Chapter 4 - Groupe URD

Participation Ha n d b o o k fo r hu m a n i t a r i a n fi e l d wo r k e r sInv o l v i n g crisis-af f e c t e d pe o p l e in a hu m a n i t a r i a n re s p o n s eCo m m u n i c a t i o n te c h n i q u e s102Effective communication is the fundamental building blockof participation, and central to designing a strategy for participation.This chapter looks at formal and informal ways ofcommunicating with crisis-affected people. Formal communicationtakes place through meetings, focus group discussionsand so on, whilst informal communication is more opportunistic,for example simply chatting to people whilst you walkthrough a community. There are advantages and disadvantagesto both types of communication: informal communicationis often anecdotal and therefore can be biased, but is alsoless constrained and people are much more likely to saywhat they really think. However, it is easier to control communicationin more formal settings. Both aid agencies andcommunities are more accountable for what they say duringmeetings when an official record is often kept. It isn’t necessaryto choose between one and the other – both should bepart of your strategy.The way in which you communicate – your attitude and behaviour– is as important as the method you choose, and isthe key to successful participation. Your origin, status, gender,age, profession, experience or knowledge of the areaall affect how you are perceived. See chapter 3 on buildingmutual respect.IV.1 InformalcommunicationIt is important to take the time to speakinformally with people. Opportunitiesto engage with people on a casual orinformal basis are often missed, yetthey constitute a rich source of exchange, which can complementformal events like focus groups and communityassemblies. They are opportunities to gather information,to increase your understanding of the community and to bebetter accepted – in fact you may be thought “standoffish”if you fail to take up these opportunities.There are many situations that offer the opportunity forinformal communication:• stopping at the bar or tea house• going to the market and speaking with peoplein the street, or even just being seenthere• going to the bath house or washing point– both useful places for female aid workersto talk to women and girls• attending public events, such as religiousceremonies and village gatherings• taking advantage of minor incidents: fixing aflat tyre or repairing a car, for instance, canlead to an informal gathering• speaking with the driver and with cooks orwaiters/waitresses in restaurants• stopping by the road and talking with farmers in fields orwith herders at water points.Formal communication with communitiesgives an opportunity for leadersand spokespeople to present information,policy or opinions to the aidagency. Often the people you communicatewith on a formal basis willhave some official position or status within their community(village leader, government official, head of a women’sgroup) or will be part of a formal structure of some sortsuch as the camp management team or the village council.Much of this section is about formal communication, buta great deal of it is also relevant to informal and casualcommunication methods.Formal means of communication include:• structured interviews• focus groups• traditional assembliesIn many situations, ifyou start to conversewith one or twopeople, you will findthat others join in,and that a ‘focusgroup’ will takeshape spontaneously.In a humanitariancrisis social dynamicschange so look fornew opportunities tocommunicate withdifferent groups.Tips & WarningsIV.2 Formalcommunicationmethods103#4Communication