18-Febrary-2025
nCount Training in Andhra Pradesh: Strengthening Forest Governance Through Technology
In a significant step toward modernizing forest governance and sustainable resource management, the Forest Department of Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the Initiative on Forest Economy (IoFE) at ISB, conducted an intensive nCount training program for forest officials in Rampachodavaram Forest Division, ASR District. The training, held at Vanavihari, Maredumilli, on February 5, 2025, aimed to equip Forest Beat Officers (FBOs), Forest Section Officers (FSOs), and Forest Range Officers (FROs) with digital tools for boundary and resource inventory mapping using the nCount platform and ODK Collect application.
Training Sessions: Building Digital Expertise
The training began with an introduction to nCount technology, emphasizing its role in estimating forest resources, mapping biodiversity, and supporting sustainable market linkages. ISB experts presented case studies from Himachal Pradesh, where similar methodologies have been successfully used to create spatial distribution maps of key forest products, generating strong interest among Andhra Pradesh officials.
Technical demonstrations followed, where participants registered onto the nCount platform and downloaded mapping forms using the ODK Collect application. The ISB team guided attendees through species identification, GPS-enabled mapping, and real-time data collection techniques, ensuring that even those with minimal digital exposure could navigate the platform with ease. Despite initial technical hurdles, participants quickly adapted to the technology, successfully submitting 260 forest resource mapping entries and 44 boundary mapping forms by the end of the first day.
The second day took participants into the field for a practical mapping exercise at Smriti Van, where teams were divided to collect live data using ODK Collect and nCount technology. They mapped forest boundaries, recorded tree species, and addressed concerns about identifying and classifying climbers, shrubs, and undergrowth species. The session not only helped officials develop hands-on expertise but also sparked discussions about adapting nCount’s methodology to the diverse landscapes of Andhra Pradesh.
The final day focused on data validation and issue resolution. Participants reviewed their collected data, identified inconsistencies, and received guidance on correcting errors. A revised species list was finalized, incorporating inputs from experienced field officers, while a WhatsApp support group was established for continuous engagement. The session concluded with a commitment from the DFO to monitor data collection efforts closely and ensure the integration of nCount into routine forest inventory management.
The session was led by Mr. Ravindra Dhama, IFS, DFO, Rampachodavaram, and Ms. T. Anusha, ACF, Sub-DFO, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of digital mapping for sustainable forest management, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced market access for Seasonal Forest Products (SFPs). With over 60 field officers in attendance, the session laid the groundwork for technology-driven transparency and participatory governance.
Following the initial session in Rampachodavaram, a series of range-wise training programs were scheduled to ensure comprehensive adoption across the division.
On February 13, 2025, ISB experts worked with the Indukuru range, training ten FBOs from Damanapalli, Devipatnam, and Kondamodhalu. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants eager to integrate digital tools into their daily fieldwork. A follow-up session at the Vanavihari Forest Camp Office on February 14, 2025, saw active participation from Neeraj Hans, a Trainee IFS Officer, who personally assisted in data collection, reinforcing the department’s commitment to technology-driven governance.
The training continued in the Addateegala and Rajavommangi ranges on February 15, 2025, ensuring that nearly all forest guards were equipped with nCount skills. The FRO of Rajavommangi actively engaged in the exercise, guiding field officers on the importance of species representation across different beats and sections. As training sessions concluded, designated master trainers were identified to provide peer support and ensure knowledge retention.
The work is on progress in data collection, with the Sub-DFO actively monitoring delays and issuing instructions to FROs for expediting efforts. Weekly reports on tree and grass species data collection trends are now being shared with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department to track progress.
This initiative marks a transformational shift in forest governance, leveraging technology, participatory mapping, and community engagement to enhance sustainable resource management in Andhra Pradesh. The groundwork laid through these trainings will drive long-term impact, strengthen policy decisions, and create economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities.