Submitted by crinadmin on
Intense conflict in northern Sri Lanka between government forces
and the secessionist Tamil Tigers has displaced hundreds of
thousands of civilians from their homes. Their living conditions are
harsh and insecure, despite efforts of humanitarian agencies to
alleviate them. In 1996 Oxfam GB began the first in a series of
annual surveys to assess the effectiveness of its relief effort. In
partnership with Save the Children, men, women, and children
have been interviewed in depth, and their perceptions and
criticisms recorded. The results have beed used to inform and
improve the relief programme.
This paper offers a critical assessment of the project, describing
the methodology, assessing the outcomes, and summarising the
lessons for other agencies interested in conducting similar
participative, longitudinal studies.
Owner: Kerry Demusz