Emergency Information Management • Drought Response • Power BI Project 2025

Crisis Response Automation: Replacing "Manual Mess" with a Live Decision Engine

To solve the challenge of manual data silos during the 2025 drought national emergency, I redesigned the reporting lifecycle for the UNHCR Protection Cluster. I replaced slow, spreadsheet-heavy processes with an automated Kobo → Power BI pipeline. The result was a live, API-driven dashboard on the UNHCR Open Data Portal that allowed stakeholders to prioritize protection cluster initiatives with zero reporting lag.

KoboToolbox Kobo API Power Query (ETL) DAX Measures UNHCR Open Data Portal
Open Power BI Dashboard View on UNHCR Open Data Portal
The Power BI link does not require UNHCR credentials. The Open Data Portal is publicly visible and stakeholders can access it without issues.

Project Case Study

Background

Drought emergency reporting originally relied on a spreadsheet that was distributed through email. Partners would download the file, update values, and re-send it back for consolidation. This created delays, inconsistencies, and a lot of manual effort before updates could be shared.

The Old Workflow (Manual)

  • Spreadsheet link shared through email
  • Multiple versions circulating at the same time
  • Manual cleaning and validation before reporting
  • Slow turnaround time during emergency response

Key Challenges

  • Version conflicts: different files, different numbers
  • Weak structure: free-text entries, inconsistent naming
  • Data quality issues: missing fields, duplicates, mismatched locations
  • Delayed insights: reporting became a “batch job” instead of near-real-time visibility

My Solution

I replaced the spreadsheet process with a fully digital reporting pipeline:

1) Kobo Form (Data Collection)
Built a structured Kobo form with controlled fields (locations, partners, indicators) to improve completeness and consistency.
2) Kobo API (Automated Ingestion)
Connected Power BI to the Kobo API to pull submissions automatically, removing email-based collection.
3) Power BI Transformations
Cleaned and transformed the raw API output in Power Query, applied validation logic, and standardized fields for analysis.
4) Dashboard + Stakeholder Access
Developed an interactive Power BI dashboard and published outputs to UNHCR’s Open Data Portal for wider access.

Data Pipeline (Technical Outline)

  • Kobo submissions collected through mobile / web forms
  • Kobo API used as the primary automated data source
  • Power Query transforms: cleaning, shaping, validation checks
  • DAX measures to generate KPIs and trends
  • Power BI dashboard shared for interactive exploration
  • UNHCR Open Data Portal used to increase accessibility and transparency

Deliverables

  • Drought emergency Kobo reporting form
  • Automated Kobo API → Power BI pipeline
  • Interactive Power BI dashboard (filters, drilldowns, trends)
  • Public-facing access via UNHCR Open Data Portal

Results / Impact

  • Faster reporting cycle: reduced manual consolidation effort and delays
  • Improved data quality: structured inputs reduced missing/inconsistent entries
  • Single source of truth: one pipeline, one dashboard, one set of definitions
  • Stronger access: stakeholders could view updates through dashboard/portal without requesting files

What This Enables (Why It Matters)

  • Near-real-time visibility during emergency response
  • Better coordination across partners
  • More credible reporting (traceable and consistent metrics)
  • A reusable framework for future emergencies

Zambia Protection Sector Drought Emergency Dashboard

The dashboard is interactive and can be viewed in fullscreen by clicking the icon at the bottom right corner.

Ready To Simplify Your Digital And Data Work?

If your business lives in WhatsApp, spreadsheets, and manual reports, I can help you design simpler systems, clearer numbers, and digital journeys that actually fit how you work.

The easiest place to start is a short conversation.

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