The Geo-Spatial Database and Mobile Application Project is an ongoing initiative by the Mahaweli Consultancy Bureau (MCB), part of the broader efforts under the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP). This project is aimed at enhancing water security, agricultural productivity, and disaster risk management, particularly for vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka’s dry zone.

Project Objectives and Scope

The project seeks to create a robust digital infrastructure that integrates geographic data with real-time weather forecasting and agricultural management tools. The key objectives include:

• Improving Water Security: By using geo-spatial data, the project helps in better management of water resources, ensuring that water is distributed efficiently, especially during periods of scarcity.
• Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: The mobile application provides farmers with access to precise weather forecasts and agricultural advisories, which helps in optimizing crop yields and reducing losses due to adverse weather conditions.
• Disaster Risk Management: The system includes tools for early warning and disaster response, helping communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

Key Deliverables

1. Geo-Spatial Database:
   • A fully functional and optimized database for storing, managing, and querying geographic data has been developed. This database includes a comprehensive data dictionary that facilitates easy access and manipulation of the data.
2. Mobile Application:
   • The mobile app, which has been fully developed, serves as a crucial tool for decision-makers, project monitoring personnel, and the communities it serves. It allows users to view, upload, edit, and manage a wide range of data categories, making it a versatile tool for various stakeholders.
3. Additional Capabilities:
   • The system is designed with enhanced flexibility, allowing users to upload unlimited amounts of data and customize the application to meet diverse needs. This makes the tool highly adaptable to the evolving requirements of disaster management and agricultural planning.

Impact on Vulnerable Communities

By integrating advanced geospatial technology with user-friendly mobile applications, this project empowers vulnerable communities in the dry zone. It ensures they have the necessary tools to make informed decisions about water usage, agricultural practices, and disaster preparedness. This, in turn, contributes to building resilience against climate variability and extreme weather conditions.

The project represents a significant step forward in leveraging digital technology to address the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s dry zone farmers, ensuring they have access to accurate, timely information that can help safeguard their livelihoods.