Building an M&E program from the ground up with SuNica

Learn how Simba partnered with SuNica to build a ground-up M&E program by embedding in existing projects using simple, accessible technology.

Develop a community health baseline for long-term assessments of the impact of the clean water projects, in addition to measuring the existing impact of their other community-based offerings, using WhatsApp-based survey assessments with Simba Technologies.

BACKGROUND

SuNica is a US-based nonprofit in Nicaragua

The SuNica team has spent nearly 15 years in Nicaragua building clean water projects. Their approach focuses on direct engagement with communities to deliver services and equip communities to manage them in the long-term. This key aspect of successful development work is often overlooked.

In addition to clean water & sanitation projects, SuNica operates safe children’s community centers, creates local employment opportunities, and supports young Nicaraguans pursuing higher education. They also run a coffee farm.

The team recognized the role impact measurement could play in driving their ongoing innovation, growth, and development. They have partnered with Simba to run a pilot project developing a community health baseline to enable long-term assessments of the impact of their clean water projects, in addition to measuring the existing impact of their other community-based offerings using WhatsApp-based surveys as their data collection method.

OBJECTIVES

Establish a M&E Framework

To develop an M&E strategy lightweight enough to scale with a small team, SuNica worked with Simba to map activities and embed data collection in their operations.

Develop Community Health Baseline & Longitudinal Assessment

Begin assessing the true long-term impact of clean water availability on communities in service of SuNica’s primary goal.

Launch Technology as Data Collection Channel

Simba utilizes WhatsApp as a cost-effective, accessible platform for gathering survey data directly from SuNica’s communities.

METHODOLOGIES

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Survey Development

SuNica collaborated with Simba Technologies to develop lightweight surveys in line with international standards

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Mobile Implementation

Surveys are distributed directly with communities through WhatsApp, leveraging its widespread use in Nicaragua.

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AI-Driven Analytics

Survey responses are initially analyzed using AI and LLM tools for coding and sentiment analysis. These tools are reliable and scalable.

TESTIMONIAL

“I'm looking forward to working with Simba over the coming years so we can track what's going on and show supporters and donors and investors what's happening on the ground in Nicaragua.”

Alan Wilser

Founder/Director, SuNica

KEY CHALLENGES

Staff Training

Getting buy-in from SuNica staff is central to the successful deployment of the solution, and requires promoting understanding of the long-term benefits of reporting

Implementation

The survey was introduced to community members with a similar eye on achieving buy-in through understanding how metrics will help them understand their progress, too.

OUTCOMES

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Data-Driven Insights

SuNica’s M&E program is data-driven and cost effective, designed to collect longitudinal feedback from communities for years to come.

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Team Satisfaction

The SuNica team can see the tangible results of their activities, giving them the tools to drive their projects forward.

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Grant Opportunities

Collection of impact data allows SuNica to qualify for grant funding with M&E requirements that was previously unavailable to them.

IMPACT

Informed Decision Making

The baseline data enabled SuNica to tailor its programs more effectively to the community's needs.

Strengthened Health Initiatives

Insights from the survey informed the development of targeted health education and clean water projects.

Replicability

The success of the pilot project demonstrated the potential for scaling and replicating this approach in other regions.

Impact

With the establishment of a long-term M&E strategy that integrates with existing programs, SuNica can optimize operations, provide data-driven M&E reporting, and apply for grant funding. All at an accessible cost and minimal impact on their operations.

See Simba in action. Get in touch & try a survey for FREE.

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