Humanitarian communication tools launched

The IMS-supported network for humanitarian communication, CDAC, launches a suite of tools to assess citizens’ communication needs during humanitarian crises

The tools have been developed in recognition of the crucial role effective communication plays in an emergency. If communication channels are working, communities affected by a crisis can be alerted to facts about the emergency and be made aware of potential threats and how to mitigate them. If communication is two-way – enabling affected populations to give feedback, ask questions and share information – humanitarian responders can better understand the needs on the ground and respond accordingly.

The suite of tools to assess information and communication needs in emergencies is launched by the IMS-supported CDAC Network, a collection of humanitarian agencies, technology providers and media development groups.

Two sets of tools have been developed for use by different audiences:

Quick and Easy Guide: Assessment Information and Communications Needs

This guide, developed in collaboration with The Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS), is aimed at staff working in a humanitarian response.

It provides guidance on steps humanitarian responders can take to assess and determine how to enhance communication with and among communities at different stages of an emergency. Five key questions are suggested, including explanations of why these questions should be asked, and how agencies could act on this data to improve communication in humanitarian response.

This tool also includes a ‘Pocket Guide’, which is designed for field practitioners and can be printed on one double-sided sheet of paper. It summarises the key steps and provides five key questions and response options.

Click here to access these tools:

Quick and Easy Guide: Assessing Information & Communications Needs Booklet

Pocket Guide: Information & Communication Questions in Rapid Needs Assessments

In addition to these two guides, IMS, BBC Media Action and Internews, have come together to develop a suite of common tools for conducting communication needs assessments following a disaster. The tools are based on questionnaires used by Internews in its information needs assessments.

The suite of common tools includes:

Guidance Note on Using the CDAC Network Common Communication Needs Assessment Tools

Questionnaire for Use with Affected Population

Humanitarian Responder Questionnaire

Media Station Profile Questionnaire

Improving humanitarian response through better communication

If used effectively, communication can improve the quality and effectiveness of programmes and can help reach vulnerable people and isolated groups. It can help manage expectations and help affected populations hold aid agencies to account.

Knowing which communication channels have been affected, which channels remain and are trusted and used by communities, and getting a sense of what is needed in terms of information and communication, allows humanitarian responders to work out the best ways to provide information and to receive feedback from communities.

IMS works actively to improve the knowledge about disaster-affected communities’ humanitarian information and communication needs, including most recently in the Central African Republic.