Case Study: DFID commissions MSS to research how development communications can help fight terrorism

The Department for International Development (DFID) has commissioned Media Support Solutions (MSS) to research how the lessons from Development Communications could assist the UK government’s PREVENT strategy, which is concerned with tackling the radicalisation of individuals, for example by tackling disadvantage and supporting reform both with the UK and internationally, and by challenging the ideologies which support violence.

There are two parts to this work: First, researching a snapshot of how communication contributes towards violent extremism in five high risk countries, and how different communications initiatives could be used to counter this trend. The research will look at the full range of media from audio cassettes to internet based platforms.

Secondly, drawing upon the wealth of work done in development communications – health, livelihoods, governance, peace etc – which focuses on behaviour modification, addressing grievances, providing space for political participation, and stimulating economic opportunities to marginalised groups.

MSS contributed to a conference in October at Wilton Park organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on lessons to be learned by PREVENT from development. It has since recruited a team of three local and two international researchers. Initial results of the research will be brainstormed in December and the report will be delivered by January 2009.

Case Study: Strategic Communications scoping study in Darfur

The Stabilisation Unit of the UK government commissioned MSS to evaluate communications projects focused on Darfur between 2006 and 2008. Three visits to Sudan were undertaken to identify good practice in a range of initiatives from radio broadcasting to holding equestrian festivals, all with the underlying aim of bringing communities together. A lot of good work is being accomplished in very difficult circumstances was identified – work which is of value to other conflict areas. DFID then requested that MSS draw on this experience, and its work elsewhere, in developing a Darfur communications strategy to be implemented over the next few years. Key recommendations focused on ways the international community can work productively with local media organizations to build capacity in development communications and management so they are enabled to work independently in the future.

• Evaluated two DFID funded radio peace-building projects in Nepal and writing a communications strategy on how foreign donors can best support Nepal's media in future peace -building efforts
  

• Advised the government of Pakistan on a communications policy for their poverty reduction strategy

• Advised DFID DRC and Angola desks on national media strategy, proposals, project implementation, donor harmonization, technical support for civil society support

• Facilitated workshop for DFID staff in Pakistan on integrating communications for development into programmes and country assistance plans

• Mapped organisations and individuals in the Scottish Highlands with professional links to African countries with a view to strengthening links

• Researched and wrote a report on the media needs of immigrant groups in the Scottish Highlands (for Highlands and Islands Enterprise)
  

Case Study: Profiles of DFID aid recipients in Afghanistan

Anxious to present a more rounded view of Afghanistan at a time when violent conflict in the country is stealing the headlines, DFID asked an MSS team to find sixteen people who had benefited from British development assistance, photograph them and write their stories. The results were a surprise to the team, which included renowned photographer Nick Danziger. In the north and centre of the country, as development projects are beginning to make an impact at village level, local people are actively involved in deciding spending priorities, and they were generally positive about the future. Corruption rather than the Taliban was their principal concern. Amongst the profiles were two women development workers with political aspirations – one had stood against a former President of the country in the parliamentary elections, a former child soldier turned policeman guarding one of Afghanistan’s most important archaeological sites, and a farmer who reckons that bee-keeping is altogether a better way of life than growing opium. The stories and photos are published in a DFID booklet Afghanistan: Development in Action.

Case Study: Is it worth it?” a campaign on Afghan migration

Following a research report by MSS consultant Juliette Seibold, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) commissioned Media Support Partnership Afghanistan (MSPA) to design and implement a media campaign highlighting the realities of irregular migration by Afghans to Europe. Continued insecurity in the south and east of the country results in many young Afghan men attempting the dangerous journey overland to what they believe is a better life in the UK or other European countries. The journey often takes months and they can face horrific dangers, but they are usually undeterred. MSPA’s campaign tried to convey the reality of irregular migration through the testimonies of Afghans who have tried to make the journey as well as those who are in the UK. The TV spots were illustrated with still photos of the individuals taken by Nick Danziger, who has photographed and written about Afghans for many years. A booklet of the stories and the photos was distributed to schools and youth associations in the country. The campaign involving 20 radio spots, 8 TV spots and the booklets, all in two languages, was broadcast in the autumn of 2006.

Case Study: Nigeria: Two Output to Purpose Reviews of the VOICES Project

The VOICES radio training and production project of the BBC World Service Trust aimed to increase participation of ordinary Nigerians in securing improved governance, services and livelihoods and create public debate on issues relating to the Millennium Development Goals. Media Support was asked to provide an external consultant to OPRs conducted in 2004 and 2006. The first review found that despite a number of operational obstacles VOICES was making progress in achieving the project purpose or reaching an audience and building skills to bring governance issues to the airwaves. Media Support made extensive recommendations on all aspects of the project including substantive revision of the logframe and the Monitoring and Evaluation framework. The second review noted that many of the earlier recommendations had been implemented and proposed that a no-cost extension be awarded by DFID. (DFID, 2004 and 2006).