A Geographical Information System makes it possible to transform data into interactive maps. It matters in sustainable development actions by allowing:
- Better governance of local projects.
- Better management of projects thanks to shared information.
- Better communication on projects.
Development of a small Geographical Information System for Dankassari
AESCD, with help from RAEDD, has developed a Geographical Information System able to convert an Excel file localizing villages and populations into an interactive map. It results from a Polytech Angers student’s project in the summer of 2020. A little Python program generates the .html interactive card from the Excel file. Internet connection is not necessary with a .html file
The Excel database was initiated by Mr Mamane Chadaou, in charge of Decentralised Cooperation in Dankassari. It has been updated since then by AESCD, thanks to Mamane Chadaou’s monthly progress reports.
It is a useful tool to create interactive maps localizing our actions. Up to now, it has been used in France at supervision committees with the Cesson-Sévigné town council, at AESCD general meetings, in various reports as well as in our Magazine.
Training in Niger
Now, the goal is to make it possible to use it in Niger and train the RAEDD team, the mayor, and the Dankassari elected representatives as well as local services. Eventually, the cards will have to be updated and created in Niger and the tool will be used for decision-making and monitoring of activities.
A 4-day training session h being organized. The session took place at Dankassari Town Hall from March 28 to 30, 2022. The electricity needed was provided in the morning by a generator and in the afternoon by Nigelec.
The training program was as follows
- Word of welcome from the representative of the Mayor of Dankassari
- Presentation of participants -
- Presentation of the training objectives
- What is a Geographic Information System, and tutorials
- Introduction to the Geographic Coordinate System and practical work
- Database, Use of interactive maps and detailed map of Dankassari
- Use of the “map” program, practical work - Generations of interactive maps
- Report and conclusions.
There were 2 trainers and 22 participants elected or responsible for different municipal services of the municipality of Dankassari (general secretariat, agriculture, livestock, civil status, environment), members of RAEDD or RAIL.
The training took place in an excellent atmosphere and aroused a lot of interest, the questions were numerous and the practical work very motivating.
All the people who came with their laptops were able to implement the practical work by exploring the database and the existing maps. The generation of new maps was only possible for the trainers because some necessary software was missing on the laptops of the participants.
The coordinates or denominations of certain villages of the rural commune could in particular be rectified by the participants on the database.
During the review session, the participants expressed their enthusiasm and hoped that a new training could be organized in the future.
A new training session took place in Dankassari from July 10 to 12, 2023. The first day was disrupted due to heavy rain, which affected the telephone network and required the mayor and his municipal team to manage the consequences. Despite this, the training proceeded as planned.
Participants learned to update a database in an Excel file and generate the corresponding interactive maps. Specifically, the municipal Civil Status officer is proficient in IT and can serve as a resource person for the RAEDD.
Professionalization
A skill sponsorship with the company Magellium has made it possible to professionalize and perpetuate this tool in connection with the AESCD.
According to the manager of Magellium with whom we are in contact “The small Geographic Information System that we have created together, a simple, portable software, without internet connection, with its own cartography is in my opinion very useful in many places on our planet! I think I will devote a small communication to it during seminars or events dealing with development topics.”