Small Island Voice
Results of a Community Survey, October 2002

Prepared by Mr. Alain De Comarmond
Small Islands Voice National Coordinator
Policy, Planning and Services Division, Ministry of Environment
Mr. Matthew Servina
Center for Rights and Development
Small Islands Voice Steering Committee member

 

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Small Island Voice (SIV) is a long-term project proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) intersectoral platform for Environment and Development in Coastal Regions and Small Islands. One aim of SIV is to promote participation of small island civil society in the review of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Programme of Action (ten years after the Barbados meeting in 1994 for SIDS). The Minister of the Environment officially launched the project in March 2002, and the project is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment. A project steering committee meets on a monthly basis and comprises representatives from the public service as well non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

SIV seeks to ensure that the voice of civil society on environment and development issues in Small Island Developing States constitutes a core component of Barbados + 10, and that through a continuous feedback-driven mode, civil society's views become an effective catalyst for on-the-ground action up to and beyond 2004. With this in mind training and capacity building are key components of this project.

The strategy focuses particularly, although not exclusively, on the smaller SIDS, from the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Pacific regions. Grassroots opinions on environment and development issues, obtained through community-based activities and supported by radio, television and print media, have been compiled in each island. These views are synthesised, prioritized and further discussed through internet-based, discussion forums, using the UNESCO 'Wise Coastal Practices for Sustainable Human Development' forum as a model, and fully utilizing other existing networks such as the Small Islands Developing States Network (SIDSnet). Regional and inter-regional, internet-based discussion forums will produce a synthesized set of issues for transmittal, through UNESCO, to Barbados +10. Throughout the project, a circular flow of information will allow for communication of the synthesised set of issues prepared for Barbados+10, back to the grassroots level for continuous discussion and action on the ground.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes of Small Islands Voice to Seychelles

Project Activities in 2002

Several activities were organized in 2002 under the project including a workshop with youth workers to determine the main issues relating to the youths of Seychelles, a meeting with the District Administrators of districts from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue to brief them on the Environment Management Plan 2000-2010 and any other environmental issues at the local level.

Anse Royale Secondary School was the start-up school for the Young Islanders Forum which gave the students from the school the opportunity to discuss issues, via an internet-based discussion forum, with other students from other small islands from the different regions of the world, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The students debated and exchanged views and opinions on various issues such as the environment and entertainment for the youths. Three more schools from Seychelles joined the Forum in 2003 namely, Praslin Secondary School, La Digue Secondary and Belonie Secondary.

A Small Islands Voice global forum was launched in October 2002 (see the announcement http://www.csiwisepractices.org/?read=438. The goal of this internet-based forum is to engage the general public in small islands in an online debate on issues relating to environment and development. Key issues are aired on this forum, and people send their responses to notify@sivglobal.org All the responses are carefully read and compiled, and highlights from these responses are posted on the forum, and sent out by e-mail, once every two weeks. To view this global forum, visit http://www.sivglobal.org

One of the main objectives of Small Islands Voice is to find out the general public's concerns in the environment-development arena in small islands. In this initiative, environment is defined in a wide sense and includes the natural, social, cultural and economic environment. As part of the project, a community survey was carried out in the start-up countries of the project namely Seychelles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Cook Islands and Palau.

As in all the other countries, Seychelles the opinion survey was conducted by interviewing islanders and finding out their concerns.

The project is now in its second phase 2003-2004, after 'Laying the Foundation' through the first phase in 2002, the second phase is now ongoing seeing the participation of several partners and institutions, including the Seychelles Youth Assembly, Ministry of Education and Youth, the Centre for Rights and Development and the Solid Waste and Cleaning Agency.

---

THE SEYCHELLES ISLANDS

The Republic of Seychelles consists of 115 islands scattered over an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.374 million square kilometres, in the Western Indian Ocean. Seychelles presently has a population of 82,000. Although all of the outer coralline islands can be classified as entire coastal zones, the granitic islands, which climb to over 300m within a kilometre of the coast, are in many ways also regarded as entire coastal zones.

Seychelles is a small island developing State located between latitudes 3° and 7° south and longitudes 45° and 56° east in the South-Western Indian Ocean. The climate of the Seychelles is dominated by two monsoon seasons. The Northwest season is typically wet whilst the Southeast tends to be drier. Average rainfall and temperature is 2334.7 mm (Mahe Airport) and 26.9°C, respectively.

The total land area is 455.3 square kilometres. The archipelago is divided into two distinct groups of islands: the granitic group with 43 islands in all, and with mountainous peaks and narrow coastal strips; and the low-lying coralline islands, numbering 72. All the 43 granitic islands are found within a radius of 50 kilometres from Mahe, the main island. With a land area of 148 square kilometres, Mahe, the seat of the government, constitutes about one-third of the total land area. The two other islands of major importance as regards size and population are Praslin and La Digue 33.6 km and 48 km from Mahe, respectively. Of the coralline islands, Aldabra is the largest and furthest, located 1,150 km to the southwest.

The granitic islands (the only mid-oceanic granitic islands in the world) rise from the Seychelles Bank, a sunken micro-continent and shoal area of about 31,000 square kilometres, with depths of up to 60 meters. Many islands in the group are characterised by a very narrow coastal plateau, which rarely rises 2m above sea level. The coralline islands are generally low-lying, with average elevation of 1.6 m above mean sea level.

The Seychelles group is geologically part of a submerged micro-continent. The granitic islands, the only mid-oceanic group of islands in the world, are over 700 million years old, with the coralline islands and coastal plateau only emerging in the late Tertiary period.

Education and Human Development

The Seychelles' constitution recognises education as a fundamental human right for all citizens, to play a fulfilling and comprehensive role in society. Seychelles has made considerable progress in extending basic education and literacy to all sections of society. It can then be affirmed that the broad goal of universal access to primary education has been achieved in Seychelles.

The Ministry of Education has a policy of "Education for a learning society" which provides equality of access to 10 years of compulsory education, which is from the age of three and a half years to the age of 16, for both boys and girls. It is a criminal offence under the law not to send children to school.

Environment and Development

Turning to environmental sustainability, Seychelles is regarded as having a strong history of conservation and environment protection activities, which has been heightened over the last 12 years through the development and implementation of environment management plans.

Seychelles' history of conservation and management of its natural resources dates back to the first settlements. Modern conservation started in the 1960's with the purchase of Cousin Island in 1968 by an international conservation NGO. Seychelles is one of the first countries in the region to set up Marine National Parks. It has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Aldabra Atoll, declared as a Special World Heritage Reserve in 1982, is home to 150,000 giant land tortoises. Vallée de Mai, declared in 1983, is the only home in the world for the endemic Coco-de-mer palm trees, Lodoicea maldivica. Furthermore, there are 15 marine protected areas covering an area of more than 46 km2. Over 47% of its land area is protected. Seychelles thus can be accredited as a model for the sustainable development of its environment.

Seychelles is currently implementing its second Environment Management Plan (2000- 2010). Presently, over 46% of the archipelago's land and an additional 228 km2 of ocean are legally protected in the form of national parks and reserves. An additional 20-25% is classified as being sensitive and may become protected areas in the near future.

Seychelles has more than 1,000 endemic species of flora and fauna. Seychelles is party to a number of international conventions. In spite of its small size, Seychelles endeavours to participate in the various negotiations under these conventions, and it is primarily recognized for its active role played in the Convention for Biodiversity, the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change and the Montreal Protocol. Lack of capacity is a serious constraint to participate fully in all the meetings.

However, in terms of visible results, about 90% of the projects in the first Environmental Management Plan (EMPS 1990-2000) were successfully implemented. A total of US$ 235 million was invested, with Government contributing US$ 175 million (a combination of overhead and project capital funds) and about US$ 65 million from donors. It is therefore evident that without strong Government financial support and investment many of the activities to implement Agenda 21 and the Barbados Programme of Action would not have been possible.

Tourism and Development

Tourism remains the most important pillar of the Seychelles economy through direct and indirect contributions to the domestic economy. The industry is heavily dependent on the European market, which accounts for almost 80% of tourist arrivals coming by air to Seychelles. The major market countries are France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany, with Switzerland and the Scandinavian countries also being important.

Five-star ecotourism development, North Island. Seychelles

Like most island states Seychelles offers the 3 S's (sun, sea and sand) in tourism. In particular, the country is well provided with marine-related attractions and activities, including organised excursions to marine parks, snorkelling, scuba diving and sports fishing, while the world heritage sites of Valee de Mai on Praslin and the Aldabra Atoll are unique attractions of international renown. The paths and nature trails of the granitic islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue offer visitors numerous opportunities to explore the country's national parks and protected areas. Other island nature reserves, such as Aride, Bird, Curieuse, Cousine and Silhouette are further attractions for excursions.

There are a number of cultural festivals and other events held on an annual basis, of which the Creole Festival is the most significant. Other notable events include the Sub Indian Ocean Seychelles Underwater festival and an annual Jazz Festival. The 'green' capital city Victoria offers visitors with a number of attractions, including several museums, crafts shops, duty-free shops and restaurants.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

The idea of the survey was to cover a representative 1% of the country's population, and focus, through open-ended questions, on past changes, future changes, major issues of concern and how the general public sees its role in decision-making on environment and development issues. During the first quarter of 2002, a sample survey form was developed and tested in St. Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles. Based on the findings and results of this trial survey, Seychelles developed its own survey questions.

Survey Method

The survey was carried out on Saturday 19th October 2002. The 3 main islands of the Seychelles, namely Mahe, Praslin and La Digue were covered. Over 35 youth volunteers carried out the survey in all 25 districts of the Seychelles, covering 1% (800 people) of the total population of 80,000. Youth workers, 31 in total, acted as supervisors to the youth volunteers in their respective districts.

On the main island of Mahe, the survey was divided into regions namely North, South, West, East and Central, with at least 5 youth volunteers covering each of the 25 districts. The second largest island Praslin, was divided into two because of its two districts and the third island, La Digue was treated as a whole.

Out of the 800 questionnaires, 740 were completed which means a 92.5 % return from the survey.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire was in Creole, the interviewers were free to input the data both in Creole or English. The questionnaire was divided into different sections, namely general information on the interviewee (address, age etc.), personal information (favourite pastimes/recreational activities, T.V and radio programmes etc.), community issues, social issues, environmental issues, economic issues and finally development issues.

SURVEY RESULTS FOR SEYCHELLES

General

For political and administrative purposes the Republic of Seychelles is divided into 25 districts, each forming an electoral constituency. In physical terms, the districts are spread across the three most populated islands, namely: Mahe, the main and largest (22 districts), Praslin the second largest (2 districts) and La Digue, the fourth largest (one district). Inhabitants of Silhouette Island, the third largest in terms of area but with a very small permanent population, are counted among the population of one district in the northern region of Mahe Island.

A total of 800 citizens were invited for interviews; overall 740 positively responded by providing information to fill a Questionnaire: 375 on Mahe, 165 on Praslin and 200 on La Digue.

It is important to note that with a total population of around 70,000 on Mahe and nearby islands, the opinions of 375 persons represented only 0.54 percent. In the case of the Praslin group with 7,000 inhabitants, 165 represented 2.36 percent, whereas 200 completed questionnaires from La Digue with around 2000 inhabitants represented 10 percent. Compared to the other two islands Mahe was under-represented.

It would be fair to state also that interviewees were, in the majority of instances, transmitting the echoes of sentiments prevailing in their localities and districts.

Personal Information

Personal information gathered provided some interesting indications regarding commonalities and also differences from one island to another, particularly in respect of lifestyles.

It is a known fact that people of different age brackets hold different perceptions of life, and the nature of their concerns vary to a considerable extent. Men and women sometimes do not exactly share the same concerns and priorities in life. The absence of age and gender indicators in the survey records makes it impossible to compare views and opinions of community members from different age groups, or male with female participants.

If one is to go by the findings of the survey, it can be assumed that here is a nation that is generally appreciative of the splendid natural beauty of their islands with its diversity, and to some extent uniqueness, of flora and fauna both on land and beyond their shores. Their past-time and leisure activities reflect a rather elevated lifestyle.

Issues Discussed

Survey participants were questioned about their views and comments with respect to issues having significant impact on their communities at village, district and also national levels; on social and economic issues, as well as issues relating to the environment and development.

Community Issues

They expressed themselves on both the positive and negative aspects of the communities they live in, and sometimes made suggestions as to how the needs of their communities ought to be prioritised and more effectively attended to.

Social Issues

Social problems experienced in communities were made known, and some participants attempted to explain the causes of such problems, sometimes going as far as offering suggestions in terms of approaches and activities that could be introduced or adopted as a way to solve the problems or remedy the situation. In general social problems were found to be rather identical and common in all three islands. They included: drugs and alcohol, abuse; arguments (sometimes violent) amongst neighbours; children and youths who cannot be controlled; domestic violence; child abuse; increasing teenage pregnancies. The main reason generally stated for such problems was that too many parents manifested a lack of control over their children, most likely due to a lack of discipline and respect being taught in the family from an early age. Some participants also felt that authorities concerned with such issues at district and national levels were not being proactive in sensitising the communities on those problems.

Economic Development

Citizens took the opportunity to put forward their views on economic development in their districts, on what is happening and what should be done. Given that the two main areas of economic activity in Seychelles are tourism and fisheries development, these were given priority attention in all districts.

Environment

Seychellois people are by nature environmentally conscious, attaching great importance to cleanliness and conservation of the environment. The survey confirmed that environmental problems were pretty much the same on all the islands covered, with waste management getting very high priority. Citizens also got the opportunity to suggest improvements in environmental management and how existing problems may be effectively tackled.

Development Issues

Communities were surveyed in terms of what they saw as the most remarkable development in their respective districts, social and economic problems. They used the opportunity to put forward their opinions relating to development issues in their localities as well as at district and national levels. They listed what they considered to be priority areas of development in short term and also their vision of what development they would like to see during the coming decade.

Although most of the survey participants acknowledged and appreciated the fact that a lot had been done in terms of community development, there was demand for even more, as well as for improvements on some already existing facilities and services. There was popular demand for more recreational facilities for young people, as it was strongly believed such facilities would help solve, or at least minimise, some of the social problems that are being experienced in all the 25 districts of the republic.

---

MAHE ISLAND

Panoramic View of Victoria Harbour, Mahe Island

Personal Information

375 persons participated in the survey on Mahe.

What they do in their spare time:

Type of work done at home:

Favourite TV programmes:

Where they go for leisure and recreation:

Community Issues

Mahe inhabitants participating in the survey identified the following about their respective communities:

Positive aspects:

Negative aspects:

Needs of the community:

Social Issues

Mahe represents by far the largest part of the Seychelles population. Social problems existing on this island are also in evidence on the other two islands. Those identified were:

Social problems:

Following causes were attributed to the above-stated problems:

Suggested solutions to the problems:

Community members took the opportunity to voice their opinions on how such problems could be solved, stressing the need for better and more effective communication between the authorities and the communities, also more interactive involvement of churches in the districts. Following was suggested:

Environmental Issues

Anse Major, North Mahe.

Environmental problems in the community:

In all the districts, issues related to waste management were by far the most common issue raised. The cleanliness of the districts and communities was expressed as being of high importance to all those interviewed.

Pollution issues also featured high on the priority list in most districts. Seychelles experiences torrential rainfall, during which lowland areas or areas without drainage infrastructure are flooded and people see this as a big threat to their property and safety.

Environmental problems/issues at national level:

How can environmental protection be improved in Seychelle:

Survey participants had the opportunity to suggest how environmental management can be better practised and existing environmental problems/issues can be solved or remedied. The following suggestions were made:

Landscaping in the capital, Victoria

Economic Issues

In terms of economic issues, the community had the opportunity to put forward their views in terms of the most significant economic development in their district:

Development Issues

The following were seen as the most significant development:

In the districts:

In Seychelles:

Priorities in the districts:

What citizens would like to see in 10 years time:

---

PRASLIN ISLAND

Panoramic view of Baie St. Anne, Praslin Island

Number of participants surveyed was 165.

Personal Information

Use of spare time:

Music is a very popular pastime for the people of Seychelles, on Praslin the most preferred activity done during the spare time was listening to music with 55 out of the total 165 people surveyed enjoyed doing so. Sports activities were the highest combination or related activities amongst the islanders, with football, volleyball and basketball being the most popular. The second most popular activity was watching television. The second highest combination of activities related to music in general encompassing listening, dancing and singing. Clubbing and attending live shows is very popular amongst locals though most people think that there should be more of such musical events. The least popular activity was playing video/computer games with only 3 from 165.

Home chores:

As everywhere else, the Seychellois people attach a lot of importance to cleanliness and good sanitation at home and when asked what did they like to do at home, cleaning activities was the most popular, which includes daily chores like clothes washing, house cleaning and washing dishes.

Voluntary activities:

In terms of voluntary activities within the district the most common activity was general cleaning which is more or less dealing with hot spots areas with regards to solid waste or simply clearing of overgrowth. The least popular voluntary activity was paint work which is most of the time at institutions such as homes of the elderly or orphanages.

Leisure and recreation:

In terms of leisure activities, the locals enjoy going to the beach for a picnic, for a swim or just simply to enjoy the cool breeze on a hot afternoon. Beach recreational activities were therefore the overwhelming favourite leisure activity on Praslin. Hanging out with friends was second in line. Using the computer was the least popular leisure activity on Praslin, outdoor activities are preferred to indoor ones.

Favourite TV programs:

In terms of television programmes, watching films was very popular with 52 people; this includes watching the regular soap series that is aired on the national T.V. Comedies was the second most watched T.V item with 30 people preferring comedies to other types of programmes. Surprisingly, sports programmes and the local sports magazine and children's programmes were the least popular programmes watched by those surveyed.

Community Information

Things most appreciated in the district:

As on the two other islands surveyed, people were questions about community issues, the most appreciated thing about their district or community was the different recreational activities organized at district level which includes sports, cultural and social. The building of one of the biggest shopping complexes on the island was very well appreciated by the locals. However, it seems there needs to be an improvement in the social services available in the district, this came out as the least appreciated on Praslin.

Things they don't like in the district:

Additionally with the things they like in their community, those surveyed where also asked about things they don't like in their district or things that are lacking. Most people expressed the view that there were not enough recreational activities in the district. A lack of shopping facilities was seen as a problem.

Necessary improvements in the district:

Those surveyed also had the opportunity to suggest how they think the overall life in their district can be improved. It was suggested that more social activities should be organized; this view was shared by close to one third of those surveyed (52). The youths also voiced their opinion that their needs to be more activities aimed towards the youths.

Development

Community development most appreciated:

The building of a shopping complex was seen as one of the most significant developments on the island; the extensive road networks were also appreciated. The least appreciated development was the food market, probably because it is not used to its full potential.

New developments needed:

As is the case nationally it was widely felt there is always a need for more housing accommodation and also more shopping facilities.

Social Issues

Social problems at community level:

The most common problems at community level were drugs (68) and alcohol use (66). Somehow the unfortunate problem of child abuse seems to be on the rise, 39 people stated it as one of the main social problems within their community.

Social problems at national level:

At a national level, drugs and alcohol were again the two most common issues, the third most common social problem nationally was domestic violence.

Perceived causes of social problems:

Those surveyed also had the opportunity to suggest why they think we have such problems or to what they can be attributed. The lack of employment was seen as the primary reason; people get bored, are tempted and dragged into such influences. It was also believed there is not enough information on such issues so that people can be sensitised on the issues and the possible effects they may have on one's life. In relation to youths, it was attributed to the lack of activities organized for the youths that forces the youths to turn towards such bad influences and practices.

Suggestions for dealing with social problems:

Suggestions put forward to deal with these problems were that there is a need for more open dialogues and debates, more information exchange and sharing views. More recreational/amusement activities need to be organised to keep the people occupied and away from the bad temptations.

Neighbourhood problems:

Major neighbourhood problems included littering, waste and noise pollution and the usual 'neighbourhood quarrelling and stray animals.

Environmental Issues

Environmental problems in the district:

Major problems are littering due to insufficient waste bins.

More serious environmental problem at national level:

Littering and waste pollution was again seen as the most common environmental problem.

How to protect the environment more effectively:

Those surveyed also had the opportunity to suggest how they think the environment can be protected more efficiently. Since the most common problem was waste, it was suggested that more waste bins should be put in place to curb the problem. The human resources of the environment sector should also be increased to improve monitoring and enforcement of laws and regulations. Environmental education should be continued and improved through the different media. School talks are another way to better educate the youths. Additionally it was felt that the environment workers should be more professional in their work.

Economic Aspects

Most significant economic activity at district level:

Praslin is very developed in relation to tourism, in fact it has been designated s the tourist island of Seychelles. Consequently the community felt that the most remarkable economic activity at district level was tourism The existing traditional fishing sector also is very important to the island of Praslin, since many fishing communities are spread all over the island.

General Development

Most significant development in the district:

The most significant developments in the district were the provision of housing for ordinary people and the extensive road construction network and improvement. One of the major developments on Praslin is the construction of the new airport.

Most desired development for the district:

Development that the people of Praslin felt is most needful in their community includes more organized activities, more shopping facilities, a musical stadium for live events and a modern sports complex to cater for sportive events on the island.

Most remarkable development in Seychelles:

The Praslin inhabitants were questioned on what they thought was the most remarkable development undertaken in Seychelles as a whole. The provision of housing to a large proportion of the population was seen as a major accomplishment. The land reclamation also was seen equally as being of major importance for the country in general in relation to its present and future social and economic needs. The development of tourism especially in terms of development in the 'haut-de-gamme' hotel development on Praslin was seen as one area where Seychelles has developed significantly.

Most desired development in Seychelles in next 10 years:

The final area of the survey focused on the future, precisely 10 years on. The people surveyed had the opportunity to suggest what development they would like to see in the course of the next 10 years. Provision of housing was seen as high priority for the next 10 years, due to the present situation of lack of land it was also felt that there was even more need for more land reclamation. The ever-present demand for employment also needed to be satisfied in the next 10 years.

---

LA DIGUE ISLAND

All 200 inhabitants who were approached responded positively to those carrying out the survey. La Digue is in itself a very close-knit community and the people living in harmony with nature more than on any of the other inhabited islands of the Seychelles. It is no surprise therefore that their leisure/recreational activities are directly related to the natural environment e.g. going to the beach is the most popular recreational activity. This island is also known to the people of Seychelles and to visitors as the island of tranquillity and natural beauty. And its inhabitants attach great importance to the environment around them, which they have depended so much upon and lived in harmony with over several generations.

Personal Issues

The most popular recreational and spare time activity on La Digue was going to the beach (47 %) and watching television (32%), mostly news items, sports and films. They equally enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, gardening, boating, swimming, surfing, cycling and sports activities. In terms of television programmes, there is a variety of preference ranging from environment to coverage of the National Assembly (parliament) sessions.

Community Issues

Things they appreciate the most in their community:

The relaxed atmosphere, tranquillity in the neighbourhood, in general the 'way of life' on La Digue, the unity and close-knit family surroundings.

They do not like in their district:

Police behaviour, lack of activities for the youths and health service.

What they feel missing in their community:

Social Issues

Most serious social problems:

Drugs (43%), alcohol (39%), child abuse (20%); lack of youth activities (14%); domestic violence (10%).

Possible Solutions:

Environmental Issues

The main environmental problem stated was flooding, affecting environmental health in the district. They saw pollution, solid waste management, landslides, deforestation and the lack of awareness of the people on the importance of endemic flora and fauna as main environmental problems nationally.

Suggested solutions:

Economic Issues

In terms of economic activities, the tourism and fisheries sector were seen as the most remarkable economic change in their community and nationally. Tourism and fisheries remain the dominant activities of the island and the life of that community relates in one way or another to the two sectors.

Development Issues

The most remarkable development they have seen/noticed in their district since they have been living there has been housing, the desalination project and the construction of an amusement centre for the island.

Diguois, as they are called locally, are very cautious when asking for more development, the way of life on the island is treasured and appreciated by the people of Seychelles in general, so any development move is put forward with the utmost consideration to the "La Digue way of life". But nevertheless the community were very open in terms what they want economically.

Development needs on La Digue:

Priority Issues of Concern

Concerns were voiced in respect of general issues and aimed at different targets. The following were considered to be of high priority both at district and national levels:

Socio-economic concerns:

Environmental concerns:

---

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE SURVEYS

Future Surveys

Community survey participants have recommended that future surveys should cover a larger percentage of the population. There is a need for a more balanced representation of participants. This will naturally require more resources, both human and material, to conduct the survey, to compile data and to prepare a report on the findings.

Recommendation from Civil Society

Details relevant to gender and age groups of participants should be recorded in a future community survey.