Expert Meeting on WASH data

In January of 2009, the WASHCost project organised an “Expert Meeting on WASH data” to learn from, and learn with, other people and organisations about processes for developing a global decision support tool. In order to complement, and not duplicate, a range of experts involved in existing initiatives that collect data in the WASH sector and use web-based interfaces were invited, such as OECD, UN Water, EU Joint Research Institute and GLAAS/JMP.

Some of the main insights that were provided by the “Expert Meeting on WASH Data” are:
• Collecting the right data, with an appropriate definition of that data, is the primary challenge.
• A wealth of software, experience and examples are available for database manipulation. The main lesson here is less to do with databases but rather that data which has not been collected with the appropriate level of ‘granularity’ will result in less useful conclusions.
• The user interface may well be more important than any specific decision support tool. The interface to the collected data, modelling and background information has to appeal to the user and help them to wade through the maze of information and choices.

To read the full report of the “Expert Meeting on WASH Data” please click below.

20090512 Report Expert meeting on WASH data report v1 0 - FINAL.pdf (2.49 MB)