Understanding of Promoted Measures

Output

% of [target group] who can correctly explain the reasons for, and expected benefits of, the promoted measures

This indicator measures the proportion of target group members who not only know about the promoted disaster risk reduction or preparedness measures but also understand why they are recommended and what benefits they bring. Understanding the purpose of promoted measures increases the likelihood that people will adopt and maintain them.

Determine the indicator's value by using the following methodology:

 

1) Identify the promoted measures and prepare two standard questions for each measure.

Examples of commonly promoted measures include:

• Raising the house foundation to reduce flood damage

• Reinforcing the roof before storms

• Cleaning and maintaining drainage channels

• Preparing a household evacuation plan

• Storing essential items before a hazard

For each measure, ask:

• Q1: What is this measure for / what problem does it address?

• Q2: What benefits does this measure bring?

 

2) For each promoted measure, prepare a short list of key answers that demonstrate basic understanding. Examples:

• Reasons: prevent water entering the house, stabilise the roof before strong winds, ensure safe and quick evacuation.

• Benefits: reduces flood damage, prevents injuries, reduces crop losses, keeps the home safer.

Review these examples with all enumerators before data collection. Emphasise that respondents do not need to use technical terms. Explanations should be assessed based on whether they capture the intended meaning in locally appropriate language (i.e. respondents may phrase them differently or may use local examples).

 

3) Define what level of understanding counts for the indicator. For example, count respondents as “understanding” if they can explain at least one valid reason and one valid benefit for at least two promoted measures (however, you can set a higher threshold if you think it is feasible).

4) Conduct a survey with a representative sample of your target group members, asking them for each measure the two questions you defined in step 1 (Q1 and Q2).

 

5) To calculate the indicator’s value:

• First, count the number of respondents who can be considered “understanding the promoted measures” based on the definition you established in step 3.

• Divide this number of respondents by the total number of respondents.

• Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage.

Disaggregate the data by gender, location, and whether the respondent participated in the project activity / activities that promoted the measures.

1) Keep explanations simple and context-specific: focus on why the measure matters locally. For example, “drainage prevents standing water that damages crops” rather than “reduces flood risk”.

 

2) To ensure quality, train enumerators using the same examples of answers that meet and do not meet the minimum understanding criteria. Emphasise consistent interpretation rather than exact wording.

 

3) Score respondents’ answers during or immediately after each interview, based on the pre-agreed criteria. This reduces subjective interpretation and improves consistency.

 

4) Be aware that understanding may be expressed differently across livelihoods and social groups. When analysing results, use disaggregation - gender, location, livelihood type - and note any patterns that suggest differences in how understanding is articulated.

 

5) Use this indicator alongside the perceived effectiveness and use of promoted measures indicators to assess whether correct understanding also leads to action.