1.0 Introduction
The Data Repository and Advocacy for Policy (DARAP) project, based at the Measurement, Learning and Evaluation unit of the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research at the University of Ghana is focused on promoting access to and effective use of data and knowledge products to influence policymaking processes and outcomes.
DARAP seeks to address the fundamental bottlenecks in data-driven and evidence-based policymaking by equipping players in the policy advocacy space and researchers who generate data and scientific evidence with information and skills to effectively dialogue and engage. The project seeks to achieve its objectives through three main sets of activities: establishing a data repository, training policy actors on data use and science communication, and producing research products for policy influence.
This framework falls under the data repository creation and operation component which seeks to create wider access to and use of agrifood systems data. Developed by DARAP, this framework serves as a comprehensive guide for engaging data producers, including institutions and individuals within the data ecosystem, to effectively collect, archive, and promote access to their data.
This document serves as the starting point for DARAP's collaboration with data producers, aiming to request data contributions for the repository. Its objectives are to educate and clarify the purpose of data collection, and assure contributors of the protection of their data and the potential benefits associated with contributing their data to DARAP's repository.
2.0 Data Sourcing
DARAP does not generate its own data but instead depends on data producers to contribute to its repository. Within this framework, DARAP actively seeks data on agrifood systems in Ghana without charge, as it lacks the necessary funds to purchase data.
3.0 Data Storage and Security
The data repository of DARAP is a centralized platform that enables continuous access to agrifood systems data in Ghana. It is hosted on dedicated servers with the necessary digital infrastructure housed in the Measurement, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) Unit at ISSER, ensuring the safety and security of all types of agrifood systems data. The repository is fully operational and can be accessed at: https://darap.isser.edu.gh/.
While the DARAP repository serves as the primary method of data preservation, DARAP is committed to its goal of facilitating broader access to agrifood systems data. Therefore, it is open to establishing links or providing access to data from catalogues, directories, and portals maintained by other institutions. These external sources may not allow direct uploading of their data onto the DARAP repository, but DARAP is willing to collaborate in order to ensure wider accessibility to valuable agrifood systems data.
4.0 Data Quality Assurance
With the consent of data owners, data quality checks will be conducted before uploading them onto the repository. In cases where the checks are approved, any errors detected will be discussed and agreed upon with the owners, including the appropriate method for data cleaning. If permission to perform quality checks is not granted, the data will be uploaded as received from the owner, unless the quality is found to be inadequate, in which case the data will be rejected. Data may be converted from one format to another to ensure consistency.
5.0 Data Access and Use
DARAP prioritizes the establishment of an open and freely accessible data repository to encourage broader utilization and availability of data. However, the specific level of access granted to data users will be determined by the data producers, taking into consideration confidentiality and institutional policies. Hence, DARAP is receptive to providing various types of access based on the preferences of data owners.
Data users will be bound by restrictions regarding the utilization of all data obtained from the repository, strictly adhering to the intended purposes and guidelines defined by both data owners and DARAP. In situations where a conflict arises, the data usage requirements set by the owners will take precedence over DARAP's guidelines.
6.0 Benefits of Data Sharing
DARAP requests data for free as it lacks the resources to acquire data. In cases where data access fees are applicable, the proceeds will be directed to the data producer. Proper citation, as outlined in section 7.0 of this framework, will be given for each paper or utilization of the data. This grants data owners acknowledgment and publicity for the reutilization of their data. At the conclusion of each calendar year, data owners will receive formal updates on the statistics regarding the usage of their data through the repository.
7.0 Citation
The data utilized in this "paper" originates from [name original source of the data and [brief description of data – geographical coverage, research/survey type, sample size and country]. The data was produced by [Name of institution] in [year or period of data collection]. The principal investigator(s), [Names of individuals], conducted the research with funding from [Name of funding institution or source]. This data has been instrumental in studying [examples of usage], and it holds immense potential for further exploration in various research areas, such as [potential research that can be conducted with the data].