CDDF has initiated a GIS database project for comprehensive community development called “Integrated Community Action Database (I-CAD)” to address problems of information gaps in the development process in Africa.

It is generally observed that information gathering, its usage and archiving is poor in many African communities. In many instances, it is even difficult to find basic information about population such as the number of people living in a village or community. Likewise, other basic statistics needed to facilitate informed decision making at the community level is not readily available. As a result, most communities do not have a measure for simple limitations such as the number/ percentage of school-age children who are not going to school.

In situations where information is available, its utilization is difficult because it is not easily accessible.

To address this situation, CDDF President; Prof. Kwabena M. Bosompem has launched I-CAD, which utilizes a network of community representatives and task forces to collect and manage information.

CDDF works with Local Government and Community Directed Development Associations (CDDAs) to build a central capability for a GIS-based integrated data system that is actively promoted and supported by local people. The database is expected to be dynamic and regularly updated every quarter.

To get the project going, CDDF has initiated collaboration with the Department of Geography, University of Ghana, and recruited a young postgraduate student (Mr. Prosper Evadzi) who is eagerly facilitating the I-CAD through his M Phil research.

By Theophilus Mamiya