Training

It is critical that recruits understand the importance of the completeness and accuracy of the data they gather. They must therefore be provided with comprehensive training so that they understand why they are collecting data and how it will be used. Training takes place over three to five days depending on the number of fieldworkers to be trained. Aside from classroom-based training, there should be an opportunity for the team to test the survey instrument in field during a pilot. The pilot allows trainers to assess how well enumerators perform and identify weakness that need to be addressed with additional training.

The broad training curriculum includes:

• Introduction to POPIA

• Background and objectives of the project

• Conducting an interview and good fieldwork practice

• Survey / questionnaire training on devices

• Role play

• Health and safety protocols (e.g. COVID)

• Pilot in field

• Re-training where required

Maturity Roadmap: suggestion for improvement

Where enumerators facilitate the signing of sale agreements, training must include:

• An overview of the sale agreement

• The purpose and key clauses of the sale agreement so that the recruit can explain the document to signatories.

In particular, recruits need to stress that the sale agreement must be countersigned and that this will only occur if everything is in order.

It is therefore not a guarantee that the signatory will get a title deed

Additional Training Requirements

• A suitably sized and Wi-Fi enabled venue for the training session should be made available close enough to the study area to allow for easy access to on-site visits to conduct the pilot

• Demarcation maps for enumeration should be utilised during the training session so that the fieldworkers are able to receive clear and useful instructions from the fieldwork supervisors

• Enumerators should be made aware of any sensitivities that might exist during home visits so that they deal with difficult situations appropriately. These might include:

  • Households who refuse to participate

  • Situations where enumerators feel unsafe or threatened

  • Concerns on the part of non-qualifiers or purchasers that they might lose their homes

  • Married owner respondents who claim there is only one owner of the property and refuse to allow spouses to be interviewed / sign sale agreements