Effectiveness of tablet computers in spatial data collection and surveys in rural Tanzania. Issue 6 (11th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mwita, Emiliana J.; Pearson, Amber L.; Zwickle, Adam
• Is Part Of: Electronic journal on information systems in developing countries. Volume 85:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-07-11
• Subjects: computer‐aided personal interviewing -- GPS -- mobile devices -- spatial -- survey; Management information systems -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; High technology industries -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions; Economic history; High technology industries; Information technology -- Economic aspects; Information technology -- Social aspects; Management information systems; Developing countries; Periodicals; 658.4
• DOI: 10.1002/isd2.12106
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1681-4835

Abstract

Abstract: Worldwide, there is increasing application of tablet computers and other portable electronic devices in research. Effectiveness of these devices as data collection tools is widely appreciated, but several challenges exist when used in remote/rural settings. A household survey and spatial data collection were undertaken using tablet computers in rural Tanzania. Over 5 days in the study village of Naitolia, 12 enumerators visited 170 households completing 154 household surveys and 156 women's surveys while simultaneously collecting spatial data on wet/dry season water sources for 92 households using the tablets. Power supply, internet connectivity, and app faults were among the primary challenges that require attention to facilitate efficient use of tablets to collect data in remote areas. Lessons learnt include the importance of alternative energy (eg, solar energy) for charging, carrying hard copies of survey instruments as a backup, and ensuring that newly developed apps have been thoroughly field tested.