TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INTEGRATION OF VARIOUS DATA AND

INFORMATION PLATFORMS TO SUPPORT DIGITAL JOBS.

Main objective:
One of the 4 main components of the DTCs 4 Youth Jobs creation project is catalyzing
the creation of 10,000 digital jobs for youth involved in the 10 Counties of
implementation.
Digital jobs: Digital jobs are created when Information Communication Technologies
(ICTs) are leveraged to facilitate the delivery of goods, services or both. Creation of
digital jobs is thus dependent on the use of ICT platforms to generate, link, facilitate and
intermediate delivery of goods, services or both. In the context of the DTCs 4 Youth
Jobs Creation project, digital jobs will be catalyzed in the following areas; aggregating
demand for inputs, aggregating demand for mechanization services, facilitating linkages
with inputs suppliers, delivery of inputs to the target Youth, e-marketing of produce,
aggregating demand for other services like land preparation, weeding, spraying,
harvesting, farm yard manure etc and linking the suppliers of these services to those
that require the services for a fee. Economies of scale is the name of the game in this
regard with the larger community in the target counties as the target market and not just
the Youth involved in the project.
Approach.
A digital platform is thus necessary to facilitate linkages between those that require
goods, services or both and those supplying the same while maintaining a record of
these transactions for record keeping, monitoring and evaluation as well as feedback
loops.
We propose to integrate various data platform that are currently in use for disparate
needs within Africa Harvest and customize these into one platform that serves the
needs of all actors involved in the project implementation. We shall therefore, integrate
the M-Shamba tool with the ODK platform as well as any other data aggregation
platform that the various project partners may have in place to come up with a singular
platform with multiple uses, feedback mechanisms, data integration capacity,
dashboards etc. This platform will have USSD, App and API capacities to address the
requirements of all actors involved in the project, facilitate reporting, M&E and overall
catalyze job creation for the Youth in rural areas.
Target outputs and outcomes:

Expected Outputs:

a) All the services along the targeted value chain activities where the youth can be
encouraged and supported to play a role in product and service delivery across the
main components of the project is mapped for digitization
b) A virtual extension service request and filling platform with advisory service platform
provided as an add or a free service through a toll-free call center to support an
extension where farmers can reach out and get immediate assistance on crops
advisories

c) E-Aggregation platform supporting aggregation services along the value chain and
enhance economies of scale co- created to reduce operational costs for value chain
actors

d) E-commerce platform deployed to and improves access to Input distribution, market

and sale of value-added products.

e) E-group promoted and customized to provide real-time trade on inputs and

VSLA/YSLA Operations to youth entrepreneurs

f) A Point of Sale (POS) system developed which is integrated with the platform and
provides real time trade data to enhance reliability of data and information and provide
an audit trails when required.

g) Business Development Services trainings and Coaching provided (with digital

contents) to the youthful entrepreneurs as they operationalize their enterprises to
enhance chances of success, manage risks and exploit new opportunities as they help
sustain job creation in the value chain nodes.

Expected Outcomes:

a) 10,000 fulfilling and dignified jobs created for youths involved in the project.

b) Enhanced Employability and work opportunities for Young people in the agribusiness
subsector

c) Improved access to inputs and products along the value chain and access to markets
for value chain actors (mostly Youth)

d) Efficient, transparent and sustainable digital based platforms for interactive

engagements in the targeted value chains.

Platform specifications
Interface
The following will be considered when design the interface:
1. Component-Based Design: A framework that encourages a component-based
architecture, where the UI is broken down into reusable components. Each
component represents a specific UI element or functionality, making it easier to
manage and maintain the codebase.
 2. Bootstrap is a popular front-end framework that provides a set of CSS classes
and JavaScript plugins for building responsive and mobile-first websites. Using
bootstrap can also integrate with components into the front-end framework
application, to create interfaces with a consistent and modern look.
3. Regardless of the design option chosen, it's essential to ensure that the interface
is responsive and accessible across different devices and screen sizes. This will
entail use of media queries, flexbox, or grid layouts to create responsive designs
that adapt to various viewport sizes.

Design options

The project will utilize a three-tier architecture design with the addition of the
USSD and SMS components:

● Presentation Layer (ReactJS): This layer will handle the user interface and user
interaction. Front-end: ReactJS, Redux (optional), React Router, UI Components:
Utilize reusable components for modularity, Communication: requests to Django
API endpoints using axios.
● Business Logic Layer (Django REST): This layer will provide REST API
endpoints for accessing and manipulating data. It will also handle the USSD logic
and interact with the SMS service provider.
● Data Layer (PostgreSQL): This layer will store the application's data in a
relational database.
● USSD Gateway: This component will receive and process USSD requests from
users and communicate with the Django REST API.
● Bulk SMS Service: This external service will send SMS notifications based on
instructions from the Django REST API.

The product management system -To allow an admin to upload products to e-Group
and manage listings. The platform will allow for bulk uploads, categorizing and mapping
products, setting up dynamic catalog filters like sorting, price range, color and size
The order management system accounts for processing customers’ orders.
To perform this task at a fast pace, it should include order tracking, email notifications,
and shipping service API.
The return management system allows you to take care of your return policy.
It should encompass return rules and types, place and approve requests, print invoices
and update statuses.
Payment processing through MPesa Daraja API
Security
● Back-end: Django, Django REST framework, Django ORM, psycopg2,
PostgreSQL, Token-based authentication
● Implement HTTPS for secure communication; Input validation on both front end
and backend; Token-based authentication for API endpoints.
● USSD Gateway: Specific gateway library/API depending on provider
● Bulk SMS Service: API of chosen provider (e.g., Twilio, Plivo, Africa Talking)
● MPesa Daraja API Security stack for transactions
Data consolidation

Use of a business intelligence tool like Power BI that enables users to visualize and
analyze data from multiple sources. It includes features for data modeling, data
cleansing, and data visualization, making it suitable for data consolidation and analysis
Data visualization Data will be accessible in the following formats:

● Interactive dashboards for users to visualize, filter or export data and graphics
from the system
● Predefined reports and user defined data analyses which are downloadable
● Raw data that can be downloaded in .xls or .csv format
● Documents repository where key documents are available for download
Data collection on mobile and handheld devices Data in the eGroup include information
that is directly collected from the field by extension agents. These data will be collected
via mobile or handheld devices and entered real time into the system. Data collection
should be possible without an internet connection, as this often take place in remote
locations with no connectivity.
Internet connection challenges Due internet connection challenges the system
will have:
● An offline application for mobile and handheld devices that allow users to input
data with or without a stable internet connection.
● An offline desktop version of the egroup that allow users to input data into the
system and access data modules without an internet connection.
The offline application should synchronize data with the online database immediately
there is an internet connection. The server should detect any conflicts in case of
modified data since the last synchronization. (for data consolidation )
● An alternate basic HTML version with simple graphic design that loads easily and
quickly in response to a slow internet connection.
Other functionalities (data consolidation)
● A dashboard that allows visualization of missing data, identify actors who have
uploaded data and those who have not for data consolidation
● A data lock feature that control when users are able to modify or upload new
data.
● A built-in mechanism to flag data that has not been uploaded on time.