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Data Collection

Reliable, high-quality data collection using both traditional and digital approaches — from household surveys and focus group discussions to digital mobile tools and participatory rural appraisals across East Africa.

Service overview

Data You Can Trust. Insights You Can Act On.

MRAC provides reliable and high-quality data collection services that form the foundation of every research and evaluation project we undertake. We combine traditional field-based approaches with modern digital tools to ensure accurate, timely, and representative data collection.

Our field teams are trained, supervised, and quality-checked at every stage — from tool design and enumerator training through to real-time data validation and final dataset delivery.

Whether you need a nationwide household survey, a series of focus group discussions, or digital data capture in remote communities, MRAC has the team, tools, and experience to deliver.

Need field data collected?

Tell us your study area, target population, and timeline — we’ll design the right data collection approach for your project.

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Our methods

Data Collection Methods

We use a full range of proven data collection methods — selected and combined based on your research objectives and context.

Household Surveys

Structured surveys targeting households to collect quantitative data on demographics, socio-economic conditions, and program outcomes across communities.

Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

Facilitated group discussions to capture diverse perspectives, experiences, and perceptions on relevant issues from community members and stakeholders.

Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)

In-depth interviews with stakeholders, community leaders, and subject experts to obtain qualitative insights and context-specific information.

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)

Participatory approaches that actively involve communities in data collection, mapping, and problem identification — giving voice to those most affected.

Mobile & Digital Data Collection

Using tablets, mobile applications, and cloud-based systems for efficient, real-time data capture and management — including ODK, KoBoToolbox, and similar platforms.

Field Supervision & Quality Control

Systematic on-site supervision, daily data checks, and validation processes to ensure accuracy, reliability, and adherence to standardized protocols throughout fieldwork.

Quality assurance

How We Ensure Data Quality

Every data collection exercise follows a four-stage quality assurance process to guarantee reliable, accurate results.

1

Tool Design

Carefully designed data collection instruments — questionnaires, guides, and checklists — pre-tested before fieldwork begins.

2

Enumerator Training

All field staff trained on research protocols, ethics, interview techniques, and digital tools before deployment.

3

Field Supervision

Dedicated field supervisors conduct real-time checks, spot audits, and daily review of collected data during fieldwork.

4

Data Validation

Cleaning, validation, and verification of all datasets before handover — ensuring completeness and accuracy.

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Need Reliable Field Data?

Tell us your study area, target population, and timeline — we’ll handle the rest.