Using the example of a hand-washing project, I wanted to walk through an example project and how you would do a cause-and-effect analysis.

This approach allows us to identify the root causes of a problem, helping tailor interventions more effectively. It ensures interventions are rooted in genuine need and understanding. By actively involving the community in every step, from problem identification to monitoring, we increase the likelihood of a project’s success and sustainability. The hand-washing project is an illustrative example, but the approach can be applied to various community-based initiatives.

Understanding the Community-Based and Participatory Approach

Before we dive in, it’s essential to recognize what makes the community-based and participatory method unique. It implies the work and project will be grounded in the community, focussing on their needs, voices, issues, realities, and complexities. It’s therefore a lot more likely to be successful. A participatory approach means community members play an active role in the research process, from identifying problems to creating and implementing solutions.

Identifying the Problem

For our hand-washing project, a central problem could be the low rates of regular hand-washing among community members.

Conducting Preliminary Research

Begin with informal interviews and focus group discussions with community members, ideally with an intermediary or a community leader, to ensure a trusting relationship from the beginning. It should go without saying, but ensure this is all done in their language and that you have made preparations to cater for all accessibility needs. This initial step is crucial in a participatory method, as it gives people a voice in identifying the causes of the problem.

Drafting an Initial Cause and Effect Diagram

Commonly known as a fishbone diagram or Ishikawa diagram, this tool visualizes potential causes of a problem. For our hand washing project, potential reasons might be:

• Lack of awareness about the importance of hand washing.
• No access to clean water.
• Insufficient soap supply.
• Cultural beliefs and practices.

Community Feedback and Validation

Take the draft diagram back to the community. In group sessions, discuss the identified causes and ask participants if there are other causes they’ve observed or experienced. The community might identify factors you hadn’t considered, such as:

• Previous negative experiences with hand washing campaigns.
• Local myths surrounding hand washing.
• Economic constraints.

Prioritise Causes

It’s not feasible to address all causes simultaneously. Work with the community to prioritize them based on factors like:

• Impact on the overall problem.
• Feasibility of addressing the cause.

Developing Interventions with Community Participation

Now that you’ve identified and prioritized causes collaborate with the community to design interventions. For example, if ‘lack of awareness’ is a primary cause, consider organizing community-led hygiene awareness workshops.

Implement and Monitor

With interventions in place, it’s essential to monitor progress. Community participation doesn’t end at the planning stage. Engage community members in monitoring efforts, perhaps by training local champions to observe and report hand-washing behaviours.

Review and Adjust

After a set period, review the project’s outcomes with the community. Celebrate successes, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies as needed.