Software to enable faster disaster response in Pacific [1]
Monday, June 20, 2016 - 18:04. Updated on Friday, June 24, 2016 - 16:31.
Faster response to disaster-impacted areas will rely on new software, which was released for training at Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture in Suva, on 25 May.
The software was developed in a joint initiative by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the International Rescue Committee, is part of a global initiative by UNOCHA. Called the KoBo Toolbox it will be used across the Pacific and in Fiji to reduce the impact of disaster on agriculture and food security. It is used in Vanuatu for drought monitoring and is currently being developed in the Solomon Islands for initial multi-sector disaster assessments.
“The software is used to develop questionnaires for assessing the impact of a disaster and is free for humanitarian use. It makes the immediate assessment at a disaster site and a fast, appropriate response possible,” said Ms Dominique Blariaux, Food and Nutrition Security and Disaster Risk Management Consultant, FAO, who is facilitating the training.
“We can collect data in a mobile device like a smartphone, tablet or portable computer then send it to the central database. Information can be entered into the device even if there is no internet connection as the data will immediately be sent to the central collection point, as soon as the device is in range of the network” said Ms Blariaux.
“We can improve upon the quality of the information received and act appropriately within a shorter timeframe. The earlier we understand the scope of a disaster, the faster we can respond appropriately to the priority needs of communities,” said Ms Blariaux.
The KoBo Toolbox has already been tested by Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture to monitor drought conditions in December 2015 and in January 2016, to assess the impact of Tropical Cyclone Ula on the Lau group.
Attending the workshop were some 19 representatives of Fiji’s Food Security Cluster, including Ministry of Agriculture senior staff and Extension Officers, and representatives from UN Women, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, the National Food Security & Nutrition Centre, the University of the South Pacific, Medical Services Pacific and PGS (Participatory Guarantee Systems).