As the global health community springs into action to support the DRC’s government-led response, GeoPoll conducted a nationwide survey in the DRC to assess public awareness and concern about the mpox outbreak. The remote mobile phone-based survey addressed a number of topics related to the outbreak, including:

• Awareness of the mpox outbreak in the DRC
• Understanding of mpox transmission and symptoms
• Household and community mpox experience and risk
• Awareness of the mpox vaccine
• Intent to vaccinate for mpox and reasons for hesitancy
• Sources of mpox and public health information
• Assessment of the government’s reaction to the outbreak

Findings from the survey show that almost all respondents are aware of the current mpox outbreak in the DRC (92%), primarily hearing about it through social media. Most are also familiar with the symptoms and recommended prevention measures for the disease.

Vaccination presents a different story, however, with only 39% of respondents aware that an mpox vaccine is available, and only 35% likely to get the vaccine if it is. The primary drivers of hesitancy include uncertainty about the vaccine’s effectiveness, lack of knowledge/awareness, and potential health risks. Distrust of health facilities also presents an obstacle.

Click below to download GeoPoll’s full written report on the mpox outbreak in the DRC or scroll down to view the survey data in the interactive dashboard.

Interactive Data Dashboard

Dive deeper into GeoPoll’s data on the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo using the interactive dashboard below. The dashboard provides responses to each question in the survey, filterable by gender, age group, and province.

Collect Data During Humanitarian Crisis with GeoPoll

GeoPoll is a full-service market and social research agency that conducts surveys via computer- assisted telephone interviewing (CATI), computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), short message service (SMS), WhatsApp, and mobile web/mobile application communications. We also conduct online and offline qualitative research.

GeoPoll regularly conducts international development and humanitarian aid research for United Nations agencies, NGOs, governments, humanitarian groups and other stakeholders in the development and relief sectors.

In times of crisis, GeoPoll’s mobile surveys can reach aid beneficiaries and vulnerable populations to collect vital data on food security, disaster relief, and more. Our remote research capabilities and innovative technology platform allow GeoPoll to survey communities that are inaccessible following natural disasters, conflict, or disease outbreaks, enabling organizations to gather on-the-ground insights in real-time and disseminate information quickly and safely.

For more information about GeoPoll and this report, contact us today.

The post GeoPoll Reports: Mpox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo appeared first on GeoPoll.

Traditionally, self-administered surveys were distributed by mail or in-person to a large group of people and completed with paper and pencil. Although mail surveys are still standard in countries with a strong postal system, advances in technology have pushed many self-administered surveys online and to mobile phones. Utilizing digital survey tools enables researchers to gather data from almost any geographic location in less time and for less money than traditional methods.

In this post, we discuss several common and relatively new self-administered survey modes.

Types of Digital Self-Administered Surveys

Digital self-administered surveys range from simple text messages to elaborate web surveys with animation and video effects.

• SMS Surveys: A self-administered survey collected from
  respondents using short message service (SMS or text) through mobile network connections. SMS surveys are conducted as a 2-way text message conversation, with one survey question sent at a time. This method is ideal for some populations, such as those found in countries in sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America, because it does not require respondents to have internet connectivity.
• Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Surveys: USSD is a communication protocol on mobile phones that allows for real-time connection between a respondent’s phone and a mobile network or server to implement survey questions. Similar to SMS in functionality, USSD surveys do not require strong mobile network access to facilitate.
• Web Surveys: Web or Internet surveys utilize the Internet to sample and/or gather data from respondents. Respondents typically click a link to access web surveys on their smartphone, computer or tablet. Web surveys allow for complex question types and stimuli, including video, audio, picture, and matrix questions.
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR): IVR is a computer based data collection technology that enables computer systems to independently place calls and conduct surveys via audio recording, while voice and touch-tone detection technology are used to document respondent’s answers to survey questions. Voice recorded surveys of this nature enable respondents to answer a voice call and respond to survey questions by pressing 1, 2, or 3 on their keypad. Once mobile phone users pick up the call, they opt-in to complete the survey.
• Computerized-Response Audience Polling (CRAP): In a CRAP survey, a sample of telephone numbers is typically loaded into a computer for automatic dialing. CRAP surveys function similarly to IVR surveys, in that respondents use the keypad on their phone to answer pre-recorded voice survey questions one by one. What differentiates CRAP surveys is that they employ the digitized voice of someone presumed to be known by the sample, such as a celebrity or local newscaster.
• Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (CASI): CASI surveys utilize specialized software to present individual questions to respondents visually on a computer screen. Respondents reply to each question using the computer’s keyboard or touchscreen. CASI surveys are administered without an interviewer, enabling respondents to confidentially answer questions of a sensitive nature.
• Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI): ACASI surveys add a digitally generated or recorded voice-over to CASI survey questions. Respondents hear the survey questions read to them as they view the written questions on their computer screen. They answer the questions by typing in their responses using a keyboard or touchscreen.
• WhatsApp Surveys: WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging applications in the world. The explosion of WhatsApp in recent years has led to its development as an Internet survey platform. WhatsApp provides flexibility for the administration of complex mobile phone-based surveys that enable the exchange of rich media both to and from respondents, including photos, audio, video, GIFs, and animations.

Conduct Self-Administered Surveys with GeoPoll

GeoPoll has experience designing and implementing self-administered surveys all over the world for clients ranging from global brands and international development organizations to local media stations and NGOs. We understand that every project is unique and are adaptable to a variety of research modes. Contact GeoPoll today to discuss which mode is best suited for your custom research project.

The post Self-Administered Survey Modes appeared first on GeoPoll.

In this article, we go through each GeoPoll mobile survey mode, in summary, highlighting their best use cases and benefits.

Short Message Service (SMS/ text message)

SMS surveys are self-administered surveys sent to respondents one question at a time (see an example here). SMS surveys do not require respondents to have internet connectivity or airtime credit, and the survey invitation is received even if the phone is turned off or out of service range when sent. Respondents can also answer the questions at their leisure, ensuring privacy when taking surveys with sensitive questions.

Learn more about SMS surveys >>>

Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI)

CATI surveys are administered through experienced call center interviewers based in the country they are calling. GeoPoll interviewers undergo rigorous training for each project they administer and are overseen by dedicated in-market call center supervisors and GeoPoll’s senior team. GeoPoll’s proprietary mobile application for CATI interviewers facilitates interviewer flow, data collection, and interviewer oversight and can be utilized on any smartphone or tablet. Features of our CATI Application include offline mode, call recording, multi-lingual support, and more.

Learn more about live call interviews >>>

Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI)

Built on the same system as GeoPoll’s CATI application, GeoPoll’s CAPI application facilitates face-to-face data collection in the field, removing the need for paper questionnaires and manual data collation. The CAPI application does not require interviewers to have internet access when conducting surveys and provides interviewer metrics for overseeing projects.

Learn more about face to face interviews >>>

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

IVR is a self-administered survey method in which pre-recorded voice surveys are initiated via phone call, and respondents key in answers on their dial-pad. IVR is useful for reaching illiterate populations through voice calls without training call center interviewers and can therefore send a mass amount of surveys at once through automated software.

Learn more about IVR >>>

Mobile Web

Mobile Web surveys are self-administered surveys requiring respondents to have internet-capable phones with an active WiFi or data connection. Respondents are sent an initial SMS message with a link to a survey, which drives respondents to their web browser to complete the survey. Mobile web surveys support GPS location, video/picture questions, and matrix/ table/ grid format questions.

Learn more about GeoPoll mobile links >>>

Mobile Application

Mobile app surveys require a smartphone, although the mobile application does allow for offline use. Respondents who download the GeoPoll mobile application are sent notifications to participate in surveys through GeoPoll’s mobile app. The mobile app includes, with respondent consent, additional capabilities such as GPS location, picture taking, and passive data collection.

Learn more about the GeoPoll App >>>

Focus Groups

GeoPoll can implement focus group research through mobile chat groups overseen by an experienced moderator. Focus groups allow for sharing video and picture content, structured discussions, and other tasks and can be maintained over a more extended time than in-person groups.

Learn more about MROCs >>>

WhatsApp Mode

WhatsApp is GeoPoll’s latest survey mode and one of the most robust owing to WhatsApp’s reach, affordability, and ability to conduct rich media surveys within an environment most respondents are familiar with. Surveys on WhatsApp can be longer and more complex than SMS, and we can use audio and visual stimuli, meaning we can send picture or video content for respondents to answer questions about and even get photos and recordings back from respondents.

Learn more about GeoPoll WhatsApp surveys >>>

Conduct mobile research in emerging markets

At GeoPoll, we have spent years studying how to best connect with survey respondents in emerging markets worldwide. Picking the correct mode for accomplishing your research goals is one of the most important decisions before data collection begins. Contact GeoPoll today to discuss what research mode is best for your project.

The post GeoPoll’s Mobile Survey Modes and How Each Works appeared first on GeoPoll.

Organizations such as the World Bank and the World Food Programme have been ahead of the curve, testing how different mobile methodologies compare to traditional F2F methods, or providing respondents recruited in-person with mobile phones for follow up studies. Others have used remote methodologies when in-person data collection was inadvisable, such as during the 2014-2015 West African Ebola outbreak, but have primarily relied on in-person methodologies where possible.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues it is clear that for researchers, coronavirus may represent a tipping point in the adoption of remote research methods. Even with precautions in place, face-to-face interactions put both interviewers and respondents at higher risk of contracting a devastating virus, and yet there is a pressing need for data on both COVID-19 itself and the impact it will have across countries and sectors. The question has become not if researchers will need to transition to remote-based methodologies, but how we as a research community can make the most of this unanticipated shift to remote data collection.

Mobile-Based Research in Emerging Regions: Where We are Now

When GeoPoll began offering surveys via 2-way SMS in 2012, we encountered obstacles surrounding not only the buildout of our platform, but also a resistance to the idea that reliable, valid research could be conducted through remote surveys administered through mobile phones. Entering the industry as a mobile technology company, we did not recognize all the nuances and biases of gathering data through methodologies which had not yet been tested at scale.

We overcame questions surrounding the representativeness and quality of data collected through mobile by implementing strict quality control systems and running research experiments that expanded our knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of various mobile modes. One study we conducted found that select-all-that-apply style questions have a lower number of responses in SMS than forced-choice questions, while another found that drop-off rates increase for SMS questionnaires as they get longer.

Studies by other organizations have examined response and completion rates, and the sample skew of various modes. Research on mobile samples has found that mobile phone owners tend to be more educated than general populations, and that the population reached varies depending on the mode uses. Studies have also looked at how to improve SMS opt-in rates, finding that higher incentives don’t lead to higher response rates, but that sending reminders can improve the participation of older and less educated respondents. The World Food Programme has shown that mobile surveys can accurately demonstrate food security trends at a lower cost than face-to-face interviews, and The World Bank has conducted various studies during health crisis or conflict which demonstrate the usefulness of mobile surveys especially during rapid-response situations.

The Future of Mobile-Based Research in Emerging Region

Although mobile-based research in countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America has increased in the past few years, it has often supplemented in-person research. For fully-mobile studies such as those being conducted during COVID-19, Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing, live voice calls conducted from a call center or remotely, has emerged as a favored mode as it allows for longer interviews than SMS, is interviewer-administered, and can reach illiterate populations.

While limited research is available that directly compares results from CATI studies to face-to-face research, studies have found CATI to have higher response rates than other mobile modes, and that CATI is better at reaching older populations than SMS or IVR, an automated voice-call method. During COVID-19, CATI is being used by multiple academic and governmental groups who are looking to balance the need for remote data collection with research requirements. GeoPoll itself has seen a huge increase in demand for CATI surveys, resulting in the completion of nearly 100,000 CATI interviews in the month of July alone.

In research, there is often a fear of the unknown, but the benefits of remote data collection – namely the relative speed, wide reach, and relatively low cost – often outweigh the methodological challenges. During a time when in-person research is impossible, researchers have the ability to test these methods at scale so they can be used not only during times of crisis, but incorporated as part of a viable research approach in all projects. Research is ever-evolving, and at a moment when many are being forced to experiment with new methods, we have the opportunity to document learnings that will benefit the industry even after the pandemic has subsided.

The post COVID-19: A Tipping Point for Remote Research appeared first on GeoPoll.

“Please send me more surveys on SMS.”

“I am getting more surveys on SMS than the App.”

“I used to receive more surveys on SMS than I am now.”

A common question we receive from our community members is if there are channels we prefer for surveys over others – such as SMS vs the GeoPoll Application. In this post, we will debunk this.

The simple answer is the survey method is dependent on the research project itself. GeoPoll and our clients will choose the method that is most suitable for the survey itself, the target audience, and other factors.

Let’s dive in some more, shall we?

GeoPoll runs surveys through several channels, including SMS, mobile web, app, voice calls, and messaging apps, among others. Choosing one or more of these for a survey or series of surveys is a well-thought-through process. Choosing who will receive each survey is a combination of targeting and random selection: In addition to basing survey selection on certain criteria such as your age, gender, and location, even those who meet the criteria for a survey will not necessarily be chosen. In order to maintain the integrity of our research, we must distribute surveys randomly to our userbase.

GeoPoll does not necessarily select users to be specifically receiving SMS surveys and others to receive, say, App surveys. But by making yourself a GeoPoll user on multiple channels – say SMS and the GeoPoll App, you are more likely to get selected for a survey.

For example, a survey that has images will not work on SMS. So, we will send it randomly to people who have the App, or through a mobile web link. In the same way, certain surveys can be comfortably taken on SMS, Mobile Web, AND the App – in which case we will choose one, or all methods as necessary.

So, which one is better?

Each method has its advantages. SMS and mobile web give you an immediate payment while the App lets you build your credit, which you can then redeem for a higher payout. You don’t need an Internet connection to take SMS surveys, while the App gives you access to more survey types, and often has more surveys available for you to take.

Our advice:

Download the GeoPoll App and register your profile. You will have access to most survey types and other tasks that cannot be done on SMS… along with other fun and paid activities. Also, when you register your profile on the App, you are eligible to get included in all the other channels, including SMS. You win-win-win!

Get the GeoPoll App now.

The post GeoPoll App or SMS: Which is better? appeared first on GeoPoll.

We are pleased to now offer our SMS connectivity in 27 countries to clients who want to tap into our integrations while using their own software to send surveys, emergency communications, and more. GeoPoll’s SMS API is unique in that it enables both one-way and two-way messaging and includes shortcodes that make messages free for mobile users to receive and reply to – which is vital in countries where airtime credit is a valuable commodity.

Users of GeoPoll’s SMS API have multiple ways to initiate a one- or two-way SMS session with their desired audience:

• Send messages to their own database of phone numbers, such as aid beneficiaries or program participants
• Leverage GeoPoll’s user database to send messages to audiences targeted by location and demographics
• Prompt users to initiate a session through a text-in keyword distributed on product packaging or through another form of communication – for example, “Text SURVEY to 70555”, which would prompt a trigger and initiate a session

Once a session is established, all messages received from a user will be delivered to the client until the session expires after a specified period of time. The number of messages sent/received, billing details, and more can be managed through GeoPoll’s portal.

This video shows an example of a user-initiated session and survey flow:

Send Two-Way Messages to Africa

By using GeoPoll’s SMS API, clients are able to take advantage of GeoPoll’s pre-negotiated, competitive rates for message sending in countries that are often underserved by other providers, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and South Sudan. We have navigated regulations and completed time-consuming technical integrations with multiple leading mobile network operators in each of these countries, and now other organizations can leverage GeoPoll’s connectivity without going through the hassle of completing their own integration or managing their own shortcodes.

We’re excited to see how other organizations will utilize our vast network of SMS connectivity in emerging regions. To view the full list of connectivity and request more details, please visit this page.

The post GeoPoll Launches SMS API for Africa, Asia and the Middle East appeared first on GeoPoll.

Immediately following the Benin vs Senegal AFCON quarterfinals, GeoPoll ran a survey in Benin to gauge interest in AFCON and viewership of the quarter-final, including where and how people followed the match. The survey was run via SMS to a sample size of 400 respondents, who were mostly male and younger, in line with the typical football viewing audience.

Viewership of AFCON Quarterfinals in Benin

Results demonstrated high interest in AFCON among this group, with 82% stating they have been following AFCON results this year, compared to 64% who followed in 2017, when Benin did not qualify. Of those who were following AFCON, a whopping 93%, or 78% of total respondents, reported watching the July 10 quarterfinal match.

Despite an increase in alternative viewing platforms for football matches, GeoPoll found that a majority, 79%, watched the game on TV, with 8% listening on radio and just 6% via their mobile phone. Many viewers watched at the home of friends or family, rather than at their own home: 45% of respondents reported watching at other’s homes, compared to 30% who watched at their own home and 19% who watched at either a restaurant/bar or another public viewing place. Friends and family were also the most common viewing partners for the match.

Several pay and free-to-air TV stations in Benin aired the matches, with most respondents (44%) watching on ORTB, one of the main FTA stations in the country. This was followed by Canal+ Sport, which 25% of respondents tuned into for the quarterfinal match. Interestingly given the dominance of ORTB and Canal+ Sport, 18% reported watching on another un-specified station.

AFCON Sources of Information and Betting Participation

GeoPoll also examined sources of information on the AFCON tournament overall, as news and updates on the tournament extend outside of the matches themselves. Results show that social media network Facebook has risen above TV to be the top reported source for AFCON updates, with 27% naming Facebook their main source of information. However, traditional media still remains strong in this category: Combining TV, radio, and newspapers as sources of information we find that 47% are relying on these mediums rather than social media or websites such as Yahoo Sport.

Sports gambling is a phenomenon that has gripped many in Africa, and is especially active during tournaments such as the World Cup and AFCON when national teams are vying for a title. In Benin, GeoPoll finds that just 30% of the football-viewing audience has placed bets on AFCON so far, lower than the numbers seen in countries such as Nigeria and Kenya. Of those who have placed bets, 24% used Yellow Bet, an online sports betting platform.

Predicted AFCON Winners

With Benin now out of the tournament, 35% believe that Nigeria will win AFCON, followed by 26% who believe that Senegal will take the trophy. Interestingly, even though Benin lost to Senegal, Senegalese player Sadio Mane was named by 42% as being the player of the tournament so far, with the two leading Beninese players, M. Pote and Saturin Allagbe, coming in second and third at 13% and 6% respectively.

It is clear that their national team Les Écureuils (The Squirrels) making the quarterfinals for the first time has captured the nation, and we expect the population to be looking forward to the next AFCON tournament in 2021.

To learn more about GeoPoll in Benin or conduct your own survey, please contact us today.

The post Interest in AFCON Runs High in Benin through the Quarter Finals appeared first on GeoPoll.

Slowly but surely, mobile phone penetration in Africa is improving. In this article, we discuss the current state of mobile phone usage, the implications of this technology, and what future predictions indicate.

What does “Mobile Penetration” Mean?

In order to examine mobile phone penetration, we must first define what we mean by ‘mobile penetration rate’ – there are two definitions of the term that are commonly used:

• SIM Card Penetration: The total number of SIM card connections in a country or region, as a percentage of the total population of that country/region
• Unique Subscriber Penetration: The number of unique individuals who own a mobile phone, as a percentage of the total population

There is a third, less-used definition, which depending on the circumstance should also be considered:

• Mobile Access Penetration: The number of unique individuals who have regular access to a mobile phone, even if they do not personally own one, as a percentage of the total population

As these terms are used interchangeably depending on the source, in order to get a complete picture of mobile penetration rates we should consider all three of these types of penetration, and examine multiple data sources for each. Below we go through the challenges of gathering accurate data on mobile penetration in sub-Saharan Africa and present some of the most recent statistics that are available publicly.

The Challenge of Gathering Mobile Penetration Rates in Africa

In recent years, mobile phone penetration is sub-Saharan Africa has increased dramatically. According to the most recent report from GSMA, an association of mobile network operators worldwide, there are 747 million SIM connections in sub-Saharan Africa, representing 75% of the population. However, it can be difficult to get an accurate estimate of the number of unique subscribers throughout the region, and even more challenging to tell who has access to a mobile phone, even if they do not own one. This is due to multiple factors around phone usage in sub-Saharan Africa: For example, it is common for individuals to own multiple SIM cards, switching between them in order to take advantage of a particular network’s deals or to maintain service when one network goes down. At the same time, if an individual does not own a phone, they may have access to someone else’s: Even in 2013, 58% of Kenyans who did not own a mobile phone said that they shared one with someone else.

In addition, data collection in this diverse region is difficult, especially when measuring statistics such as mobile penetration, which require face-to-face data collection in order to include those who cannot be reached via mobile. Language barriers, lack of infrastructure, and the sheer number of people throughout Sub-Saharan Africa make collecting face-to-face data nearly impossible due to cost and time constraints, especially in rural areas. No one knows, in fact, just how many people live in this region— some nations have not conducted a census in decades, if at all. Political turmoil poses another obstacle, as many citizens of turbulent nations like The Democratic Republic of the Congo are displaced and otherwise unaccounted for.

While mobile-based surveying methodologies can alleviate these issues, getting the initial statistics on mobile usage can be a challenge. There have not been any studies throughout sub-Saharan Africa looking at mobile usage, and most available statistics rely on numbers provided from mobile network operators.

Current Mobile Penetration in sub-Saharan Africa

Instead of looking at mobile penetration of the region as a whole, we must look at individual countries. This both allows us to bring in studies conducted via face-to-face methods in individual countries, and provides a more granular look at penetration rates, rather than examining averages across the region.

Some of the most recent mobile usage statistics come from a 2017 Pew Research Center study, which found that approximately 91% of South African adults own mobile phones, with 51% of adults owning smartphones and the remaining 40% percent owning standard cellphones. Ghana has an 80% ownership rate, and Senegal follows closely behind with a 79% ownership rate, with 34% of adults owning a smartphone and 46% of adults owning a standard smartphone. Nigeria and Kenya also had an 80% ownership rate, while in Tanzania 75% of adults reported owning a mobile phone. The study does find that those with lower education rates are less likely to own mobile phones, and much less likely to own smartphones, highlighting the ongoing importance of basic phones in sub-Saharan Africa.

For the most recent unique subscriber penetration numbers in multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa, we also recommend this report from GSMA in 2017, though their estimates for unique penetration are less than those found through research firms such as Pew and would not take shared mobile devices into account.

Another GSMA report from 2019 looks at West Africa specifically, finding that across the region there is an 86% SIM connection penetration rate, and that mobile internet has a 26% penetration rate. Smartphone usage and mobile internet penetration is expected to grow even more quickly than overall mobile usage in the next few years, and it is predicted that by 2025 mobile internet will have a 40% penetration rate in West Africa.

Benefits of Mobile Access in sub-Saharan Africa

Unsurprisingly, countries with higher concentrations of mobile phone usage and mobile phone access have more successful economies. Without mobile phones and broadband access, rural nations lack the resources necessary to expand their GDP.  Mobile technology, particularly in the past decade, is essential to keep up with international trade and pioneer new innovations. Kenya’s economy is a shining example of what’s to come.

Since the introduction of liberal telecommunications legislation in the late ‘90s, Kenya’s economy has transformed. Mobile penetration rates rose from 1% in 2002 to 39% in 2014, a monumental shift in little more than a decade. This increase was only the beginning— as of 2019, Kenya’s SIM connection penetration rate is an incredible 100.1%.

This increased mobile access plays a major part in the nation’s growing economy. New developments like the Kenya Internet Exchange point, which serves as an international routing hub for the country’s mobile technology, have allowed mobile-based systems to take root throughout the nation. Thanks to their high mobile phone penetration rate, Kenya is now home to key advancements like cutting-edge IoT technology. Mobile banking is changing the face of Kenya, too, and is now available in previously underserved rural areas. As such, productivity, profitability, and even infrastructure is rapidly improving.

What’s Next for Mobile in Africa?

Mobile phone penetration is skyrocketing throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. As mobile phone technology becomes more widespread and less expensive, more sub-Saharan African citizens will have access to technology that was previously inaccessible. According to GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report Series, 84% of the population (1 billion people) will have access to a SIM connection by 2025, a 3.7% increase from 2017.  This increased penetration is estimated to increase the Sub-Saharan African Economy by as much as $150 billion.

As this growth occurs, it is important for more studies to be conducted on mobile access in addition to mobile penetration. We should also continue to examine smartphone and mobile internet adoption while making sure not to discount those portions of the population who do not have access to mobile internet. GeoPoll leverages the growing power of mobile to conduct surveys throughout sub-Saharan Africa. We reach people on their own mobile devices through SMS surveys, voice calls, and web-based methodologies, and also conduct in-person surveys recorded on mobile devices in order to reach those who do not have access to their own mobile phone. For more information on our mobile methodology please contact us today.

The post Mobile Phone Penetration Throughout Sub-Saharan Africa appeared first on GeoPoll.

Data from Mozambique on Destruction and Aid Needed following Cyclone Idai

GeoPoll’s initial data, which is represented in an interactive dashboard below, was collected on March 21st from Sofala, Inhambane, Manica, and Zambezia provinces in Mozambique. GeoPoll was able to reach 700 respondents over the age of 18, all of whom were impacted by cyclone Idai, and who represent households of over 4,700 total individuals. The survey was conducted in Portuguese.

Out of the 700 respondents, 206 are located in Sofala province, which was directly hit by the cyclone, and 185 respondents were from Beira, a coastal city of 500,000 which has been devastated by flooding following the cyclone. The data represents those we have been able to reach so far via mobile phone, and does not provide a complete picture of the situation, but does give valuable insights on the level of destruction across the region. Highlights from the data include:

• 78% in Sofala do not have access to clean drinking water
• 78% in Sofala do not have access to electricity
• 85% total say they had damages to their home, with 39% characterizing damages as major – in Sofala, 90% had damages, with 56% saying they are major damages
• Just 19% overall and 12% in Sofala have received aid since the cyclone
• Of those who have received aid, 60% received food aid, 21% shelter, 20% clean water, 7% electrical connection and 4% cash
• Aid most needed is quite split with 32% saying food is most needed, followed by shelter at 18% and cash at 16%. In Sofala they say food aid is needed more, at 40%, followed by clean water at 19% and cash and shelter both at 13%
• In terms of food security, 75% report they have eaten fewer meals on 3 or more days in the past week. In Sofala 77% have eaten fewer meals on 3 or more days, and  10% have eaten fewer meals on 7 of the past 7 days.

Open-ended responses on the damage to people’s homes provide further details into the individual’s situations and include the following statements:

• “Lost almost all goods including home”
• “The living room wall and ceiling fell left, farm buildings flooded and destroyed the vegetables.”
• “Fallen ceiling, I lost my chickens, duck and my goats”
• “My house is destroyed, my bovine cattle dead, I had 4 heads and a machine”
• “In my house I lost 3 windows and the roof cover made of zinc sheets were all ruined”
• “The house has been removed almost all sheets, and one of the bedrooms collapsed, the land is totally flooded, and my small farm was devastated by the wind”
• “All the sheets went out of the house, one of the walls of the house went down, several fallen trees and practically wet all the food we had.”
• “House is destroyed, homeless, we had little food, wet with rain”
• “Still homeless, rice in the farm rotted because of the excess”
• “All destroyed, no place to stay, inside full of water”
• “Destruction, everything is lost”

To be alerted when GeoPoll collects more data from communities affected by cyclone Idai please fill out the form below and we will notify you as soon as new data is released. To get in touch with a member of GeoPoll’s team contact us here.

Get Alerted to New Data on Cyclone Idai

The post Cyclone Idai: On the Ground Data from Mozambique appeared first on GeoPoll.

In 2014, Pooja Panesar from Kaizora Institute conducted some research on the perception and understanding of various disabilities among Kenyans. A correlation on the educational background and level of exposure to the perception of various disabilities was found whereby individuals from the rural areas with less educational access have a higher perception of disabilities as a result of witchcraft or being cursed. They seek out treatment in the form of prayers and traditional healers among others. In the cities, there is a better understand of autism being a disability for which a medical doctor should be consulted with followed by various interventions. There is still a gap on awareness of evidence-based interventions for ASD. Based on the informal results obtained from this survey in 2014, GeoPoll and Kaizora put together a survey that helps to give a better idea on awareness of ASD in addition to the rate of diagnosis and where the diagnosis is being done (the validity of the diagnosis).

Autism in Kenya Survey Results

In order to fill the gap on prevalence and understanding of ASD, GeoPoll and Kaizora Institute collaborated to run a survey with 1354 respondents. While full conclusions cannot be drawn from the scope of this study, results show an initial view of autism in the country. Respondents were age 18-35, with 48% in the 18-25 age range and 52% in the 26-35 age range, 50% male and 50% female. In terms of location, 52% of respondents were from a rural area and 48% from an urban area. Respondents came from 45 of Kenya’s 47 counties.

Results show that only 17% of those who know someone with Autism or another disorder are referring to themselves or a family member, while the additional 83% who know an individual with a disorder know someone within the community with a disorder.

Diagnoses types and locations

There is no blood test or other straight forward blood test that can diagnose autism. A diagnosis requires in-depth observations of the child along with parent questionnaires by a team of qualified professionals. Red flags for autism can be seen in a child as young as 9 months and autism can be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age. Early detection is imperative as it leads to early intervention which has been shown to improve symptoms significantly.

Individuals were diagnosed with a range of disorders on the autism spectrum, and diagnoses were most often made by neurologists, with 25% of respondents identifying a neurologist among the doctors who made their diagnosis, and pediatricians, with 25% also identify a pediatrician as having made their diagnosis. Psychologists and social workers were each identified by 18% of respondents as having had a part in their diagnoses, while 15% said a speech therapist made their diagnosis. Interestingly, of those who reporting having members in their household with autism, only 59% had received an official diagnosis.

Diagnoses were made at a variety of hospitals around Kenya, with Kenyatta National Hospital having the highest percentage of diagnoses – 14% of reported diagnoses were at Kenyatta National Hospital. Approximately 5% reported that their diagnosis or the diagnosis of their family member was made at Nairobi Hospital. An additional 5% reported a diagnosis was made at Aga Khan Hospital.

Challenges for those with autism

GeoPoll examined levels of schooling and employment among individuals living with autism in Kenya. Based on answers of those with autism or who have family members with autism, only 26% of the individuals with autism are currently employed in any form. Schooling levels are higher, with 59% of those with autism attending formal schooling.

Both those with a family member with autism and who have autism themselves agree that more support from the government is needed, with just 16% saying they have enough support from the government.  Out of the larger sample of those who know people with autism, 74% say those with autism do not get enough support from the government. Financial assistance is the most cited type of support needed, followed by help with drug costs and employment needs. Some of the open-ended answers on government support needed included “Education, rehabilitation, employment,” “Special schools for them, funds to help parents take care of them,” and “Records of autistic people, mandatory school laws, follow up on care, anti stigma campaigns and acceptance.”

The lack of data on autism in Kenya and many other countries can prevent funding for financial assistance, specially-designed educational programs, and awareness campaigns. Initial data from this study shows the need for more research on autism in Kenya so that more inclusive programs for those with autism can be developed over time.

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