An investigation of the use and sustainability of GRID3 infrastructure for social and sustainable development in Nigeria

Tiamiyu, Barakat

An investigation of the use and sustainability of GRID3 infrastructure for social and sustainable development in Nigeria

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Abstract

Geospatial data and technologies are reshaping how the government responds to public issues by delineating and effectively delivering interventions based on data. The Geo-referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data for Development (GRID3), is one of Nigeria's leading geospatial databases for social development and it is prominently used by government for healthcare service delivery. As GRID3 accelerates the adoption of its expanding geospatial datasets, there is a need to assess the use and sustainability of its infrastructure within the geospatial ecosystem in delivering sectoral development priorities, especially in the area of healthcare service delivery. Therefore, this research investigated the availability and distribution of GRID3 infrastructure and its utilization for sustainable development in Nigeria. It also examined the innovative approaches for enhancing the sustainability of GRID3 tools, services, and technology. The objectives of the study were achieved by utilising a mixed-method case study approach with both qualitative and quantitative data, collected from GRID3 users, researchers, and service providers in Oyo state, Nigeria. A combination of mean item score and analysis of variance were used for the quantitative data, and grounded theory analytical methods were used for the qualitative data. It emerged from the findings of the study that the GRID3 infrastructure available can be characterised into geospatial tools and technologies, geospatial data, and geospatial services provided. The study revealed that GRID3 enables the verification, implementation, and monitoring of sustainable development goals as per health, wellbeing, water, sanitation, education, food security, and infrastructural development. This creates the hallmark of its contribution in promoting the adoption of geospatial data for strategic national and grassroot development. Investigation of the level of sustainability of GRID3 infrastructure with respect to its use and sustainability showed two metrics of measurement – the usefulness and satisfaction of users. The usefulness of geospatial data for immunization programs in terms of data accuracy and quality, and spatial analysis functionality, could enhance the sustainability of the geospatial infrastructure. Secondly, end users' satisfaction is dependent on the satisfaction with the geospatial interface and integration. This invariably suggests the alignment of GRID3 infrastructure with the users' specifications and the geospatial ecosystem through learning and application. In addition, it was found that innovative approaches to enhance and sustain GRID3 infrastructure include the improvement of data quality, expansion of coverage and awareness, ensuring user-friendliness for low skilled people, development of a GRID3 app, and investment in capacity building for endusers. The study concluded that GRID3 will continue to be useful for sustainable development programs and would remain viable if efforts are made to meet the end users' requirements. The study established the innovative approaches and technologies that can help foster wider adoption of the GRID3 infrastructure in Nigeria.