KoBoKit

KoBoToolbox has been created for rapid deployment in highly demanding field contexts. It is grounded in extensive field experience (see www.koboresearch.org), rigorous methodology, efficient use of cutting-edge technology, and no-nonsense rules for working and moving in difficult working environments. We often get asked what is needed for a handheld digital data collection project. We have developed two kits: one for rapid assessments that can be used in disaster or conflit environments, and one for beneficiary tracking, which can be used to keep track of services and characteristics of beneficiaries.

Rapid Assessment Kit

Every research project is different, but our experience has resulted in well tested methods for operating in developing countries and areas in crisis. Overcoming power grid instability, lack of communication infrasctructure, and travel over long distances; it is necessary to prepare for the physical environement with the right equipment. 

Here is an example field kit from Team Kobo's research in Liberia. This research required travel across areas with no electricity, limited communication, and poor roads, you will notice the variety of equipment required to operate effectively. Here are a few highlights. 

• Solio Solar chargers - because you will neve run out of solar energy. Such portable chargers are useful because they can be carried along by surveyors and offer two full charges without being recharged in the sun.
• Inverter and car/truck battery - the external battery is a reliable (but less portable) source of energy to recharge your handhled devices, and serve as a very useful  back-up battery for your vehicle.
• AA usb battery chargers - our least frequently used energy source, but it is the most compact charger and provides one or two charges.
• Computer equiped with KoBoform and KoBosync to rapidly create surveys in the field if needed, and locally synchronize data from multiple handheld devices. Ruggedized computes can be expensive, we have used a range of computes including netbooks, which are very light and portable and provide more than enough power for what is needed.
• Handheld devices - in this case a set of MyTouch HTC phones. KoBoCollect has been piloted on a range of models, including entry level Android phones that cost US$ 80 or less. We typically work with teams of up to 16 individuals for one "base station" with computer and battery.
• USB hubs to charge and sync multiple handheld devices at the same time.

Beneficiary Tracking

the second kit developed and tested by KoBoToolbox in the field focused on beneficiary tracking.

The idea of the kit was to help organizations who need to provide services to specific beneficiaries monitor the services given over time. The kit reduces the need to collected repeatedly the same information on a specific beneficiary.

KoBoToolbox is also examining the use of biometrics in combination wiht the beneficiary tracking kit.