LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 2

key findings ............................................................................................................................................... 2

Attitudes towards digital information sharing ...................................................................................... 3

Background of project ............................................................................................................................... 4

Overall project objectives ..................................................................................................................... 4

Specific objectives ................................................................................................................................. 4

Objective and scope of baseline assessment ............................................................................................ 5

METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Survey design ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Sampling method ...................................................................................................................................... 7

Pilot and survey area................................................................................................................................. 8

Prototype pre-testing ................................................................................................................................ 8

Implementation ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Limitations of study and data quality ....................................................................................................... 8

CONTEXT AND SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................... 10

Socio-economic profile of Hai Lang district ............................................................................................ 10

Situation of contamination in Quang Tri province and Hai Lang district ................................................ 10

KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................. 12

Key findings ............................................................................................................................................. 12

Understanding the pilot project target groups ................................................................................... 12

Information sharing attitudes, practices and needs ........................................................................... 13

Information gatekeepers .................................................................................................................... 15

Media usages and means for general information reception ............................................................ 16

Attitudes towards digital information sharing .................................................................................... 16

Prototype testing of software ............................................................................................................. 16

Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 16

Contents and purposes for digital information sharing ...................................................................... 17

Perspectives for digital information sharing ....................................................................................... 18

Looking ahead ..................................................................................................................................... 18

ANNEX 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

Desk study ............................................................................................................................................... 20

Questionnaire interviews ........................................................................................................................ 20

In-depth interviews ................................................................................................................................. 21

Focus group discussions .......................................................................................................................... 21

Prototype testing of the platform ........................................................................................................... 22

ANNEX 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 23

SURVEY SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................ 23

ANNEX 3 ...................................................................................................................................................... 25

LITERATURE LIST ..................................................................................................................................... 25

CL – Community Liaison

CPC – Commune People’s Committee

DBU – Database Unit

DoET – Department of Education and Training

DoLISA – Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs

EOD – Explosive Ordnance Disposal

ERW – Explosive Remnants of War

IMSMA – Information Management System for Mine Action

KAP – Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

LWCC – Legacy of War Coordination Centre

MA – Mine Action

MApps – Mine Action applications

MRE – Mine Risk Education

UXO – Unexploded Ordnance

VA – Victim Assistance

Based on the assumption that mobile- and web-based technology can be used to strengthen

information sharing in Mine Action (MA), Danish Demining Group (DDG) is designing, developing, and

piloting innovative mobile- and web-based platforms. These platforms are intended to improve access

to information relevant for people living in areas contaminated by mines and other explosive hazards,

and provide MA operators with increased information on needs and contamination.

The objective of the baseline assessment is to ensure an understanding of existing needs, capacities and

practices in terms of current MA information networks in Quang Tri province and in Hai Lang district

specifically.

Farmers, scrap metal collectors, children and/or youth, and those working in the forests are the groups

considered most at risk. Men are more at risk than women. Children and youth are generally more at

risk, closely followed by the 26-45 age group. Additionally, previous KAP studies show that those with

lower incomes experience higher risk.

Many different MA operators are active in Quang Tri province. Many of the operators do the same type

of activities. At times, the operators are allocated a specific district within the province in which to

operate; other times, operators carry out activities within the same district. In addition, MA INGOs often

conduct activities through local implementing partners ranging from national organisations such as the

youth or women’s union to government institutions such as schools or the military. According to focus

group discussions with MA operators, national organisations are most often used as implementing

partners in Mine Risk Education (MRE) and Victim Assistance (VA) activities.

When it comes to MA information sharing, the data across all at-risk groups strongly suggest that

information related to MA activities and assistance providers is not shared sufficiently. Affected

communities cannot easily engage with the MA operators, let alone hold them accountable for the

services provided.

Based on the survey data, the most important gatekeeper when it comes to information sharing

between MA operators and affected communities are the village heads. In order for the village head to

fulfil his/her role, he/she is dependent on support, as well as timely and actionable information from

MA operators, be they INGOs, local organizations, or the commune military.

When exploring media usage in Hai Lang district, a survey found that less than 15% of adult respondents

use the internet. Children, on the other hand, are frequent internet users, with only 28.8% reporting not

to use the internet. Among internet users, email is not frequently used by either adults or children.

Almost half of the children interviewed reported use of social media, Facebook in particular, while none

of the interviewed adults reported use of social media.

Mobile phones, on the other hand, are widely used by both adults and secondary school children.

Almost all adults own a mobile phone, while close to half of the children interviewed reported to own

one. Mobile phones are mainly used for voice calls and text messaging by both groups. However, close

to half of the children interviewed reported that they use their mobile phone for accessing the internet,

whereas this was only the case for less than 5% of adults.

In terms of where people get information about their community, adults primarily get information from

TV and radio announcements, while children primarily get their information from TV and social media.

Most respondent were positive of reporting via digital platforms, with most reporting that they would

use them if they were available. Many respondents reported that they believe digital platforms could

increase the willingness to report, as it would make information sharing faster and more convenient.

Among adults, the greatest challenge in terms of using the suggested platforms was access to internet,

while most children considered access to mobile phones and computers as the greatest challenges.

Affordability did not seem to be an issue for digital information sharing.

Initial assessments suggested that timely and accurate information sharing between affected

communities and MA operators (INGOs, NGOs and state operators) is inadequate. Anecdotal evidence,

supported by survey data, suggests that there is a wish for improvement from both communities and

MA operators. Whether increased information sharing between affected communities and MA

operators can reduce accidents, fears, and uncertainties related to the present contamination, and

whether resilience of the affected communities can be strengthened through more information remains

to be seen.

The purpose of the pilot project is to find out whether MA operators and the communities affected by

Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and mines will make use of the new platforms, and whether the new

platforms can add value to the MA work being undertaken. All that can be said at this point is that,

based on the survey data, there is an indication that it can.

Even though the war in Vietnam ended 40 years ago, the country is still heavily contaminated by mines

and ERW – the central provinces in particular. Precise data on the actual level of contamination in the

country remains hard to come by. Despite its decades-long presence, the civilian population still fears

the dangers posed by the contamination, which continues to affect their daily lives. Moreover, there are

concerns that a discontinuation in MRE activities may result in a rise in accidents due to the amount of

time that has passed since the war; as the new generation has not personally experienced the war; it

does not have the same knowledge and awareness of the associated dangers as the older generation. In

addition, communities have developed reporting fatigue or even distrust to MA operators (whether

NGOs or responsible authorities), as they experience that ERW problems are not dealt with sufficiently.

Based on these circumstances, it is suggested that communities in the central provinces of Vietnam are

in need of increased MRE as well as more information on MA operations and available services in their

area.

DDG wants to investigate how digital platforms can add value to the current information flow between

MA operators and affected communities. The Vietnamese population is becoming more technologically

savvy, and their use of web and mobile-based technologies is on the increase. DDG is using these

technologies to support more effective MA, hereunder survey and clearance activities, Community

Liaison (CL), VA, and MRE.

Mobile- and web-based technology can be used to strengthen information sharing in MA. Based on this

assumption, DDG is designing, developing, and piloting innovative mobile- and web-based platforms;

more specifically a web platform and SMS service for reporting and receiving MRE messages as well as

other relevant MA related updates. These platforms will improve access to information relevant for

people living in areas contaminated by mines and other explosive hazards, and provide MA operators

with increased information on needs and contamination levels.

Timely and accurate information sharing between affected communities and (MA) operators (INGOs,

NGOs and state operators) is a vital part of ensuring the efficacy and humanitarian impact of MA. The

DDG pilot project thus focuses on strengthening linkages between communities and MA operators

through digital information exchange. Through increased information sharing, it is investigated whether

accidents, fears, and uncertainties related to the present contamination can be reduced, and if

resilience of the affected communities can be strengthened.

Through the digital platforms, the pilot project explores the value of sharing more information from the

provincial IMSMA database1 and from active MA operators with affected communities concerning:

> MA operators and activities;

> MA processes and plans directly affecting mine/ERW contaminated communities;

> Available MA-related services for communities;

> MRE messages on how to handle risks caused by mines/ERW.

The pilot project furthermore explores the possibility of crowdsourcing information directly from the

affected communities.

The project platforms will be designed, developed, and implemented based on an analysis of needs and

current communication practices, as identified through the baseline assessment survey results

presented in this report.

The pilot project is being implemented in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DoFA) of

Quang Tri province and the Legacy of War Coordination Centre (LWCC).

The objective of the baseline assessment is to ensure an understanding of the existing needs, capacities

and practices in terms of current MA information networks in Quang Tri province, specifically in Hai Lang

district.

A pre-test of prototypes of the web platform and the mobile platform took place as part of the baseline

assessment. The purpose of these tests was to gain practical experience with the platforms, which may

affect the development of the web- and mobile platforms.

The scope of the baseline assessment was the following:

> Identification and analysis of the primary pilot project target groups

> Information sharing attitudes, practices and needs

> Identification of information gatekeepers

> Media usage and means for general information reception

> Attitudes towards digital information sharing and prototype testing of software

The prototypes pre-test focused on the following:

> Feasibility in customization, localization and set-up of the SMSsync plugin for the Ushahidi

platform prototype

1 The information management system currently being used in Quang Tri province. More on the system here: http://www.gichd.org/mine-action-resources/publications/detail/publication/information-management-system-for-mine-action-imsma/#.VROEpfmsVqU

> Testing of Ushahidi as the MApps web portal software and SMSsync as the mobile phone

platform, hereunder load time of web portal, perceived user-friendliness of web- and SMS

design and the test content by users.

To explore the current needs, capacities and practices in terms of existing information networks and

information sharing, a mixed methods approach, including both qualitative and quantitative methods,

has been deployed. In addition to quantitative and qualitative field data, a desk study was carried out

prior to the field data collection.

The methodology chosen is similar to a panel study in the sense that DDG wants to revisit the same

survey areas and survey respondents during monitoring and in the endline. This approach can provide

evidence of the experienced usefulness of the new platforms and provide data regarding how and why

these platforms are useful.

A stratified, randomised sampling has been used for the quantitative data collection. The stratification is

defined according to identified at-risk groups. The selection has strived for wide representation in terms

of gender, socio-economic status, and location.

Approximately 40 questionnaire interviews have been conducted for each stratum. 3 stratums

representing the main at-risk groups were chosen for the baseline. 136 questionnaire interviews were

conducted across the 3 identified at-risk groups (farmers, foresters, and secondary school children)2.

Annex 1 shows a table of all interviewees. The questionnaire comprised of 95 questions targeted at

adult at-risk groups, and 70 questions targeted secondary school children. The interviews with adult

respondents were at household level.

Among questionnaire respondents, 52.9% were male and 47.1% were female. Among children, 50%

were boys and 50% were girls. All scrap metal collectors interviewed were men.

The qualitative part of the survey consisted of 7 structured, in-depth interviews conducted with MA

information gatekeepers at community level and provincial level (MA INGOs, village heads, a Red Cross

representative, and one victim of ERW). In addition, 3 structured focus group interviews were

conducted with MA operators and information gatekeepers. MA information has been categorised along

three categories: survey and clearance, MRE, and VA. The 3 focus group interviews with MA information

gate-keepers were sub-divided along these MA information categories.

2 Initially, a fourth at-risk group was to be included, namely scrap metal collectors. However, it proved difficult to identify enough collectors, as many pre-identified collectors reported to have stopped collecting activities and had changed their livelihood activities to farming or forestry. Additionally, some were not interested in participating in the survey. The survey team managed to conduct four questionnaire interviews with scrap metal collectors, of which only one identified scrap metal collection as their main livelihood. Including these four questionnaires, a total of 140 questionnaires were conducted for the survey.

AGE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS

The pilot project was implemented in Hai Lang district. The two most contaminated communes in Hai

Lang district, Hai Lam and Hai Son, were chosen as the survey areas3. While the focus is on Hai Lang

district, much of the primary and secondary data outlined in this report will be representative for both

Hai Lang district and the broader Quang Tri province.

The prototype pre-test was included as part of 1/3 of the questionnaire interviews and divided across

the three at-risk groups. In addition, the platforms were tested by MA information gatekeepers in order

to receive their feedback. In total, 45 questionnaires were completed. As not all interviewees had access

to a smartphone or a computer, most respondents were only able to test the SMS function.

The Hue-based organisation Centre for Social Research and Development (CSRD) supported DDG in the

preparation of survey tools, data collection process, data entry, and initial analysis.

As a result of the chosen survey methodology, hereunder the survey sample size, this assessment does

not provide statistical evidence. Rather, the assessment provides an understanding of trends and

3 The contamination level analysis is based on data from the provincial database unit (DBU) prior to the survey implementation.

0

0,1

0,2

0,3

0,4

0,5

0,6

12 to 13 13 to 15 15 to 16 >16 17 to 35 35 to 59 >60

Adults

Children

patterns regarding information needs and current MA information flows in Hai Lang district and Quang

Tri province. This data is sufficient for exploring whether digital platforms add value to the current

information sharing practices.

A consultant was hired to carry out parts of the survey. At the beginning of the survey, the consultant

was not familiar with MA or technology-based projects. Some translation bias may therefore have

impacted the survey, as a full understanding of project terminology and the ability to ensure full

understanding with the interviewees during the interviews may have been missing. To mitigate this risk,

the full survey team underwent training with DDG that had the purpose of ensuring an understanding of

the pilot project and its objectives, the objectives of the survey and a basic introduction to MA. The

consultancy’s lack of previous experience within the area of MA and information technology is not

considered to have had a significant impact on the data collected.

The pilot project area is Hai Lang district. According to district statistics, there are no ethnic minorities in

Hai Lang. Ethnic minorities are therefore not represented in this baseline assessment. If the pilot was to

be expanded into other districts within the province, reflections on ethnic minorities’ needs and access

to information should be included4.

More information about the survey methodology can be found in annex 2, while the survey schedule

can be found in annex 3.

4 According to “A study on Explosive Remnants of War Accident and the Knowledge - Attitude – Practices and Beliefs of people in Quang Tri province”, Project RENEW, Viet Nam, 2011, p. 20, the Kinh ethnic group, which represents the majority in the province, accounts for 83,41% of ERW and mine-related accidents. Ethnic minority groups, however, are considered more likely to be involved in accidents than the Kinh group. Ethnic minority groups typically live in the mountainous areas of the province.

Hai Lang district is located in the south of Quang Tri province. The district centre is 21km south from

Dong Ha city, and about 50 km north from Hue city. Hai Lang district has 19 communes and one town, a

total natural area of 42,692.53 hectares, and a population of 86,223 people (of which 2,865 people

reside in urban areas and 83,360 people reside in rural areas). The district is a geographically complex

combination of hills (55% of the natural area), delta (32%), and dunes and sand (12%); surrounded and

enriched by two great rivers of O Lau and Vinh Dinh.

According to a 2014 social, economic and natural report of Hai Lang district by the Hai Lang People’s

Committee, the economic growth of the district was 12.3 % per year. Average yearly income per capita

was 25.3 million VND. Agriculture, forestry and fishery made up 38.62% of the economic structure;

industry, handicraft and construction constituted 30.44%; and the commercial service sector was 30.94

%.

According to a UXO and Landmine Impact Survey5 in 2009, Quang Tri is the province with the highest

number of victims among the six central provinces of Vietnam6. The high casualty rate is partly due to

the fact that the contamination level in Quang Tri is significantly higher than in other provinces.

According to a 2011 KAP survey carried out by Project RENEW, 51.50% of survey respondents in Quang

Tri reported to have had at least one direct encounter with mines or ERW. Moreover, 39.72%

respondents reported to have seen mines or ERW at least once a year. In Hai Land district, 6.94% of

respondents reported seeing mines or ERW on a daily basis. Hai Lang is ranked 4th in terms of districts in

Quang Tri province with the most mine or ERW encounters. Most encounters occur in the flat lands and

on cultivated fields7.

According to victim data provided by the Quang Tri Database Unit (DBU) of the Legacy of War

Coordination Centre (LWCC), there has, since 1976, been 8,375 casualties accidents (3,550 deaths)

caused by landmines and ERW in Quang Tri province. In the same period, 1,291 accidents (593 deaths)

were recorded in Hai Lang, of which 211 were women and 339 children (24.5%). 60% of accidents

involved farmers. In the past five years, 71 accidents have been recorded in Quang Tri province.

5 “Report on Vietnam Unexploded Ordnance and Landmine Impact Assessment and Rapid Technical Response in six provinces Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Ngai”, BOMICEN - Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation(VVAF), Hanoi, 2009, p. 92 6 At the time of implementing the baseline survey and writing this report, Project RENEW is implementing a province-wide cluster munitions contamination survey to provide a new baseline of the level of contamination in Quang Tri. Data on Hai Lang from this survey has not been available at the time of writing this report. 7 “A study on Explosive Remnants of War Accident and the Knowledge - Attitude – Practices and Beliefs of people in Quang Tri province”, Project RENEW, Viet Nam, 2011, p. 48-49.

Furthermore, data received from the LWCC DBU show that the victims of ERW and landmines are spread

across all 19 communes of Hai Lang district. Among these, the four communes of Hai Lam, Hai Tho, Hai

Son and Hai Chanh have the highest number of mine victims.

According to the provincial DBU, MA activities have been carried out by INGOs in Quang Tri province

since 2000.

The key findings of the survey are outlined in the following pages.

The first section of the analysis focused on identifying the main at-risk groups in Hai Lang district and the

wider Quang Tri province, as well as the active MA operators in Quang Tri province.

At-risk groups

Farmers, scrap metal collectors, children and/or youth, and those working in the forests are the groups

considered most at risk. Men are more at risk than women. Children and youth are generally more at

risk, closely followed by the 26-45 age group. Additionally, previous KAP studies show that those with

lower incomes experience higher risk.

In Hai Lang district, most respondents reported that they believe their living area to be contaminated.

The effect of the presence of mines and ERW on the daily lives of people is mainly reported to be fear of

death and injury. Only 10% of respondents reported that ERW contamination does not affect their daily

lives.

Despite the fear of death and injury, all scrap metal collectors have entered known suspected dangerous

areas, while a bit more than half of the farmers and forest workers interviewed have entered such

areas. Slightly less than half of the interviewed secondary school children have entered contaminated

areas. Reasons for entering these areas mainly include income generating activities and play. These

results suggest that many people knowingly take risks, and that MRE activities should be developed

accordingly.

Furthermore, approximately 33% of farmers and forest workers lack knowledge about how dangerous

areas are marked, while approximately 1/5 report that dangerous areas are not marked. The same goes

for more than 50% of secondary school children and scrap metal collectors. These figures suggest that

many people enter dangerous areas without knowing it. The findings also strongly suggest that more

effort should be put towards educating affected communities about marking signs as well as how to

mark areas suspected to be dangerous until they can be assessed by the relevant authorities.

MA INGOs, national organisations and institutions

Many different MA operators are active in Quang Tri province. Many of the operators do the same type

of activities. At times the operators are allocated a specific district within the province in which to

operate; other times, operators carry out activities within the same district. In addition, MA INGOs often

conduct activities through local implementing partners ranging from national organisations such as the

youth or women’s union to government institutions such as schools or the military. According to focus

group discussions with MA operators, national organisations are most often used as implementing

partners in MRE and VA activities.

As many MA operators provide similar services to affected communities, they have a duty to

communicate their role and specific purpose in the communities.

The information sharing attitudes, practices and needs analysis was divided into two parts:

Part one explores reporting practices by at-risk groups as well as the practices undertaken by MA

operators to identify needs in at-risk communities. Part two explores information sharing practices and

the general level of MA knowledge in at-risk groups.

Reporting and identification of needs

AT-RISK GROUPS

Affected communities share information with MA operators by reporting needs to them directly – either

proactively (e.g. by calling a telephone hotline) or reactively (e.g. when they are chosen to take part in

surveys).

The data from the survey in Hai Lang suggest that most respondents have a positive attitude towards

reporting of suspected dangerous items. However, reporting practices can be strengthened by

encouraging more people to report. MA operators can, among other things, strengthen information to

affected communities about how to report, as well as make it easier to report. Only slightly less than

half (41.4%) of respondents found the current reporting mechanisms easy.

In terms of how affected communities experience the level of feedback on reports given to MA

operators, only 14.29% of respondents reported to have received feedback on a report on suspected

dangerous items. This strongly suggests that MA operators should work to improve feedback in order to

enhance accountability to affected communities.

When it comes to VA and MRE, the data suggest that few people know if or how to report a need. Out of

those who do make reports, only few receive feedback, suggesting that MA operators and service

providers of VA and MRE must do more to inform citizens about the offered services, provide clear

instructions for how to make reports, as well as strengthen the mechanisms for providing feedback to

those who do report VA or MRE needs.

MA OPERATORS

MA operators are generally satisfied with the current amount of reports on suspected dangerous items

and the means for collecting them. However, they also express that they would like to receive even

more reports from communities – especially on VA and MRE needs. Data collected on suspected

dangerous items by the INGOs is shared with the DBU on a regular basis. When reports are received at

the local level (e.g. through military and police), they are sometimes passed on to the INGOs, who then

take action. It is uncertain to what extent reports collected at local level are shared with the DBU

directly. Ensuring that all reports are captured from the local level and compiled at a provincial level for

follow up could therefore be a potential area for improvement to ensure that the MA coordination

centre, LWCC, has a full overview for planning and tasking.

When it comes to feedback to reports on dangerous items, MA operators state that direct feedback is

only provided when reports are made through telephone hotlines. It is unclear whether feedback is

provided when reports are made by other means, especially at the local level. To ensure accountability

in MA in the province, all MA operators should aim to provide feedback to all reports from affected

communities.

In terms of getting feedback from affected communities on services provided by MA operators,

feedback is currently only collected when impact assessments are made; beyond this, there is no formal

channel for collecting feedback. It is unknown if the military collects any feedback on their services.

Given that all MA operators expressed a wish for more feedback from communities, this is another area

for improvement.

MA operators rarely receive reports on VA needs directly from affected communities; instead they

cooperate with local NGOs, networks, or government institutions like DoLISA to get reports. Almost all

participants in the VA focus group expressed that they would like to get reports directly from the

affected communities. Further, they would like those in need of VA to be enabled to be more proactive

in reporting their needs. However, getting accurate and detailed information on VA needs is generally

considered to be challenging.

Feedback on VA services is usually collected during annual assessments; one organisation collects its

feedback through a hotline and DoLISA. All operators reported that they would like to receive more

feedback and suggestions for services. Beyond the formal assessments and the hotline, no other

feedback mechanisms were identified. Hence this is another area to strengthen.

In terms of MRE, MA operators reported that MRE needs are generally not assessed regularly, and there

is no overview of existing needs. Survey data suggests that the insufficient knowledge of MRE needs is

partly a result of people not proactively reporting needs; a lack of reporting mechanisms; and a lack of

formal surveys for assessing MRE needs. All operators expressed that they would like to receive more

information concerning MRE needs. To identify more needs, operators suggested the establishment of

networks at the local level to collect information and provide it to the MA operators.

MA operators furthermore expressed that they would like to know more about how to better

disseminate MRE information to communities.

Collection of feedback on MRE activities currently appears to be limited. Only the MRE focus group

discussing MRE for children reported having any feedback mechanisms. Getting feedback from adult

MRE recipients is therefore another area to be addressed.

Information sharing practices and MA knowledge level of at-risk groups

When it comes to MA information sharing and knowledge of MA activities, the data across all at-risk

groups strongly suggest that information regarding MA activities and who can be contacted for

assistance is not sufficiently disseminated, which means that affected communities are unable to

engage with MA operators, never mind hold them accountable for the services provided. Almost all

respondents reported that they did not feel they had sufficient information about MA activities, and

close to all respondents reported that they would like to receive more information.

Most respondents who had received MA information reported not to have received any information in

the last year. In terms of the type of MA information received, most respondents had received MRE

information, followed by VA information, and only few had received information about survey and

clearance activities. Many respondents could not recall what type of MA information they had received.

For those respondents who had received face-to-face information, most had gotten MA information

from the village head, followed by INGOs, then the military. When asked about the media channel they

had received MA information through, most respondents listed either radio announcements or TV. Even

though almost all MA operators have websites, none of the respondents reported to have gotten any

MA information from there.

When asked about how they would prefer to receive information, most adults interviewed gave their

preferences in the following order: radio, posters/leaflets, TV, and community meetings. In comparison,

close to half of the secondary school children stated that they would prefer to receive MA information

via social media, followed by TV, the children’s monthly newspaper, and posters/leaflets.

Based on the survey data, the most important gatekeepers when it comes to information sharing

between MA operators and affected communities are the village heads. In order for village heads to

fulfil their role, they must get support as well as timely and actionable information from MA operators,

be they INGOs, local organizations, or the commune military. The two village heads interviewed both

expressed that they would like to be enabled to share more information with their village, and that they

need more means to do so. Both village heads were positive towards testing digital means to strengthen

communication and welcomed the prospect of more MA information being shared directly with people

in affected communities.

Thus, to strengthen the dissemination of information to affected villages, the wider MA community

must be activated, for instance via the LWCC. Despite the village heads being central links between the

affected communities and MA operators, they cannot collect reports on ERW, MRE needs, and VA

needs, as well as disseminate relevant information to communities on their own. It should therefore be

explored how MA implementers can be engaged to support village heads in order to strengthen

communication efforts with the affected communities.

When exploring media usage in Hai Lang district, a survey found that less than 15% of adult respondents

use the internet. Children, on the other hand, are frequent internet users, with only 28.8% reporting not

to use the internet. Among internet users, email is not frequently used by either adults or children.

Almost half of the children interviewed reported use of social media, Facebook in particular, while none

of the interviewed adults reported use of social media.

Mobile phones, on the other hand, are widely used by both adults and secondary school children.

Almost all adults own a mobile phone, while close to half of the children interviewed reported owning

one. Mobile phones are mainly used for voice calls and text messaging by both groups. However, close

to half of the children interviewed reported that they use their mobile phone for accessing the internet,

whereas this was only the case for less than 5% of the adults.

In terms of where people get information about their community, adults primarily get information from

TV and radio announcements, while children primarily get their information from TV and social media.

Most respondents were positive towards reporting via digital platforms, expressing that they would use

such platforms if they were available. Many reported that they believe digital platforms can enhance the

willingness to report, as it makes information sharing faster and more convenient. Among adults, the

greatest challenge reported for using the suggested platforms was access to internet, while most

children considered access to mobile phones and computers as the greatest challenges. In terms of

affordability, most farmers and forest workers reported to be able to afford spending between 50,000

to 100,000 VND per month on mobile phone usage, while most scrap metal collectors could afford to

spend more than 200,000 VND per month.

MA operators identified several advantages of increased communication with affected communities

through digital platforms, and provided suggestions as to what could be communicated. The suggestions

provided are outlined in the next section on recommendations. Some MA operators, however, had

reservations in regards to how timely and accurate reporting through the platforms would be, as well as

to how the verification process would function.

Most of the at-risk groups that took part in the prototype testing found the platforms accessible and

easy to use. On the other hand, the MA operators testing the SMS function found the reporting process

complicated.

The DDG pilot project is based on the assumption that mobile- and web-based technology can be used

to strengthen information sharing in MA. Based on the findings of this survey, DDG will design, develop

and pilot innovative mobile- and web-based platforms to improve access to information relevant for

people living in areas contaminated by mines and other explosive hazards, as well as provide MA

operators with information on needs and contamination.

Prior to the survey, timely and accurate information sharing between affected communities and (MA)

operators (INGOs, NGOs, and state operators) was found to be lacking. This was confirmed by the survey

data. It will remain to be seen whether increased information sharing between affected communities

and MA operators can reduce accidents, fears, and uncertainties related to the present contamination,

and whether resilience of the affected communities can be strengthened through more information.

With the recent establishment of the LWCC and its strong focus on coordination, it is an interesting time

to test the digital pilot platforms. The survey data strongly suggest that there is a need for more

information sharing, and that digital platforms can be useful channels for doing so. Based on the above

key findings, the new platforms can be useful in the following areas:

> Making it easier and more convenient for affected communities to report sightings of mines and

ERWs;

> Enhancing accountability: the survey data showed gaps in terms of feedback channels, both in

terms of MA operators providing feedback to reporters and communities providing feedback to

MA operators on the services provided;

> Providing guidance on how to report survey, clearance, MRE, and VA needs to affected

communities;

> Enabling MA operators to receive more reports and thus learn more about the needs of their

beneficiaries;

> Enabling more data (open tasks) to be shared from the local level (e.g. the village head or

commune military) with the DBU to enhance provincial planning and tasking;

> Enhancing information sharing from MA operators to affected communities, so communities

feel they have sufficient knowledge of the MA taking place in their community, who the MA

operators are, how they can get in touch with them, and information about clearance progress

and cleared areas. The MA operators in the focus groups furthermore suggested that the

following information be shared through the platforms: information about time and location of

clearance activities, alerts on confirmed hazardous areas, information about upcoming VA

activities (time, location, and specific activity or service being provided), information about VA

needs and where assistance has been provided, instructions on how to report, how to recognise

marking signs, how to recognise dangerous items and areas, and MRE on the website (such as

photos of items, marking signs and safety guides);

> Increasing the frequency of information shared with affected communities.

As village heads are the main gatekeepers of information, they should be specifically targeted in the roll-

out of the platforms, either as reporters or as receivers of the shared information. Since it is the

responsibility of village heads to share information with their village, it is recommended that all village

heads sign up for the SMS information service to get all the MA updates relevant to them. This

information can subsequently be shared with communities at village meetings, loudspeakers, or other

means as seen fit by the village head. The current plan is that the LWCC will receive work plans from MA

INGOs on a monthly basis, which can then be formatted and shared with the relevant communities.

Other local actors present at the village level can also be encouraged to receive information via the

platforms, such as the youth union, women’s union, farmers union, local Red Cross, etc.

The survey data showed that most adults are not internet users and currently do not make use of MA

operator websites. Considering this low internet usage, it will be interesting to test whether providing a

website8 with information targeted at affected communities will have relevance. To broaden the reach

of the website content, media links (e.g. to radio, TV, or newspapers) encouraging audiences to visit the

website can be created. Creating links to social media may also be worthwhile for targeting children and

youth.

Given that almost all respondents (both at-risk groups and MA operators) expressed interest and

willingness in regards to utilizing digital platforms for information sharing, it warrants testing. However,

respondents did express concerns over whether it would be possible to affect people’s habits, and

whether people would find it too complicated to use the platforms. Similarly, MA operators were

concerned about how digitized reports would fit into existing structures and workflows in terms of

verification and response.

All focus groups mentioned concerns over affordability as a factor of people’s willingness to use the

digital platforms. According to the survey data, however, less than 5% of respondents listed affordability

as a barrier. Monitoring and evaluation further down the road will show whether affordability is, in fact,

a barrier.

Another important aspect of the pilot project will be to evaluate the workload associated with

introducing more means of communication between MA operators, as represented by the LWCC, and

affected communities. These evaluations will help gauge the overall value of digital communication to

MA.

Finally, thorough instructions and training for specified focal points (e.g. village heads and unions) is

strongly recommended to ensure that technical issues do not become a barrier. When promoting the

usage of the platforms for reporting, clear instructions of how to report must be provided to minimize

the likelihood of imprecise reports.

The purpose of the pilot project is to find out whether MA operators and the communities affected by

ERW and mines will make use of the new platforms, and whether the new platforms can add value to

the MA work being undertaken. Based on the survey data, there is a strong indication that they will. To

give the platforms the highest chance of succeeding, however, the pilot roll-out must be accompanied

8 The pilot website will be part of the existing LWCC website, and will be presented as a subpage of the site.

by information campaigns and maximum involvement by all relevant stakeholders (i.e. both affected

communities and MA operators).

The baseline survey has ambitiously undertaken to explore reporting mechanisms, needs assessments

and information sharing practices for three sectors within MA; survey and clearance, MRE and VA.

However, for the implementation of the digital platforms, a phased approach will be needed, so that not

all three sectors are equally addressed at the same time. It is therefore recommended that the pilot

platforms are not promoted as channels for reporting on all three sectors. As the pilot project will be

implemented in close cooperation with the LWCC and since the LWCC will be the official sender of all

the outgoing information through the platforms, the pilot has to be in line with the implementation

plans of the LWCC. The LWCC is still in a start-up phase and is firstly focusing on the coordination of

survey and clearance activities. The pilot platforms should support this accordingly. The pilot platforms

can still provide information to the affected communities regarding MRE and VA, but it is recommended

that the platforms will not, as of yet, be used to collect reports on needs directly from the affected

communities. Rather, the platforms should share information about how the affected communities can

get in touch with service providers of MRE and VA. It is in the plans of the LWCC that MRE- and VA data

shall be inputted in the IMSMA9 database. It is therefore recommended that the pilot platforms are also

tested in terms of allowing the affected communities to report MRE and VA needs directly to LWCC, as

soon as a tasking and response capacity in these two sectors is ready in LWCC.

9 Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is the UN standard software for information management in MA.

The CSRD had previously conducted a similar study prior to designing the survey framework for the pilot

project testing, which took place in the first week of April. Desk study is conducted based on relevant

and available reports on mine action in Quang Tri province in order to capture information on at-risk

groups, MA activities, knowledge, attitude, and practices, as well as to identify relevant stakeholders,

hereunder key gatekeepers.

The questionnaire survey was conducted with the groups with the highest risk. The aim of the

questionnaire was to collect data in regards to information consumption and needs, information

gatekeepers, media usage in the pilot area, and attitudes towards providing and accessing MA

information via mobile phones and internet. The questionnaire comprised of 95 questions targeted at

adult at-risk groups, mainly farmers and foresters, and 70 questions targeted secondary school children.

The key questions touched on:

> The presence of ERW

> Attitudes to ERW

> Reporting and receiving information on MA

> Usage of mobile phone and internet

> The experience of testing the digital platform

The survey was conducted with at-risk groups including farmers, who grow rice and vegetables, and

raise live stock; foresters, who plant trees in their own forests or others’ for wages; school children in

the 12-16 age group; and scrap metal collectors. However, when we went to the field, many scrap metal

collectors reported to have stopped collecting activities and had changed their livelihood activities to

farming or forestry. As a result, only four scrap metal collectors were recorded and interviewed. The

total number of respondents and method of analysis are summarized in the table below:

Respondents Number Note Analysis method

Children 66 SPSS

Forester and farmers 70 41 with foresting as the

main livelihood

29 with farming as the

SPSS

main livelihood

Scrap metal collectors 4 Excel

Total 140

Prototype pre-test 45 SPSS

The structured in-depth interview aimed to get more in-depth information on information needs,

information gatekeepers, and media usage by MA information gate-keepers in particular. Depending on

the need for further information, in-depth interviews and one focus group interview was conducted

with representatives of each at-risk group.

The focus of the structured in-depth interviews with gatekeepers was their information-sharing

practices and their needs in terms of information exchange. A total of 26 questions were asked to key

gatekeepers of MA information. All in-depth interviews were conducted face to face, except for one,

which was conducted via Skype.

Based on literature, observation and discussion between the CSRD and DDG, the in-depth interview

targeted the following gatekeepers of information:

> Community Liaisons or operations focal points working in Mine Action, hereunder:

> RENEW, 2) MAG, 3) CRS

> Two village heads

> Red Cross representatives

The data from in-depth interviews was recorded by hand by interviewer, and later typed up. The

collected data was then sent to the interviewee for validation.

The focus group interviews were designed to get information on current information-sharing practices,

needs, and suggestions for improved communication in activities related to respective areas of work

(clearance, MRE, and VA). Participants in the focus groups had the opportunity to brainstorm 1) current

challenges in communication, 2) how communication practices can be improved, 3) how internet and

mobile phones could be part of the solution, and 4) what challenges/risk could be involved in utilizing

internet and mobile phones.

Three focus groups interviews were planned, with 8-10 people in each group. The groups were divided

by topic (clearance, MRE, and VA). All three focus groups discussed current information-sharing

practices in MA; information flow among stakeholders; and potential use of digital platforms.

Group 1 (Community Liaison or operations focal points/clearance specialists) consisted of the following

participants: 1 operations manager from RENEW project and MAG, as well as military representatives

from communes, where the APOPO has trained and supported military focal points for clearance.

Group 2 (MRE specialists) consisted of the following participants: 1 MRE officer from each RENEW

project and MAG, 3 representatives from the district and commune Youth Union, 2 representative from

the Women’s Union at commune and district level, 1 representative from the Veteran’s Union, 1

representative from the district Red Cross, and finally 1 principal of Hai Lam secondary school . In total,

10 participants were identified for the group, and the interviewers chose to split this group into two

groups of 4-5 people in order to make people feel comfortable enough to talk about their individual

experiences. The two groups focused on MRE for adults and MRE for youth respectively.

Group 3 (VA specialists) consisted of the following participants: 1 VA coordinator in RENEW, 1 commune

health worker in Hai Son commune, 1 project officer from CRS, and 1 project officer from Red Cross at

province level.

Should more information be needed to support the data from the questionnaire interviews, a fourth

group could be added. This group would then represent the at-risk groups: farmers, forest workers,

scrap metal collectors, and victims.

The data from the focus group interviews was recorded by hand by the interviewer, and typed up

afterwards. Flipcharts were also used to capture information during the discussions.

45 people tested the platform usability, connectivity, load time, and content. A platform presentation

was carried out in front of participants, who tested the web-based platform, and then answered 5-6

follow-up questions on their experience. The application test was only done with 8 people, however, as

only 3 people on the team had the required app.

Date Time Venue Location Activity

21/4 Morning DDG office Dong Ha Training on

methodology

Afternoon Truong Phuoc village Hai Lam

Commune, Hai

Lang District

Test questionnaire

22/4 Morning Mai Dan village Hai Lam

Commune, Hai

Lang District

Survey questionnaire

In the afternoon, raining

so the survey delayed.

Training smartphones

Afternoon DDG office Dong Ha Training on testing of

platform

23/4 Morning Tan Phuoc village Hai Lam

Commune, Hai

Lang District

Survey questionnaire

Afternoon Thuong Nguyen village

Xuan Lam village

Hai Lam

Commune, Hai

Lang District

Survey questionnaire

24/4 Morning Tan Dien village Hai Son

Commune, Hai

Lang District

Survey questionnaire

Afternoon Tram Son village

KheMuong village

Hai Son

Commune, Hai

Lang District

Survey questionnaire

25/4 Morning Luong Dien village Hai Son

Commune, Hai

Lang District

Survey questionnaire

5/5 Morning MAG office

RENEW office

185 Ly Thuong

Kiet, Dong Ha,

Quang Tri

In depth interview

Afternoon RENEW office

185 Ly Thuong

Kiet, Dong Ha,

Quang Tri

Focus Group Discussion

with MRE group

06/05

6/5 Morning RENEW office

185 Ly Thuong

Kiet, Dong Ha,

Quang Tri

Focus Group Discussion

with VA group and

Clearance group

1. “Report om Vietnam Unexploded Ordnance and Landmine Impact Assessment and Rapid

Technical Response in six provinces Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue

and Quang Ngai”, BOMICEN - Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation(VVAF), Hanoi, 2009 .

2. “Social work with groups of bomb victims Mine” (case study in Trieu Phong, Quang Tri) -

University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University – Hanoi.

3. “Guide of Improvement - Communication in Mine Risk Education Programmes “(RENEW-UNICEF

& VVMF).

4. RENEW annual report 2012

5. “A Study of Situation of Victims of Landmines/Unexploded Ordnance and Knowledge – Attitudes

– Practices – Beliefs of people in Quang Tri Province”, Project RENEW, 2006

6. Minutes from the DDG and DPC Opening workshop, Hai Lang district, 2015.

7. “A study on Explosive Remnants of War Accident and the Knowledge - Attitude – Practices and

Beliefs of people in Quang Tri province”, Project RENEW, Viet Nam, 2011.