Behind the Scenes: Ensuring Lebanese Voices are Heard Amidst Social Tensions
As Lebanon navigates a period of immense challenge and uncertainty, the importance of hearing the voices of its citizens cannot be overstated. The ARK-UNDP Regular Perception Surveys on Social Tensions throughout Lebanon, an initiative that began in 2017, stands as a testament to the commitment of international organisations to ensure that Lebanese perspectives are front and centre in policy and programme design. As we embark on the 17th wave of this public opinion research project, it is a fitting time to take a look behind the scenes at how these surveys are conducted.
To date, the project has amassed a remarkable dataset of nearly 80,000 observations from 16 waves, with each wave comprising 5,000 interviews. This extensive engagement is no small feat, considering the nation's complex socio-political landscape and the challenges of regular data collection. The forthcoming Wave 17, set to be conducted between October and November 2023, aims to further enhance this rich tapestry of insights.
The Critical Role of Enumerator Training
Central to the success of these surveys is the rigorous training that our enumerators undergo. ARK ensures that each of its approximately 26 data collectors is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for this sensitive task. From survey ethics to obtaining informed consent, from asking questions verbatim to dealing with non-response, the training encompasses multiple modules tailored to the unique challenges of the Lebanese context. Role-play also constitutes a significant component of this training. By simulating real-life situations, enumerators get a feel for the questionnaire and the intricacies of question wording.
Lebanon, with its diverse population and cultural nuances, requires a tailored approach in data collection. Recognising this, ARK employs a gender-balanced team of data collectors. In parts of Lebanon, for example, cultural norms dictate that female respondents can only be interviewed by female enumerators. By ensuring gender balance in our team, the chances of skewed representation due to non-response are minimised. Similarly, nationality-matching has proven essential in certain areas. While most data collectors are of Lebanese nationality, some hail from Syrian or Palestinian backgrounds. Experience has shown that matching the nationality of the enumerator to that of the respondent can further reduce non-response rates.
Fig1.jpg: An enumerator employed by ARK conducts an interview with a Lebanese man in the Beqaa governorate (ARK 2023).
Fig2.jpg: ARK’s Field Coordinator conducts regular training with the team of data collectors at ARK’s offices in Beirut (ARK 2023).
Why This Matters, Especially for Lebanon
In a country like Lebanon, where government structures are often in flux, direct engagement with a nationally representative sample becomes even more crucial. Such engagement ensures that programmes designed by international bodies, like the UN, are rooted in the realities and perceptions of the Lebanese people. The insights from these surveys have already informed critical interventions, such as updates to the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP).
As we move forward with Wave 17 of our survey project with UNDP Lebanon, we reiterate our commitment to making sure that the voices of the Lebanese people are heard and factored into the design of programmes aimed at fostering social stability. The rigorous training of our enumerators and the in-depth engagement with communities underscore the importance we place on genuine, on-the-ground insights. Through these surveys, we strive to bridge the gap between policy and the lived experiences of the Lebanese people.