RATIN data collection and dissemination:

Data collection is conducted through a data collection service provider, enumerators, a network of grain traders and trade facilitation agencies that provide insights and intelligence on grain trade who are enlisted via a vigorous recruitment exercise. The enumerators are then trained on the data collection procedures based on the harmonized Eastern Africa data collection methodology through an EAGC-developed training manual.

The enumerators have to be physically present at the market or the borders which they monitor to enable data submission as the data collection application is Geofenced to ensure that data is captured from its source (within one-kilometer radius) and not based on guess work. The enumerators use android smartphones for data entry using the data collection application used to capture the market information in the field then transmits data via WiFi or GPRS internet connection to the information database where it is stored. Market prices data is captured in the morning between 6am-9am while Cross Border Trade data is captured throughout the day and the cumulative total volumes are submitted between 7pm -11pm on a daily basis. The stored data is analyzed using the RATIN data analysis tools and produced through the Content Management System on a web browser www.ratin.net by 11:30 a.m East Africa Time.

A RATIN SMS server is used to provide the same information through SMS messages. An SMS user sends a query text to predefined numbers at country level to obtain specific information such as the prices from a specific market on a specific date or at a given time.

RATIN has been upgraded three times since its invention following several users needs assessment in an effort to provide stakeholder driven information. These upgrades have resulted to a stable platform with zero bugs and 100% uptime ensuring that market information is readily available upon querying and whenever needed. A fourth upgrade is ongoing in 2022 under the helmets labeling crops project funded by Lacuna where EAGC is taking a lead in the collection and labelling of 3 major food security commodities in East Africa. Among other functionalities, the fourth upgrade will see RATIN functionality expanded to include data geotagging.