 Survey has long been a key feature of mine action. By providing important data on the nature, location and technical specifications of the mine/ERW contamination in any given area, technical and non-technical surveys have enabled mine action organisations to produce better results. Mine action organisations currently carry out a wide variety of socio-economic surveys, which are used to inform mine clearance, victim assistance, risk education and development activities. Also, as donors are starting to demand greater development outcomes, mine action organisations are using socio-economic survey to determine the impact mine/ERW contamination has on affected communities, and the specific benefits that mine action brings to women, girls, boys, and men. By collecting socio-economic data, mine action programmes can ensure that their tasks take local needs and priorities into account, thereby providing more effective services to those who matter most, the beneficiaries. The GICHD has supported national mine action programmes by carrying out socio-economic surveys such as the Landmines and Livelihoods surveys in Yemen (2006) and Afghanistan (2011). Key support was also provided with the publication of the Sourcebook on Socio-Economic Survey, which introduces the different types of survey currently in use in mine action. |
