T-Watoto

Resource link

Tuzungumze na Watoto (T-Watoto) is an example of how a system for mobile phone household surveys can be set up by partnering with a local call-centre to regularly collect data for monitoring and evaluation.

A representative sample of randomly selected households are surveyed, depending on the sample-size requirements. Any member of the household may be interviewed. Specially trained call-centre interviewers conduct the surveys and input the data. Participating households receive a small amount of airtime (mobile credit). 

The following information was provided to BetterEvaluation by Jessica Noske-Turner as part of the Evaluating C4D Resource Hub

The Evaluating C4D Resource Hub sits within BetterEvaluation and houses a growing collection of the available guides, toolkits, tools and methods to use for research monitoring and evaluation (R,M&E) of Communication for Development (C4D) initiatives. The Hub is structured around two combined frameworks:

A circle with spokes and a number of graphics set against a rainbow

C4D Evaluation Framework (represented by the circle) is an approach. It describes the values and principles that guide our decisions in C4D. 

The BetterEvaluation Rainbow Framework (represented by the rainbows) is a structure. It organises the practical tasks into seven categories or 'clusters' and provides options.

While the resource recommendation below discusses the resource specifically in relation to its usefulness for evaluating C4D within the Evaluating C4D Resource Hub's C4D Framework, this resource may also be of use for people working in other contexts and with different frameworks.

Authors and their affiliation

UNICEF Tanzania

Key features

The booklet introduces the conception of T-Watoto, implemented by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with UNICEF. The booklet outlines how T-Watoto was set up, how it works, how it is used, how it has improved monitoring and evaluation and other decision making processes, and some of the lessons learned. Some of the lessons include: challenges relating to a lack of infrastructure; unreliable mobile coverage; and the need to be aware of the interviewees' schedules.

    How have you used or intend on using this resource?

    This resource has been identified as part of a research project in collaboration with UNICEF C4D. It would be useful as a model for replication and adaptation where there is need to set up systems for regular household surveying on a range of topics. This is particularly useful in the context of C4D, where surveys are often desired, but where the costs can be prohibitive.

    Why would you recommend it to other people?

    This tool is recommended for C4D and related areas of practice, and is consistent with the C4D Evaluation Framework in the following ways: 

    • realisticalthough T-Watoto requires some upfront investment in systems and in training of call-centre staff, ultimately it makes regular household surveys much more feasible.
    • learning-based: through T-Watoto household surveys can be undertaken at the baseline and endline as well as at regular intervals during implementation, which enables teams to adapt and continually improve implementation.

    Sources

    UNICEF Tanzania, Tuzungumze Na Watoto (T-Watoto). Available at: https://goo.gl/QYyMsq (Accessed at: February 14, 2017)

     

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