International Training on Participatory Data Collection and Investment Planning in the Field

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Course Background

Developing sound rural investment proposals starts with quality data and meaningful community engagement. Yet, many investment failures stem from weak field-level planning, poor data collection, and lack of community ownership. Recognizing these challenges, ECAS Institute introduces this practical course to build the foundational skills needed for participatory agri-investment planning.

“Participatory Data Collection and Investment Planning in the Field” is the first in a structured three-part training series aimed at equipping field technicians, extension workers, and rural development professionals with the skills to support agri-entrepreneurs in building investment-ready business proposals. The course focuses on helping participants engage with communities to identify investment ideas, gather both qualitative and quantitative field data, and develop a simple cost-benefit structure in collaboration with local entrepreneurs. Grounded in ECAS’s commitment to practical, inclusive, and scalable solutions, the course is aligned with the **RuralInvest** methodology and the broader goals of sustainable rural transformation.

Course Objectives

Equip field professionals with participatory tools to identify and define rural investment ideas.

Strengthen the capacity to gather relevant data for investment planning through direct field engagement.

Teach accurate estimation of capital, operational, and general costs in rural enterprises.

Lay the groundwork for building basic business concepts that can evolve into full business plans.

What You Will Learn

Facilitate community sessions to develop investment concepts using participatory techniques.

Collect qualitative and quantitative data required for business proposal development.

Classify and estimate investment, fixed, operating, and general costs.

Calculate expected revenues using realistic field-based assumptions.

Build a simplified cost-benefit overview to guide further planning and software-based modeling.

Training Modules

NoModuleDetails1Qualitative Description of the Investment IdeaThis module introduces the concept of a participatory investment idea. Participants will learn to work with communities to identify viable business concepts based on local needs and capacities.2Investment, General, and Fixed CostsParticipants will learn to support communities in estimating and organizing the major cost components of an investment project.3Operating Costs and RevenueThis module covers how to calculate the operational expenses and expected revenue of an investment, forming the basis for further economic analysis.

About ECAS Institute

The **ECAS Institute** designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focuses on climate change, resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation, agriculture, and food systems. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, we work across the African region and have implemented training and research assignments in multiple African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported partners in the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and the USA.