Listening to the Displaced

by Demusz, Kerry

• ISBN13: 9780855984373
• ISBN10: 0855984376
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-04-01
• Publisher: Oxfam Pubns

Summary

Oxfam, in partnership with Save the Children, conducted a series of annual surveys of the effectiveness of NGO relief efforts in northern Sri Lanka. Men, women and children were interviewed in depth and their perceptions and criticisms were recorded. The results of these surveys were used to inform and improve the relief programme, to make it more responsive to the needs of the displaced communities. This paper offers a critical assessment of the project, describing the methodology, assessing the outcomes and identifying lessons for other agencies interested in conducting similar participative, longitudinal studies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	5	(1)
List of abbreviations	6	(1)
Introduction	7	(1)
A History of ethnic of conflict in Sri Lanka	8	(7)
Political background	9	(1)
The context of humanitarian relief	10	(5)
Why listen to the displaced?	15	(6)
Hearing the displaced in emergencies	15	(1)
Why is this research important?	16	(2)
Objectives of the research, 1996-1998	18	(3)
How to listen to the displaced: methodology	21	(10)
How to listen: early days	22	(2)
How to listen: later days	24	(1)
How to collect the information	24	(5)
Which method to choose?	29	(2)
Things to consider when researching displacement	31	(8)
Training	31	(2)
Working with children	33	(1)
Gender and women's voices	34	(1)
Listening to the disabled	35	(1)
Choosing the research participants	35	(2)
Selecting the research team	37	(2)
Analysis	39	(4)
Participative feedback sessions	39	(3)
Thoughts about analysis	42	(1)
Outcomes	43	(5)
Relief items	43	(1)
Gender Issues	44	(1)
Coping mechanisms	44	(1)
People's capacities	45	(1)
Past interventions	45	(1)
Future interventions	46	(1)
Information for advocacy	46	(2)
Lessons learned	48	(5)
Strengths of the methodology	48	(1)
Weaknesses of the methodology	49	(1)
Looking to the future - next steps	50	(2)
Conclusion	52	(1)
Notes	53	(3)
References	56	(10)
Appendices
Appendix 1: How to obtain copies of the research reports	58	(1)
Appendix 2: Questions asked in interview groups in 1997	59	(2)
Appendix 3: Site Information Recording Sheet	61	(5)
Index	66