ANGOLA FIELD TRIP REPORT N°3 (11 JUNE - 7 JULY 2002 )
1. Introduction
In order to give continuity to the process initiated in May 2002 regarding the management, control
and eradication of small arms in a post-conflict Angola ; a joint delegation comprised of Matias
Capapelo, Clare Jefferson and John Rocha visited Luanda , Angola during the period of 11 June to
7 July 2002 . The purpose of this visit was:
- To run a two-day training workshop of community surveyors in Luanda .
- To implement a community survey for the city of Luanda covering 1000 respondents immediately
after the training.
Although we had only made provision for 20 participants, the demand for additional places far
exceeded our expectations and finally, a total of thirty one participants, representing a diverse
range of civil society organizations and government institutions, attended the training seminar
and helped with the implementation of the survey during a period of seven days.
2. Approach and methodology
During the training seminars, participants were subdivided into five different groups and a team
leader was elected to coordinate and manage the activities of the different groups for the course
of the entire implementation process. For the first two days participants familiarized themselves
with the entire questionnaire, trained on how to read and understand the questions, provided with
a code list and simulated role plays in order to acquaint themselves with the interviewing process.
All questions were studied in-depth to ensure that participants understood the content as well as
the purpose for asking such questions. On the last day of the training seminar participants were
deployed into a neighbouring community for about an hour to allow them to gain a deeper insight
into the whole process and to get in touch with the environment in which they would be required
to work for the next seven days. Thereafter all trainees were required to report back about their
experiences and the training personnel also used this opportunity to identify any problem areas
and take corrective measures.
Before the first day of the survey participants were made aware of the problems encountered during
the previous exercise. The problems were mainly about how to complete the demographic grids and
we used this opportunities to clarify and rectify any problem. All participants were provided
with the required attire, a bag and an identification card, even though we could not supply each
surveyor with everything due the increased number of surveyors taking part.
3. Evaluation and Monitoring
In order to facilitate the process of evaluating the quantity and quality of work, each
interviewer was allocated an individual fieldworker number for the duration of the survey.
This number was used as an identification mark of the particular interviewer and had to be
inscribed in all documents by the particular interviewer. At the end of each working day,
each interviewer was required to report back about their experiences on the ground, whether
they encountered any difficulties and what was the response of the community.
Thereafter, all the questionnaires were perused individually by the coordinating team comprised
of the representatives of Angola 2000 and SaferAfrica in order to identify any anomaly as well
as discard or recycle any questionnaire that did not conform to the required standard.
Interviewers were always made aware of any discrepancies in their questionnaires and requested
to improve on their performances.
Furthermore, in order to ensure that the interviewers returned the correct amount of
questionnaires, a list was compiled on a daily basis indicating the number of questionnaires
taken by a particular interviewer, the corresponding numbers of the questionnaires allocated
to the each individual and the quantities returned, complete or partly filled. All the
questionnaires that were not filled completely were recycled and all the data entered therein
was annulled.
Activity Report
In order to ensure that the survey reflected the demographic composition of the city
of Luanda, the survey teams were instructed to interview a diverse spectrum of the
Angolan population as determined by age, gender, household, individuals, families,
apartments, houses, informal settlement etc.
DAY ONE (Thursday, 20 June 2002 )
On day one, each team was allocated a specific area to work in and each interviewer
was allocated five questionnaires. Interviewers were provided with a daily transport
allowance and a portion for their lunch. As this was the first day of the survey, most
of the interviewers encountered serious difficulties in filling the questionnaires or even
in dealing with the interviewees and this affected their individual performances. There were
also a lot of incomplete or empty questionnaires, however as is the case with any work of
this nature there were some outstanding performances. The coordinating team spent quite a
lot of time going through each questionnaire.
Reports from the fieldworkers indicated that there was an initial reluctance by members of the
community to participate. Concerns were also raised about the need for appropriate
identification cards. The fieldworkers suggested that such identification cards should
carry a photograph of the fieldworker as well as a stamp of the issuing authority. This is
essential to ensure community of the legitimacy of the project being implemented and also to
avoid the hijacking of the whole process by dubious elements.
DAY 2 ( Friday, 21 June 2002 )
Our first task was to inform all the fieldworkers about our evaluation of the previous day's
work. Based on this analysis, we identified the three best performances as an example of the
quality of work that we were expecting of each fieldworker. All fieldworkers were requested
to improve not only their work rate but also the quality of their work. It was made clear to
them that the quality and integrity of this survey was an essential prerequisite to
guarantee the credibility of the survey.
There was a considerable improvement on the reports and returns by all fieldworkers. The
majority completed all questionnaires and very few were returned incomplete. Also due to
large media coverage that the project began to gain as well as the previous day's work, most
members of the community were already aware of the work being done and the levels of
cooperation increased dramatically. There was only one incident, in which one fieldworker
was held hostage at gun point for two hours by a group of people who were in a state of
drunkenness. Even though this incident had a negative effect on this particular fieldworker,
he continued to take part in the survey but opting to select his area of operation more
carefully.
On this day three fieldworkers did not take part in the interview either for arriving late
or for absenteeism.
DAY 3 & 4 (Saturday & Sunday, 22 & 23 June 2002)
Initially our intention was to work half-day on Saturday, 22 June 2002 , but there was a
suggestion by the fieldworkers that we work on Sunday, 23 June 2002 as well. For this
purpose each fieldworker was allocated ten questionnaires for the two days and almost every
single one of them with the exception of 4 who returned 7, 8, 8, and 9 respectively. Five
fieldworkers did not participate in the survey during this period for a variety of reasons
ranging from prior engagements to clear absenteeism.
The returns from these days were also satisfactory and the levels of enthusiasm among all
fieldworkers increased considerably. There were also calls for additional questionnaires by
members of the community who wanted to take part in the whole process. Some fortunate
fieldworkers were invited for lunch while conducting the interviews.
DAY 5 ( Monday, 24 June 2002 )
The fifth day of work started in a dramatic fashion with almost every fieldworker reporting
for duty on time and eager to take on additional questionnaires. Also almost every single
one of them reported a hundred percent return and most were back before the 16h00 cut off
time. This was indicative of the speed with which fieldworkers were now completing their
questionnaires as well as the increased levels of cooperation from the community.
Many fieldworkers reported that the community wanted to know whether there would be any immediate
benefits for them from this exercise. We also received reports from government representatives,
who were taking part in this survey, about the governments' willingness and support for the
initiative.
Only 4 fieldworkers from the initial thirty one were absent on this day.
DAY 6 ( Tuesday, 25 June 2002 )
For a variety of reasons, this day was characterized by one of the largest numbers of
absenteeism. A total of 7 fieldworkers did not take part on this day. However, the buoyant
spirit of the remaining fieldworkers made up for this and the effects of their absence were
further reduced due to the fact that each fieldworker took on additional questionnaires.
Almost 99% of the questionnaires taken were fully completed and returned.
DAY 7 ( Wednesday, 26 June 2002 )
By the end of Day 6, we realized that we could complete the entire survey earlier than
expected. As such a collective decision was taken to complete the survey on this day and
that we could proceed with the closure of the activities on Thursday, 27 June 2002 .
We were also informed that the communities were still asking for more questionnaires. All
the questionnaires handed out on this day were returned by the end of work day.
As this was the last day, we spent a considerable time evaluating the work done during the
past few days and also deciding on the best way to remunerate the fieldworkers. Initially,
it was felt that we should pay per questionnaire; however in recognition of the efforts put
in by each individual member and the fact that each one contributed in a way to the success
of the process a decision was taken to remunerate them according to the days of work and not
per questionnaire. This decision was taken in order to promote the essence of teamwork. By so
doing we hoped to convey the message the individual success could not be achieved without the
support of team members.
DAY 8 ( Thursday, 27 June 2002 )
All participants gathered at the FONGA (Forum of Angolan NGOs) offices for the official
closure ceremony. Certificates of recognition were issued to participants except two who
were absent for most of the days.
Participants also addressed a letter of thanks to Angola 2000, COIEPA and SaferAfrica and
expressed the willingness to continue to work with us on this very important matter.
Fieldworker Questionnaire Returns Summary
4. Other
A series of other activities were also carried out during this period in order to sustain
and add further impetus to this process.
Considerable amount of time was also spent in trying to locate an office for Angola 2000 in
Luanda . We looked at various offices and conclude that it will not be difficult to get an
office once the resources are available. The renting of an office requires an advance payment
of 6 to 12 months prior to the occupation of the office. Renting an office in Luanda would
save the money currently being paid into hotel accommodation by half. Other aspects that
must be taken into consideration are whether we rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment.
Furthermore, because of the humidity and extreme heat in Luanda as well as the lack of reliable water
or electricity supply the apartment must be equipped with air conditioning, back-up generator and
alternative source of water supply. Letters were also written to the Ministry of Interior, Ministry
of Defence, National Assembly and other embassies informing them about the work being carried out
and requesting meetings for our formal introduction. To date no replies have been forthcoming.
The work also received wide media coverage from the print media, television and radio. A good
foundation has been laid for productive relationship with the media in sensitising society about
the essence of small arms control in the post conflict reconstruction of Angola . We suggest that
a strategy be devised on how best to utilize the influence of the media in spreading the message
to the people.
As a result of the work being done by Angola 2000, COIEPA and SaferAfrica; Angola 2000 has been
formally appointed as the leading agency for disarmament by the Peace Network. A planning meeting
of the Peace Network Coordinating Committee, of which Angola 2000 is a member, will take place on
Wednesday, 10 July 2002 were the current project currently being implemented will be formally
adopted by the Peace Network. All future activities relating to the issue of disarmament will be
referred to Angola 2000 and its partners. The Coordinating Committee is composed of the following
organizations: FONGA (Forum of Angolan NGOs), MPD (Women for Peace and Development), JPD (Justice,
Peace and Democracy), Angola 2000, GARP (Angolan Group for Reflection of Peace) and COIEPA.
5. Conclusions
Angola 2000, COIEPA and SaferAfrica acknowledges the support of the Federal Government of
Germany whose generous donation has made this work possible and also recognizes the support
of FONGA ( Forum of Angolan NGOs) for availing their offices during this crucial stage.
A word of thanks also goes to all the organizations and individuals who made this work possible
by availing personnel and time.
6. Recommendations
Valuable lessons were learnt from this entire process which we should take into account in future.
In addition because of the uniqueness of the Angolan situation, we wish to make the following
recommendations to ensure a smooth process:
There is a need to develop a more credible method of identification which takes into account
the need to introduce photographs and a stamp.
In future allowances must be made for additional fieldworkers since it has become clear that
more people than initially expected will arrive.
All the numbering of questionnaires must be done beforehand.
More attention should be given to the translation in order to avoid confusion and embarrassment.
list of participants
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