The IGIS project, "Integrated Geographical System Portal," is a cross-sectoral spatial data infrastructure and geo database initiated by the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and its partners. Its primary objective is to support the government in enhancing policy and decision-making processes. The project involves collating, linking, and storing diverse geographical information datasets to aid in the implementation of policies and interventions aligned with the National Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.
Innovation Summary
Innovation Description
What Makes Your Project Innovative?
The IGIS project addresses the challenge of decision-making by leveraging spatial data. The innovation introduces a novel approach by integrating diverse geographical information datasets to support policy implementation. Unlike traditional methods, the portal facilitates informed decision-making in various sectors such as education, health, and humanitarian aid. It embraces emerging technologies to create a more efficient and effective relationship with recipients and stakeholders. The innovation is user-centric, involving public participation in design, delivery, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring diverse voices are heard.
Innovation Development
Collaborations & Partnerships
While the portal was designed and developed by the GIS team at the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in the Office of the President, it contains data from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and stakeholders, civil society and private sector including:
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Statistics Sierra Leone: 2015 Population and Housing Census
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Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education: 2018 Annual School Census
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Ministry of Health: 2016 Health data
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Ministry of Water Resources: Water Points
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Bank of Sierra Leone: Survey of Financial Institutions
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Africell: Cell Towers, 2018 & Energy, 2017
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Orange: Cell Towers, 2018
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London School of Economics - Mr. Henry Musa Kpaka: Local courts, 2018
The geodatabase is not yet exhaustive and we are committed to forming new data partnerships to improve the portal in support of a better, effective and efficient decision-making.
Users, Stakeholders & Beneficiaries
The target public of the IGIS innovation includes government entities, NGOs, and organizations involved in education, health, and humanitarian efforts in Sierra Leone.
Innovation Reflections
Results, Outcomes & Impacts
The innovation enhances decision-making in multiple sectors. Examples include WFP utilizing the portal for route mapping in their school feeding program, Interaide NGO deciding water point locations, GIGA project connecting schools based on education data, and PresTrack relying on GIS health facilities’ data for informed routing.
Anything Else?
The IGIS project has secured significant funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, receiving a grant of US$773,476 in 2019 to strengthen the local ecosystem around human capacity development.
Status:
Date Published:
5 November 2024