Tracking Coffee Farm Health with Real-Time Roya Monitoring
K&F Consulting collaborated with NCBA CLUSA to develop an innovative system for monitoring coffee leaf rust (Roya) in El Salvador's coffee farms. Roya poses a significant threat to coffee production, and this project empowered field agents and stakeholders with a real-time, data-driven solution.
Project Objectives
The primary goal of this project was to establish a comprehensive monitoring system for Roya on coffee farms in El Salvador. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this fungal disease, the system aimed to facilitate on-the-ground data collection, seamless data synchronization, and advanced analysis for effective Roya tracking. This project was integrated with NCBA CLUSA's monitoring and evaluation system.
Innovative Solution for On-the-Ground Data Collection
Our solution empowered field agents to visit coffee farms and collect crucial data about Roya on coffee plants. Using a user-friendly mobile interface, powered by Open Data Kit Collect, field agents could input Roya analysis data, including the number of plants affected by Roya and the severity of the disease, providing a detailed picture of Roya prevalence on a farm-by-farm basis.
To ensure a seamless flow of information, the collected data would sync with NCBA CLUSA's central database. This synchronization process enabled stakeholders to access up-to-date information about Roya prevalence across coffee farms.
Advanced Analysis and Tracking
The system's capabilities allowed for granular tracking of Roya, providing insights on a farm-by-farm basis, by mountain range, and at a country level. The integration of interactive maps, dynamic graphs, and informative tables enhanced the user experience, providing stakeholders with a nuanced understanding of Roya's prevalence.
The synergy between robust data analysis and sophisticated visualization tools empowered NCBA CLUSA and stakeholders to make strategic decisions backed by a rich and intuitive understanding of Roya's dynamics. The combination of analytical depth and visual clarity set a new standard in monitoring and combating coffee leaf rust in El Salvador.