A Data-Driven Platform Supporting Pastoralism in the Sahel Region

Supporting Pastoralism in the Sahel
March 24th, 2025

Since 2023, PRAPS-2, with the technical support of Bluesquare, has developed an innovative monitoring and evaluation platform to support pastoralism in the Sahel. Bluesquare was recruited by the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), which ensures the regional coordination of the project.

Strengthening Pastoral Communities through PRAPS

The Projet régional d’appui au pastoralisme au Sahel (PRAPS-2), funded by the World Bank, aims to enhance the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in six Sahelian countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Chad. These populations primarily rely on livestock for their livelihood, making pastoralism a key factor in food and nutritional security. Pastoralism supports over 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, playing a crucial role in economic stability and resource management. However, climate change threatens this way of life by increasing drought frequency, land degradation, and resource competition, which can lead to tensions between pastoralists and sedentary farmers*.

Since its launch in 2015, PRAPS has implemented significant initiatives to improve pastoral conditions, including livestock vaccination campaigns, infrastructure (water points, livestock markets, veterinarian units, vaccination parks) development, and sustainable resource management.

During its first phase, PRAPS lacked a real-time monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system, leading to significant delays in project implementation and unmet targets. In response, the PRAPS Regional Coordination Unit partnered with Bluesquare to develop a technological solution for efficiently tracking key project indicators. This initiative led to the creation of a monitoring and evaluation platform and a cartographic portal, combining data analytics and GIS for improved decision-making.

A Platform Combining Dynamic GIS and Interactive Dashboards

To ensure optimal project monitoring, Bluesquare developed a system integrating:

  • A centralized database with automated data extraction and consolidation, collecting and structuring data from two sources: KoboToolbox (over 10 forms) and Google Sheets, with automated data pipelines via OpenHexa. Data collected through Kobo forms filled out in the field is automatically cleaned and integrated into a single database, allowing M&E specialists at the country level to access the most up-to-date data at any time.
  • Interactive dashboards in PowerBI, offering a dynamic visualization of project indicators with specific filters by time and countries.
  • A cartographic portal via Geonode, displaying infrastructure progress and other key geographic data.

This solution was developed through close collaboration between Bluesquare experts, the PRAPS Regional Coordination Unit, and technical teams from the six participating countries. Additionally, Bluesquare’s use of open-source technology ensures the platform’s long-term sustainability and adaptability.

 

Tools for Monitoring and Decision-Making

PowerBI: Real-Time Interactive Dashboards

The PowerBI dashboard enables real-time visualization of PRAPS indicators and to compare the current situation against the aimed targets for the different initiatives. Project stakeholders can explore data through graphs and tables, filtering by country, time period, or thematic area.
Access the dashboard

Geonode: A Dynamic Cartographic Portal

The Geonode portal provides an intuitive visualization of PRAPS infrastructure projects and interventions. Users can overlay multiple geographic data layers, customize symbologies, and explore different map backgrounds.Currently, the geoportal displays information (photos, progress status of construction/rehabilitation) on:

  • 119 water points
  • 258 vaccination centers
  • 30 markets
  • 50 veterinarian units

Click HERE to explore the cartographic portal

Transitioning Towards Local Autonomy

To ensure the platform’s sustainability, Bluesquare has implemented a technical assistance plan that includes:

  • Training sessions on PowerBI and Geonode usage.
  • A gradual transfer of skills to national teams.
  • Detailed technical documentation for autonomous platform management.

Conclusion

With this innovative platform, PRAPS now has a powerful tool for monitoring and evaluating its activities. By leveraging data and interactive mapping, this solution enhances transparency and efficiency in supporting pastoralism in the Sahel.

As climate change continues to threaten pastoral livelihoods, it is crucial to support initiatives like PRAPS, which strengthen pastoral resilience through sustainable resource management, conflict prevention, and economic integration. Bluesquare remains committed to collaborating with local stakeholders to ensure full ownership of the system and maximize its impact on the ground.

*Eoin F McGuirk, Nathan Nunn, Transhumant Pastoralism, Climate Change, and Conflict in Africa, The Review of Economic Studies, Volume 92, Issue 1, January 2025, Pages 404–441, https://doi.org/10.1093/restud/rdae027