Uncovering the Pockets: Profiling Accra’s Slums

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By Mara Forbes, SDI Secretariat

The Ghana federation is embarking on its largest and most ambitious data collection process to date – citywide profiling of seven municipalities in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). GAMA is comprised of 11 districts, each of which has multiple sub-metros and many neighborhoods.

Last week the Ghana Federation of the Urban Poor (GHAFUP) held a “learning-by-doing” planning exchange to lay a strategy for their first citywide profile. Federation members and technical support staff from Uganda, Sierra Leone, and South Africa joined the Ghana federation to share lessons from their own citywide profiling experiences.

It was immediately clear to all involved that they had underestimated the shear size of Accra’s informally settled communities. During the first day of mapping the federation discovered that many of the communities identified by local authorities were a mixture of formal areas interspersed with pockets of informal slums. These slum pockets are not formally recognized by local authorities.

Community Voice:

At first we were many so then they divided us into groups. One group went to New Town and one went to Kandar and one went to Mamobi. I was in the Mamobi team. When we got there we first took [mapped] the boundary of the whole Mamobi. We couldn’t finish that day so we had to come back. The following day we took [mapped] the pockets of slums. We took [mapped] a lot! Because the place was so big we couldn’t finish all the slums, so they were saying we should pick some service points, such as streetlights, roads, toilets, garbage dumps, schools, churches and mosques. So we took [mapped] all these things and when we got back we saw it was too much. So we needed to choose just some. Since the federation can’t build schools and churches we decided we should pick some key services like toilets, garbage dumps, water points, and drainage. So the following day we took just those points and it was very fast to capture. It was fantastic! Everything was moving on so well. People were eager to learn the GPS and some were doing the recording. We all came back together. Meanwhile there were some slums people couldn’t finish so we had to go back to the field to help capture the whole place and it was marvellous. Some of the community leaders were so tired and they refused to go back to the field. Only one went back, but the rest of us all went to help finish.

– Rhode Allhassan, Federation member from Ashaiman

After seeing and understanding the actual context on the ground the team had to come back to the drawing board to develop a new plan for identifying slum areas within these communities. After much discussion and reflection it was agreed that in order to conduct a citywide profile the teams must first enter a community or neighborhood and map the boundaries of the electoral/administrative area. During the process of walking the boundary and discussing with local leaders the team can then identify and map the boundary and services of the pockets of slums within each community. Once these slum pockets have been identified and mapped the community will return to hold the profiling focus group discussion.

Photo 5Planning their mapping approach

Community Voice:

Learning about the GPS was a good experience because I never thought I could hold it and use it. But I could use it, I learned. Also recording the data – I did that as well. I was able to figure out the coordinates on the GPS. I learned to capture the data on the computer and I felt on top of the world! I realized I now have a level of confidence to impart the knowledge I learned to someone else. I was able to build my confidence to share knowledge with others. Being with the foreign team (delegates from Uganda, Sierra Leone, and South Africa) I learned so much. I learned from Sharon (Uganda federation leader) how I shouldn’t be selfish when you know something. You should be ready to impart what you know to others and be patient. The international team was not bossy, they know many things, but they don’t think they are so big. I’m so eager and want to put in best. I’m ready to learn and face my challenges now.

– Mabel Hawa Abakah, Tumah Vela Savings Group, Nungua

Photo 2Mapping team

Community Voice:

This is going to improve my community based on me. Because the knowledge and understanding I’ve had I now can teach and inform the community so they have the knowledge too. The savings will help our community because it is this savings that gives you the power and strength. It shows the authorities your weight to put in for something to improve the community. Without savings, someone can’t come from outside to help you. I made them to first understand that our development will be 95% based on our savings. Even yesterday, some people called and came to the house to get information on starting savings. They wanted to buy savings books but didn’t have the money, but are willing to come in and start. I was telling Sharon (Uganda federation leader) that God works in mysterious ways. Coming together with this humble family [federation]. I give glory to God to making me part of this unique family. I’m so happy. I can’t emphasise it.

– Mabel Hawa Abakah, Tumah Vela Savings Group, Nungua

In the span of a week the team had planned to profile and map four communities within Ayawaso East – one of eleven sub-metro areas in Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA), which is just one of the seven metropolitan areas the federation is planning to profile and map within the next year. Due to their adaptability, new plan, and enthusiasm to uncover all the pockets of slums in the four communities of Ayawaso East they mapped 26 settlement boundaries and the services available in each settlement. In addition, they mapped the four larger boundaries of Kanda, New Town, Nima, and Mamobi (the four communities of Ayawaso East) – a total of 30 boundary maps.

Photo 3Data entry team

Community Voice:

The data capture was the most important thing I learned. It is the first time I’m doing this. It’s a blessing in disguise for me because I didn’t know something like this would help me. We have been doing profiling and mapping but we hadn’t been doing the capturing, so it was a new thing. I didn’t think we would do this but we did! It’s a lot of work and good. The data capturing will help me because it can help me draw a map on my own. I can teach my brothers and friends who are near do it and when I’m not there. They can help continue the process.

– Terry Otu, New World International Savings Group, Nungua C5

Community Voice:

When I came I was feeling shy and afraid to do certain things. The first day she (Anni, SDI Secretariat) taught me how to use the tablet in capturing and I used it for 2 days. The second day I was perfect! I was on the field recording, but was told to come and do data entry. I thought it was something big and I couldn’t do it. But when I got here my colleagues were here and they welcomed me. I needed an account and was going to use my facebook, but they said I could have an email. They said I can use my date of birth or something to remember to make my own email. I never thought I could have this. They showed me how to create an email address. Terri was entering the services but then Anni said it was my turn. I could type though my speed was slow, but she said I could make it and to take my time. It is now pushing me to learn more. This will not be the end of my learning. I want to plan to buy a computer for myself. I’m very happy.

– Rhode Allhassan, Federation member from Ashaiman

Photo 4 Rhode Alhassan capturing data

In the next few months the data team of the Ghana federation will continue to refine and deepen its learning in order to most effectively and efficiently roll out profiling and mapping to rest of AMA as well as the remaining six Metropolitan Areas of GAMA. No doubt the data and information collected will be a huge feat for the Ghana federation and the SDI network, but more importantly will provide the communities with the tools and information to engage and dialogue with their local authorities around service provision, security of tenure, and possibilities for joint slum upgrading.

Community Voice:

Our work in LSC 2 [Lands Services and Citizenship 2 – National Urban Development Program funded by Cities Alliance] is going to bring a lot of issues and skills into the Ghana federation of the Urban Poor. Since we have been doing profiling and enumerations, it is only the support office that normally captures the data. But now we see that the Ghana Federation of the Urban Poor is improving by capturing our own data that we collect in the field. We are hoping that these few people we have trained, that they will train more people to come on board. Because this won’t only be Accra but will be in other regions and we need to bring people on board to have those skills.

We have trained a lot of people, and we are learning how to engage with the sub metros and the city itself. Before the support office gave letters to the city, but now we [community members] distribute the letters and after distributing the letters we go there to follow up. We sit with them and we told them what we want them to do to support us in the community. Our plan is to use the information to engage the municipal assemblies for the development of the communities and services they are lacking. So we use the information in order to advocate to the assemblies.

Another big achievement is towards the AMA. It has now opened its doors towards Old Fadama for the Ghana Federation and People’s Dialogue and SDI to enter. This is a big achievement! For the past 14-15 years they didn’t do that. They don’t even what to hear our name. But now they open their doors and anything they want to do, they call federation and People’s Dialogue and they are asking the communities advice on how they can come in and do development here. They need more advice from our support office and the federation. If we are able to sign the MOU with AMA it will be the biggest achievement. The mayor himself came out several times to do a press conference saying he has demolished Sodom and Gomorrah but Old Fadama is still staying and Old Fadama is going to stay forever. So that is the message he is saying  – we grabbed that message and are going to use that message in order to push him to sign the MOU so we can also be partners with them to see how we can get the security of tenure. When we get the security of tenure, we have achieved the biggest thing. We can then come together to figure out how we can develop this place with nice affordable houses for the people. Now that these people opened their doors, it’s an opportunity to us to also move in.

– Baba Fuseini Al-Hassan, Tungteeiya Savings Group, Old Fadama

Paying Tribute to Gregory Van Rensburg

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Since the passing of our colleague Gregory Van Rensburg this past weekend there has been an outpouring of heartfelt condolences from across the SDI network and beyond. These expressions of sadness and sympathy are testament to Greg’s warm spirit and dedication to his work. Some of these tributes have been included below.

It is in deep shock that I write to you all to inform you that our dear friend, colleague, comrade, Gregory Van Rensburg, passed away this morning after a short illness. The SDI family has lost another stalwart whose hard work, open heart and deep commitment is going to be sorely missed. Our feelings go out to his wonderful family in this time of sadness. For many of us in South Africa Gregory was a very close friend. We will miss him dearly.

Joel Bolnick, SDI Secretariat 

To Sandra and family, we would like to send our sincere condolences for the loss of Gregory your dear husband, father and friend.

Greg will be dearly missed by the Utshani Fund staff in the Cape Town office. We had a very close working relationship with him although he was based in the Johannesburg office. He was an inspiration to all of us and was always admired for his calm and gentle manner in which he dealt with everything. He always treated us with the utmost respect no matter what the circumstances were. He quickly became not just our boss and colleague but also a true friend that we could converse with on many levels both personal and work related.

We will always remember his passion for the work we did and the dedication he showed to the Alliance as a whole. We feel that we have lost a mentor, a leader and a good friend.

Our hearts are very heavy with the loss of such a great person and his passing will no doubt have a huge impact on Utshani and the Federation, but we will continue to work towards our goals always remembering the leadership and compassion he showed for our course.

Hamba Kahle Tata Gregory Van Rensburg.

Rest in Peace, 

Pam, Nuraan, Vanessa and Kim

Utshani Fund Staff, Cape Town

May His Soul Rest In Peace.  Condolences to the family, friends and colleagues he is leaving behind.

Patience Mudimu, Zimbabwe SDI Alliance 

I understand the pain and sorrow the family is going through. However, this is also a moment of reflections. Reflecting on the good things he did for uTshani Fund and the alliance. The sense of humor during he had as an individual. We enjoyed having him around during our meetings and discussions. Someone who was very simple and yet who could comprehend issues and analyse them like nothing else. A very articulating  man who always wanted the people around him to clearly understand his point of view without misinterpreting him. 

We will really miss his strength on his eloquence during our meetings. I learned a lot from him because I would most of the time particularly when I was writing to the funders, sneaked into his office and say “Hi Greg, can I quickly have your attention for a minute please?” Because I probably wanted to hand him a document to read and edit with his smooth and yet complex English words and he would agree and if he didn’t have time by then, would still do it at later stage. But I would find him having changed some words and used those that one might need to use dictionary to understand them. 

It is everyone’s route chief as I used to call you, and it is just because you left while we were still expecting to mingle with you for years to come. Sandra and children, let us enjoy the beautiful moments and memories he shared with all of us.

Rest in Peace Gregory Van Rensburg.

Walter Monyela, SA SDI Alliance

It is with great sadness that I write this farewell to a real stalwart of the SA SDI Alliance. I will always remember Greg for his awesome smile and always calm approach to the most challenging of circumstances. The shock to the system is unbelievable and in this time of sorrow we can all draw strength from the memory of a man who loved his work, went beyond the extra mile to serve communities and through it all managed to maintain a positive attitude.

Greg, you will be dearly missed but we know the legacy of your hard work will live on in the lives of so many. In this time we send prayers to Sandra and family – we have been shaken, but we will persevere and the memory of Greg will live on.

Charlton Ziervogel, SA SDI Alliance 

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Greg and Patrick Maghebula Hunsley, who passed away last year.

Dear Colleagues

Very much unbelievable to hear of the sad news. We wish his family all the strength in this time of difficulty. Sithi lala ngokuthula Greg uzohlala ukhumbuleka sonke isikhathi.

May God be with the family all the times.

Blessing Mancitshana, South African SDI Alliance 

Hi Joel,

Thanks for updating us and we are all shocked by Greg untimely death. Our condolences on behalf of the entire Malawi alliance. We will keep his family in our prayers.

Sungani Busisi Chalemba, Malawi SDI Alliance 

My deepest condolences to Sandra and family. I wish you courage and comfort to overcome your temporary sorrow and pain. We are sharing your loss and pain as Greg was a friend to many of us.

 God bless,

Seth Maqetuka, SDI Secretariat 

My deepest sympathies to Greg’s family, comrades and friends. I wish you all strength in these difficult times. 

Noah Schermbrucker, SDI Secretariat 

This is really sad !!! I somehow thought  Greg   was  going  to pull through and get back to work. My  heartfelt condolences  to Sandra, the family, the South African Alliance and the SDI family. Greg  was like my  brother and  I remember he would discuss with me South African capital projects with a real passion. I will miss  him dearly.  My  dear brother, my friend and colleague may your soul rest in eternal peace.

Getrude Mazvimavi, SDI Secretariat 

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May his soul rest in perfect peace.My deepest condolences to the family.

Francis Anthony Reffell, Sierra Leone SDI Alliance 

Condolences Sandy and Children and the rest of your family, just a while ago we were celebrating your 50th and for you to be taken away so young is very sad. May the Lord be with you during this trying time

Siku Nkhoma, Malawi SDI Alliance 

Dear Sandra, Kim and Tom

The notice is very shocking. I had so good experiences with all of you!

I had see so many times the tremendous dedication of Greg checking the land of the Methodists, helping the members to complete their unfinished houses. He was unique.

I offer my prayers for him and blessings for all of you

Fr. Jorge Anzorena

Dear Bunita, Joel and Wilma,

I just heard the shocking news of Greg’s passing away.

I am deepheartedly sorry for the loss of your friend of a lifetime and so many battles for the cause of the poor whom he served humbly all the time.

I suddenly feel the impressing wave of power of his kindness all the time, of his genuine commitment to work in harmony with everybody and selflessly (I know what it means to work at night to try to meet proposals’ or reporting deadlines).

I will miss him so much but I know you will more, since you have shared so much and for so long with him and his family).

I will contact Sandra at a later stage.

Best,

Stefano Marmorato 

Dear Bunita

I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure the SA alliance is in deep mourning. 

Best wishes,

Diana Mitlin 

Such a shock.

My condolences to Sandra and the family.

Jhono Bennett

This is so shocking! So sad!

Spending time remembering his wisdom and quiet gentle spirit!

It is well!!

Irene Karanja

Deepest condolences.  I recall putting up in Greg’s house and the unequalled hospitality and warmth extended me during my stay with his family .

May Sandra and kids have the heart to survive this trying moments.

Farouk Braimah, Ghana SDI Alliance 

RIP Greg!! This is a big shock to Ugandans and Entire SDI family..condolences to Sandra and entire Greg family.

Medie Lutwamma, Uganda SDI Alliance 

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Joel,

Jockin and I are trying to get hold of you to find out what happened with Greg, and to comprehend how all this tragic event occurred. Please convert our deepest sympathies to Sandra and their families.

Call when you can

Sheela Patel, Chair of the SDI Board 

Dear Joel

My deepest sympathy to Sandra and kids and all in the Sdi family. Greg will be missed dearly.

Beth Chitekwe-Biti, Zimbabwe SDI Alliance 

Deepest sympathy to Greg’s family and his comrades in SDI near and far. May you stay strong and find peace at this sorrowful time.

Skye Dobson, SDI Secretariat 

So hard to say goodbye!  Ever since I came to know Greg he always was a calm, humble, nice and always smiling.  He always treated people with respect regardless of their backgrounds. Communicating with him in person or through telephone, he always was the same humble, smiling person. We hold dear his dedication to the struggle of the poor, his massive contribution to the alliance. We will always remember him. Hambakahle Greg, you will never be forgotten! Ulale ngokuthula!

 Samke Patience Phewa, SA SDI Alliance

Gregory was indeed  a close friend to  all of us,may his soul rest in peace.  

Nelson Ncube, Zambian SDI Alliance 

We saddened and we shall always vividly remember Gregory for his good works.

He will remain vivid in our minds as he has left and indelible mark on SDI activities.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. 

Dave Khayangayanga

Principal Housing Officer,

Republic of Uganda

My sincere condolences. This indeed a huge loss and my thoughts go to his family, relatives and friends as well to the whole slum dwellers community who will miss Greg a lot.

Let his soul rest in peace in our Africa motherland.

Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi

Secretary General, UCLG Africa

Very sad news.

We are very shocked to hear the news.

We pray for his soul in peace.

Quazi Baby

PDAP

Bangladesh

What a great loss!  Not only to his family but to SA SDI Alliance and to all the thousands of poor people’s lives impacted by our organisation.  Greg was a key player over many years and his contribution was clearly massive although, being the unassuming man that he was, I have no recollection of him ever “blowing his own trumpet” about what he had accomplished.  Amongst all the other positive attributes friends and colleagues have noted, I would therefore like to add that of humility which, to my mind is the mark of a great leader – of the calibre of the Gandhis and Mandelas of this world!  He will be sorely missed by all of us.  Heartfelt condolences to Sandra and his children and thank you for sharing him with us. 

Jeff Thomas  

Dear friends from Shack Dwellers International, dear friends from uTshani Fund, dear Sandra,

What a sad notice! It was a real shock for all of us at MISEREOR who knew him that our estimated friend and long-time activist of the South African SDI Alliance, Gregory Van Rensburg, passed away on Saturday. Even if our contact was not as fluent any more over the last years, we always admired his restless commitment and his energy in the struggle to improve life conditions and to build up a strong alliance of shack dwellers in South Africa. My thoughts are with you, Sandra, and with all those he worked with and who share the grief about this immense loss.

Regards,

Klaus Teschner

Massive condolences to the family – Greg was a special character who was always cheerful, a glass half full type of guy in all situations – his passing comes as a shock and jolts us into a refreshed perspective of how fragile, fleeting and precious life is.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Jeremy Bean

Its hard to think we will never see Greg again. May his soul rest in peace.

Condolences to Sandy and the family.

Bukiwe Matakane, SA SDI Alliance 

The passing of Greg is indeed a indeed a sad day for the SA alliance and the SDI network. Greg has been a strategic person in the new alignment of Utshani and his valuable input in taking the SA alliance into a new dimension will be sorely missed.

Greg has been a friend for a long time a his hard work in an extremely challenging environment and his contribution to the poor will always be remembered.

May his soul rest in peace and my deepest condolences to Sandra and the family.

Cogi Pather, SDI Secretariat

It is an awful tragedy! Gone too soon!  My thoughts are with Sandra and her children in this heart-wrenching time. 

I will always remember Greg’s smile, laugh, sense of humor and practical mind. My condolences to Sandra, her family and to the SDI network.  

Andy Bolnick, iKhayalami

Dear Sandra, 

I am so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. Sending you and your family my heartfelt sympathy. In the few encounters I had with Greg, I was struck by his commitment and his approachable, friendly and generous personality . I have particularly fond memories of the time Father Jorge Anzorena and I stayed with you and Greg in Johannesburg, the welcome and warmth I felt around dinner – listening to you and Greg tell many stories of your experiences and encounters in the Alliance. Thinking of you all and keeping you in prayer. 

Warmly, 

Yolande Hendler, SA SDI Alliance 

To Sandra and the rest of the Van Rensburg family; words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Greg’s death. We are here to support you in your grieving process. 

With sincere sympathy,   

Kwanele Sibanda, SA SDI Alliance 

Greg was a humble person, you would have never find him angry no matter what the situation was. For me he was the ideal professional person to work with the poor. He always handled things with care. When it comes to his relationship with Sandra, it was more than a couple, they were like twins, so rest in peace Greg you have done a lot for our struggle. We hope and pray that you will continue to do more for the SA SDI alliance on the other side.

Rest in peace,

Mamkhabela, SA SDI Alliance 

Really sad news, 

So Sorry Sandra and for your loss. I know it is not easy to lose a loved one, and this time no type of message or talk will make you feel better, but hold on and cry when it hurts, as the pain of losing a loved one comes and goes, instead of asking why? pray for understanding and accepting although it hurts, please find peace in knowing that Greg is in a much better place where no pain and sorrow can cause him harm. 

Embrace the beautiful moments you shared together, and share those moments with your family as you are all going through the struggle of coping with losing a loved one, cry together and pray together asking for peace and understanding, it’s not easy and most likely it wont get easier anytime soon, but time will heal you if you allow it.

May Greg’s soul rest in peace. I will definitely miss his humble and cheerful spirit. In the the times I got to work with him I learned a lot about being relaxed in the hardest times, through the crazy nature of our work at times. He was truly a  teacher and a role model to us young professionals and he will be dearly missed.

Hamba Kahle, bra Greg, pass our greetings to the others on the other side like bra Pat, and many other heros, Umzamo ohle uwuzamilo, elakho igqatso ulifezile, and Thank you for all your lessons and dedicated hard work. 

Kind Regards

Sizwe Mxobo, SA SDI Alliance 

I only had the pleasure of being in Greg’s company on few occasions. During those brief encounters I could sense this was no ordinary man. His quiet and unassuming way of being left a presence. Reading all the amazing tributes to this humble and compassionate being, I have no doubt the spirit of Greg will remain with us forever. To Sandra and the children, condolences on your lost and wish you strength always! 

Hamba Kahle Greg!

Moegsien Hendricks, SA SDI Alliance

Fat Fingers and Back of a Napkin Calculations

Kiambu Governor captures family image

Kenyan slum dwellers undertake paperless survey of 10,000 families using hi-tech digital devices. 

By Jack Makau, SDI Kenya

Over the last 15 years, Muungano wa Wanavijiji, the Kenya federation of slum dwellers has surveyed and mapped over 340,000 slum families living in 364 settlements. In its latest survey, conducted in Kiandutu slum – 40 kilometres north west of Nairobi, Muungano made a switch to use technology for collecting and processing data.

On the ground, in Kiandutu (which means, place of jiggers) 170 community members were selected to map each of the settlement’s 10,000 shacks and collect details of each family and each person living there. Instead of a paper questionnaire, the enumerators used Android 6.3 inch touch-screen tablets. According to Muungano’s chair person, Rashid Mutua, “we had a choice of smart phones or tablets , both within the same price range. We chose tablets because some of us have fat fingers.”

The tablets are installed with an Enketo web form that has all 37 questions contained in Muungano’s previous paper questionnaires. The tablets do not require an Internet connection to work. The enumerators collect data offline all day, and in the evening the data is transferred into a GIS enabled database.

Muungano’s fears, that the use of hi-tech gadgetry would exclude the participation of its mainly community women membership, were heightened when the Kiandutu community brought forward the names of 27 elderly persons to be included in the survey team.  At the end of what is usually one day of enumerator training, Kilion Nyambuga, trainer and GIS expert employed by Muungano, reported that additional days of training would be required. By lunchtime on the second day of training, the enumerators were deployed to the settlement to start data collection. Kilion reported that somehow the whole team had made the switch and were comfortable using the tablets.

Muungano National leader, Joseph Muturi, says the decision to move to a technology solution was because, “we do not have the time to collect data for one month, then spend another month putting it into computers, and another month analysing it and developing reports – all the momentum for a community action that we have generated in a settlement is lost in the time it takes to process data”.

The step to venture into the digital unknown and invest in tablets was reached in Muungano’s planning meeting for the Kianduttu survey. A simple back of the napkin calculation showed a 23 percent saving on survey materials and equipment. Ordinarily the 37 questions in the survey fit on 3 sheets of paper that cost 30 US cents each to print. Another 30 cents is paid for data entry. Each survey requires boxes of pencils, rubbers and sharpeners. The Kiandutu survey would have also required an additional 9 cameras and 12 GPS receivers. The tablets take away all these costs.

The switch is however not just a horizontal one from paper into computers, says Kilion. The community enumeration process is made far more accurate. “We are now able to ensure that all mandatory questions like the house number and the resident’s name are answered”. It was a major problem in paper surveys when enumerators returned questionnaires with key information missing. “We had the painstaking task of going back to find families whose house number was left out and we also spend weeks linking pictures stored in separate camera’s with households in the database”. He adds, “Right now we can even check the exact location where a survey was done – if a house is in one end of the settlement we can ask why the survey was done at the other end of the settlement”.

Yet, the use of tech devices does not take away any or all the intensity of doing a 100 per cent household survey in a slum.  Like in all enumerations where a team stays on after the days data collection and goes through the returned surveys, someone will need to stay on to charge the tablets, download all the data and check that the data collected is good.  There are bigger considerations though.

On one hand, not only does the purpose of the survey need to be explained to every household, but also the capture of information into a gadget needs to be explained. On the other hand, somebody who operates an informal water or electricity distribution business in the slum is just as likely, or even more likely, to resist a survey using a tablet as they would one using paper.

The gadgets themselves present a challenge in a context like Kiandutu where you have large numbers of unemployed youth who are presented with a smart device with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all other pleasures. Things that are beyond their immediate ability to purchase. Whether Muungano can persuade without necessarily policing the community and especially the youth, that they stand to benefit more by not keeping the devices for themselves, remains a test of the federation’s effectiveness in organising.

Kiambu Governor Enumerates using tablet

Kiambu Governor, H.E William Kabogo enumerates a family in Kiandutu during an event to launch the community enumeration process.