The CCCM sector has learned from its experiences in both conflicts and natural disasters, and has been continuously reviewing its projects, programs and responses. This first edition of CCCM Case Studies presents 12 summaries of CCCM activities from 11 different countries. The purpose of this publication is to provide lessons as a knowledge base to support humanitarian operations (in both emergency and protracted contexts). Programs introduced in these case studies were implemented by CCCM Cluster agencies, as well as national authorities, in response to large-scale displacement caused by different types of humanitarian crises: these include earthquakes (Haiti), floods (Namibia, Thailand, Pakistan), typhoons (the Philippines), conflicts (Burundi, Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Uganda, Yemen), and complex emergencies (Colombia). In light of these diverse contexts, each case study portrays experiences, successful practices, challenges and lessons.

Since 2011, the Government of Haiti, with support from the CCCM/Shelter Cluster and partner agencies, has engaged in Cash Grants Rental Subsidy (CGRS) programs, which provide affected households with a cash stipend to cover one year’s rent, plus additional grants for livelihood or other types of assistance. From the beginning of the CGRS program in 2011 until the end of 2013, an estimated 63,000 families will have been relocated from camps using this approach. Camp closure was thus based on the respect for the rights of the displaced by ensuring that the decision to leave was informed and voluntary. The process involves considerable efforts dedicated to developing strategies for communication with beneficiaries.

Mass communications

As the scale of the program grew, communication needs also increased. Partner agencies tried to use diverse types of media to ensure effective mass communication with beneficiaries. Tap Tap is a popular form of public transport which people spend hours in, commuting daily. MP3 radio transmitters with recorded entertaining public messages were provided to the Tap Tap drivers to air in Tap Taps. Episodes of “Radio Tap Tap” were aired on national and local radios, including MINUSTAH FM, the radio station of the United Nations in Haiti. Bearing in mind the low literacy rates in Haiti, a Creole comic-based newspaper, Chimen Lakay, was developed, and at its peak 400,000 copies were distributed. Chimen Lakay provided a range of messages on topics such as cholera, gender issues, and hurricane preparedness. Of particular relevance, an edition was published on the topic of camp closure and CGRS. To assess people’s comprehension, listeners or readers could telephone a call center free of charge to take part in a quiz and possibly win a prize if they answered all the questions correctly. This activity thus integrated a crowdsourcing mechanism that allowed the CCCM Cluster to ensure that key messages had been delivered.

Lessons

• Local traditions were taken into account for communication strategies.

In Haiti, oral communication was found to be the main way for information sharing, especially when a high percentage of the population is illiterate. It was also essential to pay attention to the way a message is understood and transmitted orally.

• Involved local authorities as much as possible.

Advocating communications and joint efforts to design, implement and monitor the communication strategy boosted their actions.