A representative of Village Focus International gave this presentation on how using communications tools and feedback mechanisms improve community participation in decision-making, with research examples.

1. Communications Tools & Feedback
Mechanism to Improve Community
Participation in
Decision-Making
WLE REGIONAL FORUM
October 21-­‐‑23, Cambodia
By Yhoksamay. LATHSAVONG
1

2. Research Locations
Namlik1 river Hydropower development
project. 65 MW, Central Laos. Vientiane
Province
Nam-Ou2 River Hydropower
development project, 120 MW,
Northern Laos, LPB Province
2

3.
Why are Communications Tools needed?
Results of Participatory Gap Analysis
1. Information disclosure (Compensation,
Resettlement, Livelihood, process)
2. Communication among Hydropower stakeholders
3. Process (Resettlement, Management, Grievance
committees)
Gaps in Coordination and Functions
o Construction before resettlement
o No RMU&EMU established
o No funding from company for RC
o No capacity building support from the
company/central level for Districts
1
2
3
3

4. Implications of the Gaps
• Community losses: less participation, less
understanding, less buy-in
• Local government losses: Increased time
and effort to manage crises and lost
development opportunities
• Developer losses: Increased long-term
expenses and less local buy-in
4

5. How the Tools Were Developed
Purpose of Tools
• To Improve communication and participation among hydropower stakeholders at the local level
• Reduce conflict frequency and seriousness
• Improve coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness of compensation, resettlement, and
livelihoods activities
5

6. Communication Tools
1. Posters-facilitating dialogue

7. Data collection and registration
7

8. Communication Tools
8

9. Communication Tools
9

10. Gender and Inclusiveness
10
1. Women provided input to communication
tool design and piloting process
2. Women’s groups & men’s groups separate:
women very active in discussion
3. Different responses between men and
women to the communication tools
Next Steps: more
participatory research &
testing of Communications
Tools &
improve tools to be more
responsive to needs of
different groups

11. http://www.villagefocus.org
yhoksamay@villagefocus.org
Village Focus International(VFI)
Yhoksamay Lathsavong
11
More Information
Thanks