Rural Senses Impact Assessment: Building a Theory of Change
As part of our ongoing commitment to building sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructure, AnyWay Solutions has partnered with Rural Senses—an AI-powered platform for community-centered impact evaluation.
This collaboration represents a pivotal step in measuring and enhancing the real-world impact of our projects in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating Rural Senses’ participatory and data-driven methodologies, we are now able to assess the environmental, social, and economic benefits of our work more effectively.
We are using the Rural Senses technology to assess the impacts of our work on the Enga Highway between Togoba Junction to Wabag in Papua New Guinea. Since starting to use the technology, we are continuously learning new things about how our projects impact built, natural and community environments.
Assembling data to support assessment of project impacts
In this phase of the study, we are focused on defining key impact indicators and developing a structured data collection plan. This plan serves as a detailed guide, outlining what will be measured, where and how data will be gathered (using methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups), the tools and technologies involved, and the timeline for implementation. Once in place, this system enables both participatory and quantitative assessments that help us evaluate the tangible, long-term benefits of AnyWay Solutions’ projects.
At the same time, the Rural Senses team is training local surveyors in Papua New Guinea using a mixed-methods framework developed at the University of Cambridge, known as “The User Perceived Value.” This approach captures community perspectives through open, natural conversations conducted in local languages—ensuring the insights we collect are both authentic and actionable.
The training focuses on:
- Ethical interviewing and building trust
- Ensuring data consistency and quality
- Using innovative tech, including voice-based surveys
- Addressing cultural nuances to minimize bias
We’re excited to see how this groundwork will shape the stories and insights we uncover. Stay tuned as we continue to share stories from the field, and the lessons we’re learning as we work to create long-term value in the communities we serve.
More information on our work with Rural Senses here: https://anywaysolutions.com/engaging-with-rural-senses-to-assess-our-projects-impacts-on-progressing-sustainable-development-goals/
