PARTICIPATORY TOOLS USED IN THE MPA6.3 Community map 20Social maps represent a popularplanning, evaluation <strong>and</strong> monitoringtool as they reveal a lot that is neverpossible to know from written records.Since they also take considerable timeto make, it is worthwhile to considerhow many different types of data toinclude, keeping keeping in mind thatthe more complex the map, the moretime the analysis will take <strong>and</strong> thatother tools, discussed later, can givethe same information more “at oneglance” than a social map.PreparationsCounting households with good or poor access to servicesfrom the social map in CambodiaPurposeCommunity social maps help to visually represent<strong>and</strong> analyze the community situation regardingall water <strong>and</strong> sanitation facilities - traditional aswell as those provided by specific projects - <strong>and</strong>access of the poor, rich <strong>and</strong> middle-incomehouseholds to them.They also help to visualize in which households(rich/intermediate/poor) paid or unpaid males orfemales work in water, sanitation <strong>and</strong> hygienepromotion, who paid or currently pays how muchin relation to service access obtained, <strong>and</strong> whoreceived training.A day before this activity, thefacilitators will discuss it with villagerepresentatives (both women <strong>and</strong>men) <strong>and</strong> agree on the area to bemapped.For large villages, it is often toocumbersome to map the whole village down to thehousehold level. In such cases, a general layout ofthe community is drawn with the traditional <strong>and</strong>new water supply systems created through theproject, as well as the rich, poor <strong>and</strong> intermediateneighborhoods, according to the criteria agreed.For project planning purposes, the entirepopulation to be covered by a project interventionwould have to be included. For monitoring <strong>and</strong>evaluation purposes, however, areas for detailedmapping can be delineated <strong>and</strong> average/typicalhousehold clusters or neighborhoods selectedaccording to the purpose of the activity. Forinstance, large villages can be sectioned off20 Adapted from participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques66
PARTICIPATORY TOOLS USED IN THE MPAaccording to administrative (sub-village) orgeographic boundaries when point sources ofwater such as dug wells or h<strong>and</strong> pumps wereprovided. When network systems such as pipedwater supply was provided, the comm<strong>and</strong> area ofeach system from source to points of use wouldconstitute the types of areas/units for mapping.The team uses the map to generate groupdiscussions <strong>and</strong> gather information, for furtherreference, particularly for planning the transectwalk <strong>and</strong> for sampling. It is usual for a map to beprogressively developed, detailed <strong>and</strong> refined overthe entire period an assessment team is in avillage.A r<strong>and</strong>om selection is then made from the relevantareas/clusters for household mapping, inconsultation with the community, so that themapped area provides sufficient information torepresent the majority’s water-sanitation situation.The venue chosen for mapping is a central placewhere a large group can gather for an extendedperiod of time, protected from the weather, well lit<strong>and</strong> accessible to all classes <strong>and</strong> both genders.ProcessThe facilitator explains the purpose of the exercise,<strong>and</strong> helps start a discussion to develop a list offeatures that need to be indicated on the map.Women <strong>and</strong> men make the map, either togetheror in separate groups, as gender relations allow.Depending on literacy, local preferences <strong>and</strong>availability of space <strong>and</strong> materials, they maychoose to draw it on a large sheet of paper (e.g.,2-4 wrapping paper sheets taped together), usingdrawing materials they are familiar with, or onthe floor, or on open ground.With the help of local materials, such as pebbles,seeds, flour, twigs in case of a map on the ground,or symbols in case of a map on paper, all selectedfeatures are marked. When maps are made onthe floor or open ground, the literate villagers <strong>and</strong>team members transfer them to paper aftercompletion.ResultsMaps bring out key local information.●●●●●●●●●Number, type <strong>and</strong> location of all water sources,whether or not created through the projectbeing assessed.Degree to which the sources meet all waterneeds during the year, only partly meet waterneeds in some months, or at times fallcompletely dry.Degree to which distribution points meet allwater needs, of women <strong>and</strong> men separately,the year round, or do not have water for certainperiods, for uses of women, men or both.Predictability of water delivery, consquences incase of irregular service, especially for women.Cut-off zones for water source use, clarifyingaccess of households to sources, particularlypoint sources.Location of rich, poor <strong>and</strong> middle-incomehouseholds according to criteria agreed onearlier, <strong>and</strong> the relationship of the welfareclassification with accessibility <strong>and</strong> regularityof service delivery.Households that do not have easy access toany type of improved source.Number, type <strong>and</strong> location of sanitationfacilities, both public <strong>and</strong> household, accordingto their installation before, during or after theexternal intervention.Homes of community members with roles inproviding <strong>and</strong> maintaining water <strong>and</strong>67