How farmer-centric digital tools are reshaping data use in Burundi’s coffee sector

Data is powerful — but only when it’s useful to the people who generate it.

Agile data technology bridges this gap by integrating data collection with tools that empower farmers to make informed decisions for their farms and families. This approach supports continuous improvement and fosters smarter decision-making across every level of the agricultural value chain.

Mobile applications have become one of the most promising Agile tools. But how effective are they in practice?
Do farmers really use them? Do they enable continuous data collection? More importantly, do they help farmers improve their livelihoods?

“The real power of data lies in how farmers use it — not just how we collect it.”

This three-part series explores these questions through real-world implementation of the AgileAg app among coffee farmers in Burundi, in partnership with JNP Coffee and with support from the Gates Foundation.

A Field Test in Burundi: Measuring What Matters

JNP Coffee is a specialty coffee exporter and importer with a mission to build a future of hope for coffee farmers in Burundi — particularly women and youth — through fair rewards, inclusion, and self-esteem.

In collaboration with COSA, JNP Coffee piloted an Agile data system designed to collect detailed cost-of-production and income data directly from farmers.

The purpose of this pilot, funded by the Gates Foundation, is twofold:

• To evaluate the viability and effectiveness of high-frequency, app-based data collection, and

• To provide JNP Coffee with new Agile data tools that yield rapid, actionable insights.

By understanding the true drivers of cost and income, JNP can make data-informed decisions that improve both pricing structures and farmer livelihoods.

Explore more in Sustainability Unplugged →

What we Learned: Context Matters

The Burundi pilot revealed that technology alone isn’t enough — success depends on the local context. Several factors play a critical role in whether app-based solutions thrive or fail:

1. Digital Literacy: Farmers need basic smartphone and app-navigation skills.

A basic level of digital literacy is needed to support app adoption. Farmers selected should be literate and have basic proficiency with digital tools or have access to someone in their household with these skills. Basic training on how to use a smartphone should also be included as part of the onboarding process.

2. Smartphones & Data: Devices must meet app specifications and have active data plans.

To ensure smooth app performance, smartphones used by farmers need sufficient storage, RAM, and functional GPS capability. All phones must also be set to the correct date, time, and language. Incorrect settings can cause issues with data syncing and time-stamped records, leading to data quality problems. Additionally, tracking each device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and SIM ID is important for device management and recovery in the case of theft or loss.

In areas with better connectivity, providing extra data to farmers allows them to access larger files such as training videos. For farmers who don’t already have smartphones or data plans, the cost of mobile data can be a major obstacle so this needs to be considered carefully.

3. SIM Registration: Each farmer must have a valid ID for SIM registration.

Privacy laws in some countries require that phone numbers associated with data collection have registered SIM cards and explicit consent from the number’s owner. Apps can avoid these extra bureaucratic steps by not requiring a phone number for registration and instead using a Unique ID (UID).
Providing each farmer with a UID also circumvents issues associated with national identification documents. It is common for farmers to not have a valid national ID, or for their official documents to have been damaged.

Low internet connectivity in remote areas also limits the ability to register users in the field. Therefore, it is important for farmers to be registered with usernames and passwords before field deployment.

4. Internet & Power Access: Reliable electricity and connectivity are essential.

In very remote areas, internet access is often limited or unreliable. One effective solution is setting up internet hotspots in strategic community locations where farmers can go to submit and sync their data. These locations can be with farmer leaders or at common gathering points like coffee washing stations.

Reliable access to electricity presents another significant challenge. In areas without grid electricity, solar-powered phone charging kits for individual households and mini grids have been essential. Another solution is to set up centralized charging stations at trusted local hubs which offers a practical way to ensure devices remain powered and usable.

5. Training-the-Trainer Model: Peer leaders can sustain engagement beyond initial training.

Engaging farmer leaders in a “train-the-trainer” model is crucial for scaling app usage. Farmer leaders, who are trusted individuals in the community, act as a bridge between the implementation team and the farmers. These leaders need to be literate, comfortable using digital tools, and capable of giving feedback regarding the local context. Each leader should support no more than 10 to 20 farmers, depending on the frequency and depth of their interactions with the farmers, and conduct regular weekly check-ins.

6. Location-Specific Challenges: Terrain, distance, and cultural factors can affect adoption.

Countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, and Ethiopia face higher costs and logistical hurdles to app deployment because of weaker infrastructure. Many farmers do not have smartphones, and network coverage is inconsistent. Localized solutions could be required depending on the context.

Field-Ready Checklist for App Deployment

Before launching a farmer-centric data collection app, confirm these essentials:

✅ At least one literate and digitally capable household member
✅ Valid local ID for SIM registration
✅ Smartphone that meets technical requirements
✅ Active data plan and reliable power source (solar, mini-grid, or charging station)
✅ Adequate network coverage or hotspot access

Before farmers begin using the app:

✅ Confirm local context and readiness
✅ Pre-set phones with correct date, time, and language
✅ Register all farmers with usernames and passwords
✅ Record farmer name, phone IMEI, and SIM ID
✅ Introduce each farmer to a designated farmer leader for ongoing support

TIP |  Small details like setting the correct date and time on every device can prevent major data-sync issues later.

About the Agile Data Project

Agile Data approaches are transforming how development programs collect, analyze, and apply information.
By enabling frequent, flexible, and low-cost data snapshots, teams can monitor what’s working — and adapt strategies in real time.

COSA’s Agile Data Approaches and Innovations for Monitoring (ADAIM) project exemplifies this philosophy, combining:

• Standardization for comparability,

• Relevance for decision usefulness, and

• Rigor for credible insights.

This synergy creates better experiences for data contributors, stronger feedback loops for implementers, and more sustainable outcomes for the sector.

Up Next: Part 2 — Farmer Voices and Field Insights

In Part 2 of this series, we hear directly from Burundi’s coffee farmers and field teams on their experiences with the AgileAg app — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s already changing on the ground.