Finalizing the Questionnaire

After weeks of bi-lateral stakeholder consultations to discuss the research project and draft questionnaire, we conducted a workshop with key partners to share and discuss the draft questionnaire. In this workshop, we heard from experts in migrant worker and remittance issues in Nepal. With participants ranging in background, from migrant workers issues to research officers, we split into 3 groups. Each group was given a questionnaire (questionnaire for migrant workers, for households receiving remittances and households not receiving remittances). In these groups, participants went through each question to determine if the question as appropriate and relevant for the objectives of this research. The feedback attained from this exercise was invaluable and has allowed us to revise the questionnaire in both substance and structure.

With a final draft for the questionnaire in place, we can begin pre-testing. The pre-testing stage is critical to ensure our target audience understands the questions being asked and will help us finalize the questionnaire for the research. In addition, we are working with the Department of Foreign Employment to attain a list of current migrant workers for random selection. With a selected list of respondents and pre-testing completed, we can then begin the survey process. At the moment, we are exploring options for surveying current migrant workers. This will likely include a combination of traditional questionnaire delivery and the use of technology, such as online surveys. With limited time for the research, the use of online surveys may help speed up the process.

We expect to complete the pre-testing of the questionnaire and begin the research for this project in the coming month.

With support from the Humanitarian Innovation Fund, a programme managed by ELRHA, the earthquake risk and remittances research project from Practical Action and the Nepal Risk Reduction Consortium (NRRC) began in February 2014. This research project will look at the possible links between migrant remittances and earthquake risk, particularly through building construction practices. Within this, the research project will also identify how migrant workers receive information and communicate with their households. Most research that has been done in the area of migrants and disasters has focused on post-disaster response. This research project will look at the relationship between migrant workers, remittances and disaster risk reduction. The aim of this research will be to determine whether there is a link between remittances and unsafe building practices and how organizations can best communicate with migrant workers on risk reduction issues.