ABSTRACT
Digital Green is at the cutting edge of using video-based agricultural extension to reduce the cost of reaching farmers with improved practices. Their approach has proved to be ten times more cost-effective than traditional extension systems. This case study illustrates how they have pioneered a system of collecting information down to the farmer level and use well-designed feedback systems to track progress in real time. The rapid evolution of their product and services reflects a high-frequency feedback system that enables rapid collective learning. Their approach allows for iterative improvements in project design, operation and evaluation by capturing data and feedback from all its constituents including individual farmers. This data is recorded in a pro-prietary software called Connect Online | Connect Offline (COCO) that allows for near real-time analysis on open-access analytics dashboards. Analytical data is enhanced by face-to-face interactions to check data quality and verify adoption claims through spaces for reflective dialogue between farmers, community workers, partners and wider agricultural extension community. These meetings are facilitated monthly using participatory approaches.
Digital Green is gaining insights into how collecting and presenting data are not the same as using it. Collecting timely, appropriate and segmented data, which can be freely accessed through customized presentations and made sense of through regular engagement with clear incentives, can drive programmatic improvements.
17Reflection through collaborative and participatory spaces builds trust, helps to align values and allows unequal power dynamics between collaborators to be examined. This in turn strengthens the quality of those relationships. Building a culture of learning, ownership and accountability by both institutionalizing systemic changes and building capacities can drive sustained impact. Greater equality and unity and diversity of voice promote mutual accountability and innovation when catalyzed through an infrastructure of networks, knowledge platforms and communities of practice.
