LIBERIA (2011): UNDERSTANDING THE DRIVERS AND BARRIERS FOR HAND WASHIND AND SANITATION PRACTICES AMONG CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE IN THREE COUNTIES OF LIBERIA

Since February 2010 CHF International (CHF) in collaboration with PSI/Liberia has been implementing the five-year Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWASH) program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The purpose of this study is to collect information to improve the design of existing BCC messages to improve WASH practices in the 3 counties and selected communities in Greater Monrovia. Between October and November of 2011 PSI Liberia will conduct a qualitative gap study to gather information in the above mentioned areas. Rapid qualitative research (PRA) and ethnographic methods will be used to collect data. This method was chosen because: (i) time-lines for the study are compressed and extensive qualitative methods which require long periods of data-processing and analysis are not possible; (ii) rapid participatory methods are particularly relevant within the arena of WASH given that the divergence between knowledge, belief and self-reported practice are often profound. Rapid and ethnographic techniques aim to put the respondent or Key Informant in a position of ease in which data-collection is more natural and hence more likely to generate rich data. PRA and ethnographic techniques also provide opportunities for direct observation.The qualitative gap study will complement and en rich insights emerging from the TRaC study and a customer market survey conducted by CHF. The qualitative study will respond to and be informed by insights emerging from CHF's rapid assessment of the ongoing program. The qualitative method will utilize an assortment of exercises, tools and techniques. Not all exercises/tools will be used with all respondents and in all communities.