Challenges and opportunities of mobile phone-based data collection: Evidence from South Sudan

This case study explores mobile phone-based data collection in South Sudan, addressing challenges like non-response and network issues.

It offers practical strategies for M&E practitioners to improve remote data collection in fragile, low-infrastructure environments.

In this case study, Demombynes, Gubbins, and Romeo (2013) examine the use of mobile phone-based surveys to gather high-frequency socioeconomic data in fragile contexts, with a focus on South Sudan. The authors focus on the South Sudan Experimental Phone Survey (SSEPS), which aimed to collect high-frequency socioeconomic data during the lead-up to the country’s independence. This study highlights both the challenges and opportunities of using mobile phone-based surveys to gather data on living conditions and public services in such environments. The paper is particularly relevant for M&E practitioners seeking to employ innovative data collection methods in conflict-affected settings where traditional means are impractical.

Key features

• Exploration of mobile phone-based surveys: The resource investigates mobile phone surveys as an alternative to traditional face-to-face data collection, examining different approaches such as voice calls, SMS, and interactive voice response (IVR).
• South Sudan case study: A detailed review of the South Sudan survey, including challenges related to mobile network instability and non-response rates.
• Survey methodology: Discusses the impact of incentives (such as airtime credit) on participation rates and compares the efficacy of using respondents' own phones versus distributing phones.
• Lessons for fragile environments: The paper explores the specific difficulties of operating in fragile states, such as logistical issues, respondent mistrust, and network limitations, and offers insights into mitigating these challenges.
• Innovative data sources: Highlights the potential for using alternative data sources, such as Big Data, and leveraging technology to improve socioeconomic data collection in low-income settings.

How would you use the resource?

M&E practitioners working in FCV contexts can use this resource to design and implement mobile phone-based data collection methods tailored to fragile environments. Its detailed case study of South Sudan provides practical lessons on respondent engagement, handling non-response, and overcoming technical barriers like poor network coverage. This resource would be useful for those considering alternative data collection methods due to limited access to survey populations. It also helps in understanding the trade-offs between different mobile data collection techniques and provides insights into ensuring data reliability despite common FCV constraints.

Why are we recommending it?

This resource is recommended for its focus on practical challenges and solutions in remote data collection using mobile technology in FCV settings. It provides M&E practitioners with evidence-based insights on how to address common obstacles such as non-response, poor network coverage, and participant incentives, making it valuable for those designing or implementing surveys in fragile contexts.