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We've read about amazing and exciting projects by other chapters nationwide and globally and wondered when our big move would come. As every chapter's dream is to gain traction by contributing to solving a peculiar issue using geospatial tools, so was our dream too. Then, finally, you hear the news that you have been selected to undertake a project. Indeed, what great joy and excitement!
Our chapter was selected as one of three chapters in the country to undertake research through a research call organized by YouthMappers in collaboration with Africa GIS Hub and facilitated by OpenStreetMap Ghana. The goal was to assess how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being addressed in the areas of Health, Education, Gender Equality, Water and Sanitation, and Flood Risk Assessment.
The Upper East region of Ghana, where we are located, is characterized by climate variability and is prone to floods and droughts. Being largely an agrarian community, farmers are constantly faced with the annual destruction of farmlands, houses, and properties as a result of the cumulative impact of rainfall and water spillage from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso.
In this field, the chapter was interested in examining flooding incidents in nearby communities. This was to measure the impacts of flooding against the selected SDGs and assess how well community members manage the risks associated with flooding for Flood Risk Management.
Following the announcement, Mr. Stephen Donkor of OSM Ghana and Confidence Kpodo of YouthMappers honored the chapter with their presence in preparation for the commencement of the research. The visit was as fun as it was educational.
Members of the chapter were enlightened on the use of ODK Collect from the Kobo Toolbox to collect field data. We had some hands-on practice with the software to familiarize ourselves with it. We were then introduced to Mapillary mapping and equipped with tools to enhance the mapping experience as we prepared to go into the field. The day ended with the fun part—drone piloting. For most of us, it was our first time holding one, let alone piloting it!
The visit, although focused on project management, had a positive impact on membership participation and enthusiasm and is sure to leave a long-lasting impression on all members.
Our first major challenge as a chapter was securing authorization from the offices of the municipal health and education directors before we could visit the various educational and health facilities under their auspices for data collection. It took us a week of regular visits and documentation before an interview was granted and an authorization letter was issued.
We set aside five days for the field data collection period but had to extend it to six due to some minor challenges. The most prevalent among them was a lack of cooperation by some community members in providing the needed responses. Some were concerned about pictures of their properties being captured, while a few requested compensation before providing information. There was also the challenge of rain and muddy roads.
But through all this, the chapter pulled together with determination and the goal of getting into the YouthMappers spotlight and accomplishing its mission of making a difference in our community.
Our time in the field was quite an experience to behold. Many participating members admit they are more confident now and have built on their communication skills in the fastest way possible. The chapter is well-poised to complete its research and can't wait to make a major impact in the history of YouthMappers’ activities in Ghana.
This has reinforced our belief that we are CKT-UTAS YouthMappers, and we don’t just build maps, we build mappers!
About the Author
Michael Assane is a recent Environmental Science graduate. He is from Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana. He became a YouthMapper and has served for almost three years and counting. During these years with the CKT-UTAS Chapter, he has held roles as the Secretary, Organizer, and Technical Director for the chapter. His passion and commitment to the chapter are unwavering.
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