Capacity Building of staff of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) on Digital Data Collection Using KOBO Toolbox and SurveyCTO

Project Details

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1. Background

As part of its efforts to enhance institutional research capacity and improve evidence-based decision-making, the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) organized a three-day hands-on training for selected staff on digital data collection tools. The training, conducted from May 5th to 7th, 2025, was facilitated by RUNA Consulting Group Ltd, a professional consultancy firm specializing in research, data systems, and capacity building. The specific
trainer was Mr.Theogene Bahigirirora.
This training aimed to familiarize ILPD staff with KOBO Toolbox and SurveyCTO, two widely used mobile data collection platforms, to support data gathering for legal research, academic assessments, institutional surveys, and field monitoring.

2. Objectives of the Training

The main objectives of the training were to:

• Build technical capacity of ILPD staff in the use of KOBO Toolbox and SurveyCTO for efficient, real-time data collection.
• Enable participants to design, deploy, and manage digital surveys using smartphones, tablets, and web-based platforms.
• Promote the integration of digital tools into ILPD’s ongoing research, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

3. Training Methodology

The training adopted a blended practical approach involving:

• Instructor-led presentations and demonstrations
• Group-based exercises and problem-solving sessions
• Live practice in form building, data entry, and field testing
• Interactive Q&A and troubleshooting clinics

Each participant had access to a smartphone or tablet for hands-on practice, with guidance provided throughout the training period.

4. Participants

A total of 16 ILPD staff members, representing key departments such as Research, Training, Administration, and ICT, participated in the training. The group comprised individuals with diverse technical backgrounds, ranging from beginners to those with moderate experience in data systems.

5. Training Content Overview

Day 1

• Introduction to research methodology (applied research)
• Key techniques in applied research, digital data collection tools, statistical methods and ethical consideration for conducting research.

Day 2

• Tips on Conducting structured and semi-structured interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions on different domains.
• Introduction to mobile data collection; comparison of KOBO Toolbox and SurveyCTO; user account setup; introduction to XLSForm

Day 3

• Data export and analysis; data security and ethics; troubleshooting common challenges; simulated field data collection exercise
• Findings presentation and Report writing

6. Key Outcomes

• Participants acquired skills in building and deploying survey tools on KOBO and SurveyCTO.
• ILPD staff are now able to design digital questionnaires using Excel and upload them for field use.
• A sample pilot survey was created and tested during the training, with real-time data submission and review.
• Technical handouts and reference guides were distributed for future use.

7. Recommendations

• Integrate KOBO Toolbox and SurveyCTO in all future ILPD data collection activities, especially legal fieldwork and alumni surveys.
• Organize periodic refresher courses to reinforce skills and introduce platform updates.
• Consider establishing an internal peer-support system and designate a focal person for digital data systems.

8. Conclusion

The training successfully enhanced the capacity of ILPD staff to adopt digital tools for data collection, thereby supporting the institution’s mission to promote legal research and effective data management. RUNA Consulting Group Ltd commends ILPD for its proactive investment in staff development and looks forward to future collaboration.