of existing and potential areas along the river banks for sugarcane cultivation explores the growth of sugarcane sector linking increase in livelihood of vulnerable population along the river banks.