Dissemination, sensitization and advocacy

1. Dissemination, sensitization and advocacy Summary of Activities of the Technical Working Group Dr S.B. Likwelile 16 September 2002

2. Background • The DSA TWG is one of four TWGs under the Poverty Monitoring System • It is responsible for ensuring that the findings of the Poverty Monitoring System reach stakeholders in a user-friendly manner

3. Objectives of the DSA TWG • Establish an information base on poverty status and trends • Empower stakeholders to influence decisions and take appropriate measures • Create awareness on information on poverty for all stakeholders • Take into account the needs and circumstances of information users • Develop user-friendly ways of accessing data and information

4. Who are the information users? • Policy makers such as Ministers, MPs, Councilors • Civil servants in Central Government • Local Government officials • Civil Society Organizations such as NGOs, trade unions, private sector • Research and academic institutions • External development partners • The media • The general public

5. Membership of the DSA TWG • Members are from institutions with varied backgrounds and experience in dissemination, sensitization and advocacy • Chaired by the Director for Poverty Eradication, VPO • Representatives from VPO, PO-RALG, PO-PP, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Community Development, Women’s Affairs and Children, NBS, TASAF, CSOs, development partners and the private sector. • The group has experts on gender and the environment

6. Terms of Reference • Developing a work plan and budget for dissemination, sensitization and advocacy • Liaising with other TWGs and other relevant institutions • Overseeing implementation of the DSA work plan • Working out best modalities to package information from the poverty monitoring system • Reviewing and adjusting the work plan as required • Providing inputs to the preparation of PRS progress reports • Identifying sources of funding for DSA activities

7. Activities to date • The DSA TWG started meeting early 2001 • A work plan and framework for action were developed and a budget agreed • Specific activities included: • Guide to understanding the Poverty Monitoring System • HBS dissemination • Poverty Policy Week

8. Guide to understanding the Poverty Monitoring System • Poverty Monitoring Master Plan was published in December 2000 • Aim was to provide a simpler version of the Master Plan, understandable for a wide range of stakeholders • User guide is based on frequently asked questions about the Poverty Monitoring System • TWG developed and tested the booklet • 20,000 copies were published in Kiswahili and English • They will be distributed across Tanzania

9. 2000/01 Household Budget Survey • With NBS, a dissemination strategy for the HBS was developed • Target audiences were agreed upon • Mechanisms for reaching stakeholders were worked out • Media was briefed and press releases given out • Press conference to be held tomorrow • 4,000 copies of the report to be distributed • Routine Data Systems TWG will conduct sessions on the HBS during zonal workshops

10. Poverty Policy Week • This week! • A key event undertaken by the DSA TWG, in close collaboration with the other TWGs • Effort to bring together policy makers and key stakeholders to receive and discuss new information generated through the poverty monitoring system • The intention is that this will be an annual event

11. Upcoming activities • Website: a poverty monitoring website is being developed to cater to the needs of the TWGs • Database: a database of stakeholders will be developed to facilitate networking • Resource centre: PED is conducting a needs assessment for a resource centre on poverty related information • International Poverty Day: to be held on 17th October

12. Thank you