While COVID-19 is undoubtedly having an impact on economies in sub-Saharan Africa, cases and deaths in the region so far have been relatively low, a fact which has perplexed many scientists. Low testing rates could be partially to blame, however countries such as Kenya have not seen a large rise in unattributed deaths that could have been caused by coronavirus. For now, the real crisis in emerging regions is in Latin America. Brazil, Latin America’s most populated country, has recorded over 110,000 deaths, and the entire region spanning from Mexico to Chile has experienced over 250,000 deaths and 5 million cases.

Conducting Research in Latin America and the Caribbean

The United Nations has predicted that COVID-19 will lead to the worst recession in Latin America in 100 years, and the impacts of the pandemic in Latin America have been exasperated by existing conditions including high rates of poverty, impacts of climate change, and violence. The Caribbean is also facing unique challenges due to COVID-19. While most island nations have low case counts, their reliance on tourism and high costs of imported goods will have a strong economic effect, with the IMF predicting an economic contraction of 6.2% in the Caribbean.

Government corruption and humanitarian crises in the region can not only compound the effect of COVID-19, but also make gathering accurate data on the virus’ impacts a challenge. Official reporting can often be incomplete; In June, Brazil was ordered by its own Supreme Court to reinstate a website reporting COVID-19 cases after it had been taken down by the government. In Venezuela, which is still in the midst of a political crisis that has alienated it’s government from other countries, it is widely suspected that the actual case count is much higher than has been officially reported.

In addition to inconsistent government reporting, COVID-19 has prevented international organizations from safely gathering on-the-ground data in Latin American and the Caribbean. A lack of reliable, accurate data on not only the spread of COVID-19 itself but also its impact on areas including food security, job loss, and education can make it difficult for humanitarian and healthcare organizations to effectively assess needs and deliver aid. Due to the infeasibility of face-to-face research, humanitarian organizations have turned to Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) to continue gathering vital data in Latin America and the Caribbean. Organizations including the Inter-American Development Bank, Innovations for Poverty Action, and the World Bank are already using CATI for research projects examining COVID-19’s impact on everything from education and family wellbeing, to how indigenous populations are being affected by the virus.

CATI enables organizations to conduct research even with those who are illiterate and do not have internet access by using voice calls from trained local interviewers. Latin America has one of the fastest growth rates of mobile penetration in the globe, and mobile-based methods such as CATI voice calls allow for research to be conducted safely and remotely. GeoPoll currently operates call centers in several countries in Latin America and has capabilities throughout the region. To learn more about GeoPoll’s operations in Latin America and the Caribbean please contact us today.

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Latin America & the Caribbean is a vast area that spreads from Mexico to the islands that make up the Caribbean and throughout South America. The region is characterized by a 

In Venezuela, political unrest and violence have created an acute humanitarian crisis with high numbers of the population fleeing to neighboring countries. Additionally, Latin America is at risk for natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes that could hurt fragile economies. Areas of promise in the region include a growing tourism industry and an increase in funding from venture capital. Growing levels of mobile and smartphone penetration also contribute to economic growth and increased connectivity in the region; It is expected that by 2025 73% of the population will have mobile phones, and mobile internet will have a 64% penetration rate.

As economic advisors, investors, and humanitarian organizations keep a close eye on developments in the region, organizations will require research to better understand on-the-ground situations. As with other emerging areas, researching in Latin America presents unique challenges that must be addressed before embarking on a project. In addition to the diversity in dialects and cultures found across the region, certain research methodologies such as online surveys are not as representative in Latin America as they would be in developed countries. Below we outline some of the different methods that can be used to conduct research in Latin America:

In-Person Interviews in Latin America

Latin America has traditionally relied on in-person research, but it can be difficult to reach some groups through face-to-face interviews. The danger of sending interviewers to certain areas makes gathering data from the lower socioeconomic groups challenging. On the opposite end of the spectrum, wealthier populations often live in gated communities or are unwilling to open doors to researchers.

Online Research in Latin America

While internet penetration rates have grown in Latin America, penetration varies by country and also within each country, with wealthier populations having higher rates of access. Additionally, many of those who access the internet do so via their mobile devices. While online research can be conducted in Latin America, researchers must take into consideration the populations they are aiming to reach and ensure that studies are designed to work on mobile screens.

Voice Call or CATI Research in Latin America

The growth of mobile penetration in Latin America has led more researchers to consider voice call interviews, often administered through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing or CATI applications. CATI research can reach populations even when security threats are present, and allows for illiterate populations to be interviewed. Due to the number of regional dialects and differing cultural contexts within Latin America, CATI research should be done by specially recruited and trained interviewers.

SMS or Text Message Research in Latin America

As with CATI research, growing mobile penetration rates can allow for research to be conducted via SMS or text message survey. SMS surveys are shorter in length than those administered through voice call, in-person, or online methods, but can be effective at gathering data quickly from many segments of a population.

Conduct Research in Latin America with GeoPoll

GeoPoll is experienced in conducting research from hard-to-reach populations in emerging regions around the world, including in Latin America. We undertake work in several countries within Latin American and can quickly launch in new markets via several of the methodologies mentioned above. To learn more about GeoPoll’s capabilities and coverage in Latin American, please contact us today.  

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