Learn
Module 1.4 ‘Learn’ is adapted from the CDAC How to Guide. (20)
Participation means that you involve crisis-affected people in the assessment, design, implementation, monitoring or evaluation of your responsive information service project. Participation forms the core of the responsive information services program model and is uniquely built-in, whereby the information produced is constantly informed by client feedback. Still, local populations are the first to react in a crisis - especially if you are not from the communities you are targeting - you must seek their input on how to appropriately deliver responsive information services on an ongoing basis.
Community engagement must go beyond passive participation, whereby the affected population is simply kept informed. People must be able to participate in decisions that affect them. They need opportunities to determine and shape services, including during preparedness, and perform leadership roles (e.g., serving on management communities). The degree of involvement will vary depending on the circumstances, and there will always be debate about what constitutes ‘real’ or ‘meaningful’ participation.
Tips for facilitating participation in emergencies:
- When? Different levels of participation may be appropriate at different times. For example, in the early stages of a response, consultation might only be possible with limited numbers of people, but over time there will be more opportunities for deeper engagement (See Table 4). Engaging early saves a lot more time than trying to fix inappropriate decisions. Bear in mind that the physical and psychological impact of a disaster or conflict on communities, social breakdown and previous experience of aid influences how engagement efforts may be met. Communities should be actively engaged in the monitoring and evaluation of responses, and all stages of the cycle should be focused on enabling communities to take full responsibility for resources and responses, giving voice to those who would typically be disempowered or disenfranchised (women, children, youth, disabled, elderly).
- Who? Ensure representation of the community is inclusive, engaging people at all stages of the work. You may need to work with existing structures, advocate for them to be restructured if they are not representative or develop new or complementary ones so that people, including the most marginalised and vulnerable, are fairly represented. As a result of the context or pre-existing differences in power (e.g. based upon gender, race, class, caste, or other characteristics), participation will not usually occur spontaneously. Foster a process of mutual learning and dialogue to stimulate greater participation. Pay particular attention to groups or individuals traditionally excluded from power and decision-making processes. Remember that children also have a right to participation. There are specialist organisations (such as Save the Children) with whom you can partner so that any work undertaken with children is done so appropriately and with the right safeguarding measures in place.
- How? Determine whether direct participation or participation by representation (i.e. through community representatives, committees or community-based organisations) is appropriate, bearing in mind power dynamics and biases. Assess risk to both the community and staff in engaging communities and ensure that no harm is done. Take into account safety, security, cultural and societal factors. Gain informed consent, whereby permission is granted in full knowledge of the possible consequences, risks and benefits.
Table 4. The 'Ladder of Participation'
Reference: Alternative systems of inquiry for a sustainable agriculture, in the Institute of Development Studies Bulletin, vol 25, (Brighton Institute of Development Studies, 1994), pp. 37-48. Adapted from Pretty, J.
| Passive participation | The affected population is informed of what is going to happen or what has occurred. While this is a fundamental right of the people concerned, it is not one that is always respected. |
| Participation through the supply of information | The affected population provides information in response to questions, but it has no influence over the process, since survey results are not shared and their accuracy is not verified. |
| Participation by consultation | The affected population is asked for its perspective on a given subject, but it has no decision-making powers, and no guarantee that its views will be taken into consideration. |
| Participation through material incentives | The affected population supplies some of the materials and/or labour needed to conduct an operation, in exchange for payment in cash or in kind from the aid organisation. |
| Participation through the supply of materials, cash or labour | The affected population supplies some of the materials and/or labour needed for an intervention. This includes cost-recovery mechanisms. |
| Interactive participation | The affected population participates in the analysis of needs and in programme conception, and has decision-making powers. |
| Local initiatives | The affected population takes the initiative, acting independently of external organisations or institutions. Although it may call on external bodies to support its initiatives, the project is conceived and run by the community; it is the aid organisation that participates in the people’s projects. |