diff --git a/blog/2024-07-30-kenya-travelogue.md b/blog/2024-07-30-kenya-travelogue.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..911503b031a --- /dev/null +++ b/blog/2024-07-30-kenya-travelogue.md @@ -0,0 +1,74 @@ +--- +title: 'The power of collaboration: How Digital Public Goods working together can strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure' +author: Meghan Gilroy +author_url: mailto:meghan@openfn.org +author_image_url: https://www.openfn.org/_astro/meghan.836cb4f7_Z1mw5jG.webp +image: /img/openfn-openspp.png +tags: [Automation, Social Protection, Adaptors, OpenSPP, DPG, DPI, OpenSource, Kobotoolbox, OpenFn] +featured: true +--- + +| ![Banner showing logos of OpenFn and OpenSPP](/img/openfn-openspp.png) | +| :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------: | + + +[Digital Public Goods](https://digitalpublicgoods.net/standard/) (DPGs) play a pivotal role as the backbone for strengthening +Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). At their core, DPGs are open-source software, +open data, open AI models, and open standards that are freely available for use and +adaptation. These resources are essential for developing robust, scalable, and interoperable +digital systems that can be deployed across various sectors, including health, education, +and social protection. By providing foundational tools and frameworks, DPGs empower governments, +organizations, and communities to build and enhance their digital infrastructure in ways that +are cost-effective, sustainable, and inclusive. + +In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, close collaboration and partnerships between DPGs have +become essential. By working together to ensure not only interoperability but also the elimination +of redundant effort, stewards of DPGs can pool resources, share knowledge and enhance efficiency, +driving us closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). + +### OpenSPP and OpenFn Collaboration +[OpenSPP](https://openspp.org/) is an open-source digital platform designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness +of social protection and agricultural development programs in low- and middle-income countries. +As a Digital Public Good serving over 20 million beneficiaries, OpenSPP offers a modular, highly +interoperable platform with a comprehensive management information system and dynamic registries. +It can be easily adapted to meet the specific needs, goals, and existing systems of any country. + +The collaboration between OpenSPP and OpenFn is a powerful example of collaborative work in the +DPG space. By adding an OpenSPP [adaptor](https://docs.openfn.org/adaptors) into [OpenFn's leading +workflow automation and data-exchange platform](https://openfn.org/), OpenSPP has unlocked countless data integration +and automation possibilities for its user base, as OpenFn can connect OpenSPP with any other +application. This effort, kick-started by the submission of a code contribution to OpenFn by the +OpenSPP team, can now facilitate faster data exchange and workflow automation, playing a crucial +role in managing OpenSPP’s data integration needs. As a result, this integration allows for faster +integration with other systems without the need for custom code. + +As OpenSPP is deployed in more countries, there is a need to ensure that other tools within the +deployment ecosystem can connect to push or pull data to and from the platform. + +Imagine a real-world scenario where field officers equipped with tablets and smartphones use +**KoboToolBox** to collect vital information from residents for a social protection program. +They would typically gather data on income, family details, and living conditions. Using the +[Cron trigger](/documentation/build/triggers#cron-triggers-formerly-timers) type, OpenFn **fetches all submitted data at set intervals** from the Kobotoolbox server +for **cleaning, validation and mapping**. The **mapped data is then fed into OpenSPP**, which utilizes +this information to identify eligible beneficiaries and distribute the appropriate entitlements. +This streamlined process could ensure that the right support reaches those in need efficiently +and accurately, leveraging the power of automation and data integration to enhance social protection +efforts. This could not only improve the accuracy and timeliness of benefit delivery but also enhance +the overall accountability and transparency of the program. + + +| ![High level workflow diagram to showcase the use case using the OpenSPP adaptor on OpenFn](/img/kobotoolbox-to-openspp.png) | +| :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------: | +| High level workflow diagram to showcase the use case using the OpenSPP adaptor on OpenFn. | + +In closing, as we continue to navigate this changing digital landscape, it is vitally important +to support and foster these collaborations, empowering governments, organizations, and communities +to build robust, scalable, and inclusive digital systems. Join us in promoting and investing in +DPG partnerships to create a more efficient, accountable, and inclusive future for all. + +:::info +If you’d like to learn more about how to contribute by building your own adaptors, check out the +OpenFn [Adaptors GitHub repository](https://github.com/OpenFn/adaptors#working-with-adaptors) or +contact our team via our [community](https://community.openfn.org?utm_source=openspp_blog&utm_medium=blog) +forum for more guidance! +::: \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/static/img/kobotoolbox-to-openspp.png b/static/img/kobotoolbox-to-openspp.png new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..2e42405c8d8 Binary files /dev/null and b/static/img/kobotoolbox-to-openspp.png differ diff --git a/static/img/openfn-openspp.png b/static/img/openfn-openspp.png new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..14dc035ee1a Binary files /dev/null and b/static/img/openfn-openspp.png differ