Data Collection tool brainstorm in Nairobi for COLEAD project

In the COLEAD project “Support on development of baseline and real-time data tools for National Taskforce on Horticulture Kenya” we are working on the development and implementation of a data collection tool in the horticulture value chain in Kenya. Currently, most of the data is scattered throughout the value chain, meaning that all of these actors in the chain are not able to see the complete picture. With that, there is a missed opportunity to work on an optimized value chain with shared benefits.

The project already resulted in an existing data collection tool. Although this is a big step, there is no use for such a tool to exist without collecting data! We are therefore more excited for this implementation phase and are happy that we were able to make some first steps.

Last week, we came together with all stakeholders to brainstorm about the practicalities for rolling out the tool. To get into the brainstorm mood the first question was: how to squeeze a lemon? The participants thought of the most creative answers such as driving over it with a car or throwing it from the highest building. By doing so, the participants experienced that you can come up with many solutions in a very short time, when you just put your heads together. Then, it was time for the serious brainstorm session in which the participants defined which involved party the data manager should be, what its responsibilities are, what parties will collect and analyze the data, and how to finance the data collection tool. With these answers, we can define clear next steps and are therefore again a bit closer to an implemented data collection tool.

Thank you for the participation of the involved stakeholders: COLEAD, Kenya Flower Council, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Industry, FPEAK, FPC-Kenya, KEPHIS, PCPB, Everest Enterprises.