Search for Common Ground Jos-Nigeria recently conducted a baseline survey in a state in north Eastern Nigeria for an exciting human rights and peacebuilding program that will be launching in two states. The baseline survey lasted ten days, and was a great learning experience for the country team.
As the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for the SFCG JOS Office Nigeria time, this was my fourth time conducting a baseline survey. Based on my most recent experience, here are six tips on how to conduct one successfully:
1. Retraining of Field Assistants is important.
Even when the team of field assistants has prior experience in conducting a survey, it is still important to have a training session with the field assistants to be sure they understand what SFCG or the organization conducting the baseline needs in terms of data collection.
2. When a baseline involves partners, identify a key staff person who will book appointments for interviews and focus group discussions.
You should ask for the names of the people contacted for the interviews, phone numbers and emails ahead of the commencement of the baseline survey to follow up and ensure the people have really been contacted, and are the right target audience. Remember to send them a copy of the interview protocol if possible via email as well.
3. Ensure partner organization(s) provides you with the names, contact and position of the staff who will be part of the research team ahead of the baseline survey startup meeting.
You want to avoid a situation where the research team keeps getting changed, and you spend time constantly getting new team members up to speed.
4. The Terms Of Reference and the research team meeting before the commencement of the survey should be very clear about the deadline for the submission of field notes.
This should be further emphasized during daily debriefs. It also helps to have a team debrief on the completion of the baseline survey to capture lessons learned, challenges and recommendations.
5. During daily debriefs with the research team, work to detect new key stakeholders who can add value to the research, and who need to be interviewed but were initially not contacted.
This exercise helped us get new contacts for our baseline survey for this project.
6. After the baseline, the team leader should write a field report with lessons learned, challenges and recommendations to help share the field experience and serve as a mini guide before the baseline report is ready.
Sarah Bentu is the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) Manager in Search for Common Ground Jos. She has an Msc. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos, a B.Sc in Political Science from the same University and a Diploma in Banking and Finance. She has attended several course in DME and has also been involved in personal study in DME. She was the Program Associate in SFCG Jos and provided support functions in DME for the Jos Projects before becoming the DME Manager in November 2013. This is her 4th year in Search for Common Ground. Sarah has over 9 years work experience and 5 of these have been in the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She is also a student member with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Nigeria (CIPMN). Sarah’s interest include reading, travelling, writing and learning new things.
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