Observation gathers information about hygiene practices and WASH facilities and is often used in conjunction with other methods such as Transect Walks [T.52], Household Visits [T.18] or surveys ([A.8] or [T.24]). It can be structured using a questionnaire or Checklist (e.g. [T.2]) or be open and unstructured.

Observations can gather information in public areas or people’s homes observing, for example, water collection points, storage of drinking water, communal washing areas, latrines or handwashing areas. It is helpful to agree on the criteria before doing an Observation (e.g. what is ‘clean’ or ‘dirty’?) and important to agree on where and who will be observed (e.g. homes with young children < 5 years of age). A structured survey (A.8 or T.24), may require a sampling system to select which homes to visit. Observing during different times of the day will yield different information. For example, early morning is often a good time to observe hygiene practices. Observing a situation can help cross-check and triangulate other information. Nonetheless, it is a snapshot and the context may change rapidly in an emergency. It should be used with other methods such as Key Informant Interviews T.23. There is the potential for bias as people may change their behaviour if they know they are being observed. Notes should be taken on what was observed and how it was done (e.g. if a checklist was used). The information should be collated and analysed as soon as possible and included in a shared assessment or monitoring report. Observation is a key skill for all hygiene promoters. Training and supervision may be needed to do Observations correctly. Hygiene promoters should be supportive and sensitive to local concerns and customs and be aware that Observation can appear intrusive.

Applicability

Observation is applicable to all response phases and contexts. It is a key method to use in assessments or, if carried out repeatedly, as part of a monitoring system. Observation can also be used to monitor staff performance, their effectiveness and how they are working with the community.

Do

• Be sensitive to the context, ask permission before taking photos

• Be curious; do not only look but listen and smell

• Be aware of bias

Don't

• Do not have preconceived ideas about what to expect

• Do not observe without recording and using the information

• Do not make people feel uncomfortable or intrude on their privacy

Practical Example

Observation is used as part of the Wash’Em F.22 Handwashing Demonstration Tool and can illustrate how people interact with e.g. soap and containers when handwashing and what makes the process inconvenient and undesirable in practice. The demonstration is filmed on a mobile phone with the consent of participants and without revealing their identity. The data is analysed using a ‘decision making table’ to help identify what helps and hinders handwashing.