Beneficiary Communications Evaluation: Haiti Earthquake Operation 2011
This evaluation assesses the impact of beneficiary communication activities conducted during the Haiti Earthquake Operation from January 2010 onward. Drawing on 626 individual interviews, 19 focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observation across ten sites in and around Port-au-Prince, it examines how Haitian beneficiaries used, perceived, and responded to Red Cross communication tools and campaigns—and what information needs remained unmet.
The evaluation documents strong overall performance: 74% of respondents reported receiving information from the Red Cross, 96% found it useful, 83% took action as a result, and 73% shared it with others. It provides detailed analysis of each communication channel used by the IFRC and Haitian Red Cross, including the Radyo Kwa Wouj radio show, mass SMS campaigns via the TERA system, the Noula call centre complaints and questions service, the *733 toll-free recorded information line, community mobilization and sound trucks, and posters and notice boards. The evaluation finds that word of mouth and radio are the preferred information channels in Haiti, that practical health and weather hazard information is most valued, and that women and people over 50 are the most information-deprived groups. A key finding is that only 10% of beneficiaries had communicated back with the Red Cross, highlighting the need to strengthen two-way communication mechanisms.
This resource is relevant for National Society staff, IFRC delegates, and humanitarian communication practitioners seeking evidence-based guidance on communication channel selection, audience segmentation, and accountability to affected populations in emergency and recovery contexts.