How to engage with communities in field research

The success of a research project in a developing country can often depend on gaining the trust of the local communities involved. Obidimma Ezezika , CEO for the African Centre for Innovation and Leadership Development shares tips on what works…

1. Focus on trust - two-way communication and mutual trust between the researchers and the community is essential. Researchers must be able to address any concerns or issues that the community might have about the research.

2. Engage early - Set aside time for the community and the village heads to ask questions about the proposed study. Take one or two representatives from the government offices that were initially consulted — their presence can give you more credibility with the community.

3. Listen and learn – community participation can improve your research process

4. Get to know your participants - spend time in the community and liaise with local institutions. Get to know enough about their perceptions to inform how best to communicate with them and seek to genuinely understand the community’s culture. Ask questions rather than making assumptions, and listen rather than preach.

5. Use the right communication methods - The language you use to communicate is crucial, as is the channel you use to deliver information. For example, in a country where many languages are spoken, someone may understand the main language, but be more comfortable and understand more about the research if discussion is in their local language. If people can’t read, printed information won’t inform them.

6. Get informed consent - transparency is key: communicate to participants and end-users what the research involves, and whether and how they will benefit.

7. Communication should not end with the research - aim to maintain an on-going dialogue even when the intervention might have officially come to an end. Feedback the results of the research and inform participants of the knowledge they helped to generate. In some cases it’s also about ensuring that any results of the research can benefit the community.

Read the full article below. 

http://www.scidev.net/global/communication/practical-guide/engage-participants-field-research.html