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 community development program in Nicaragua

SuNica, a US-based charity, has spent nearly 15 years in Nicaragua building clean water projects. Their innovative approach focuses on direct engagement with communities not only to deliver projects, but also to manage them in the long-term - a key aspect of successful development work that 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.

A nonprofit organization based in Nicaragua, focuses on strengthening and dignifying communities through clean water, education, and mentorship. After nearly 15 years working in rural Nicaragua, the team recognized the role impact measurement could play in driving innovation, growth, and development. SuNica initiated a pilot project to 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.

OBJECTIVES

Establish a M&E Framework

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

Develop Community Health Baseline & Longitudinal Assessment

To 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

✓

Survey Development

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

✓

Mobile Implementation

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

✓

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 gathering data with Simba over the coming years so that we can track what's going on and be able to show supporters and donors and investors what's happening on the ground in Nicaragua."

Alan Wilser

Co-Founder, 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

✓

Data-Driven Insights

SuNica’s M&E program is truly data-driven, collecting longitudinal feedback directly from communities in a way that’s new in the impact measurement space.

✓

Team Satisfaction

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

✓

Grant Opportunities

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

IMPACT

With the establishment of a long-term M&E strategy that integrates with existing programs and community relationships, SuNica can optimize their 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.

