Assessment of the Use of GIS by USAID/Nepal and its Partners: Final Report

The assessment of GIS use by USAID/Nepal and its partners was conducted to evaluate the current state of GIS technology and its potential for enhancing program management, knowledge management (KM), and learning. The assessment team, led by David Craven, MEL GIS Advisor, conducted a comprehensive review of GIS use within the mission and among its implementing partners (IPs). The team conducted a series of meetings and interviews with key stakeholders, reviewed a range of documents, and examined online resources to gather information on GIS use. The findings of the assessment indicate that USAID/Nepal has been and continues to be one of USAID's most active and effective users of GIS and geographic information. The mission has developed a range of applications using GIS, including planning, designing, and coordinating programs during the design phase. However, systematic processes for collecting geo-coded data and analyzing it to inform program management decisions are still not consistently implemented throughout the mission's Program Cycle. Despite the positive experiences of mission staff in using geographic information in program management, there is a lack of a clear, documented vision of what GIS capacity the mission wishes to develop. The mission reportedly drafted a GIS strategy years ago, but it needs to be updated, shared, and implemented. Key constraints to using GIS more widely and more effectively include limited in-house expertise, limited experience in "thinking spatially" among mission staff, underestimated resources required for mapping activities, and inadequate engagement between mission staff and IP staff to facilitate an effective flow of geographic data and information. Based on the findings of the assessment, several recommendations were made to improve the use of GIS technology by USAID/Nepal. The mission should define a vision for how it wants to use GIS and geographic information in the future and a strategy for attaining that vision. The strategy and vision should be in the form of a written document to give program managers a common and consistent reference for incorporating GIS requirements into annual work planning and budgeting efforts. The mission should also continue to build on current efforts to improve the quality of monitoring and evaluation efforts with increased use of spatial analysis and geographic information. Additionally, there is a general need to increase the amount of engagement between the consumers of geographic information (e.g., Contracting Officer's and Agreement Officer's Representatives, staff from the mission's Integrated Monitoring & Evaluation Team, the Program Office, and technical specialists) and the producers of GIS information (mission and IP GIS specialists). Mechanisms for achieving this increased engagement should be developed and implemented. The assessment also highlighted the importance of developing a GIS strategy that takes into account the needs and constraints of the mission and its partners. The strategy should be based on a clear understanding of the mission's goals and objectives, as well as the capabilities and limitations of GIS technology. By developing a comprehensive GIS strategy, USAID/Nepal can ensure that GIS technology is used effectively to support its program management and decision-making activities. In conclusion, the assessment of GIS use by USAID/Nepal and its partners has provided valuable insights into the current state of GIS technology and its potential for enhancing program management, KM, and learning. The recommendations made in this report should be implemented to improve the use of GIS technology by USAID/Nepal and to ensure that GIS technology is used effectively to support the mission's program management and decision-making activities.