Speaking the language of assistance:
Comprehension of language and terms used in Multi-Sector Needs Assessments in DRC
To support humanitarian response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), REACH conducts numerous assessments each year independently and in collaboration with other humanitarian organizations, including the annual Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA), carried out with WFP and in partnership with government bodies. Recognizing that people do not always understand the intended meaning of humanitarian jargon, REACH and CLEAR Global conducted a qualitative comprehension study of five key terms and concepts used in the MSNA.We found that both enumerators and community members did not always understand the humanitarian terms correctly. This can cause misunderstanding, confusion and frustration; organizations also struggle to understand the data community members share and adapt their services accordingly.
