Rapid emergency response survey

This chapter discusses the Rapid Emergency Response Survey (RERS), a mobile data collection tool used during the 2017 famine crisis in four FCV countries.

It highlights real-time data collection, adaptable sampling methods, and safety measures.

In this chapter from Data collection in fragile states: Innovations from Africa and beyond, Paper (2020) highlights the use of the rapid emergency response survey (RERS), a mobile phone-based data collection tool designed for crisis situations in fragile and conflict-affected (FCV) settings. Developed in response to the 2017 famine crisis in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen, the RERS offered a timely, cost-effective alternative to traditional face-to-face surveys, which were not feasible due to security concerns and logistical barriers. This chapter outlines how the RERS was used to collect real-time data on food security, livelihoods, health, and education to inform humanitarian responses.

Key features

The RERS is tailored for use in emergency situations, offering several notable features:

• Rapid deployment: The survey can be designed and implemented within days, providing timely insights for immediate crisis response.
• Low-cost methodology: Conducted via phone through local call centres, RERS is more affordable than traditional surveys.
• Adaptive questionnaire design: The questionnaire can be adapted in real-time based on preliminary data trends, allowing deeper investigation into the most pressing issues.
• Country-specific sampling: RERS uses flexible sampling strategies, such as calling respondents from prior surveys or using bulk SMS and random digit dialing (RDD), depending on the data availability and context in each country.
• Results tracking: Data is uploaded daily to cloud-based servers, allowing real-time tracking of trends and enabling rapid adjustments to the emergency response.
• Safety: RERS used local call centres, safeguarding enumerator and respondent safety while leveraging mobile phone technology to overcome logistical and security challenges.

How would you use the resource?

M&E practitioners can use RERS to rapidly gather and analyse critical data during humanitarian crises, particularly in FCV contexts where traditional data collection methods are challenging. Its phone-based approach provides a viable alternative for reaching populations in conflict zones or remote areas with limited access. The real-time data collection and adaptive questionnaire design allow for flexibility in responding to the evolving needs of a crisis. The RERS can also be integrated into ongoing M&E frameworks for monitoring emergency interventions, ensuring that responses are based on up-to-date and reliable data. This resource is especially useful for organisations needing to evaluate the immediate impact of crises on food security, livelihoods, and access to services, while considering logistical constraints and safety concerns.

Why are we recommending it?

This resource presents an effective approach to data collection that addresses the specific challenges of conducting surveys in high-risk areas. Its adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and focus on essential crisis indicators make it particularly useful for M&E practitioners working in FCV settings.