On trying to be Q-Squared: Merging methods for a technical minded client

Nilakshi de Silva
Poverty Impact Monitoring Programme, Centre for Poverty Analysis, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Neranjana Gunetilleke
Senior Professional, Poverty Impact Monitoring Programme, Centre for Poverty Analysis, Colombo, Sri Lanka

PP: 252 - 265

Abstract

This paper provides a reflection on issues arising from using Q-squared methodology in monitoring involuntary resettlement under the Southern Transport Development Project in Sri Lanka.

One of the main objectives of the monitoring exercise was to influence policy makers and the Q-squared monitoring methodology was developed to meet this objective. Monitoring was carried out using a multi-sample, multi-method framework, but the focus of this paper is on the household survey, which collected both quantitative and qualitative information in one tool.

Using a mixed tool has raised many practical and conceptual issues, most of which were resolved by putting in more thought and time. The progress we have made with initially reluctant clients, some of whom have gone from flat out rejection to engaging with our findings, is to a large extent a result of the mixed method's ability to provide a more complete picture.

The validation of the methodology is its ability to show the generalisable picture as well as that of outliers. The recommendations resulting from the mixed method are more rounded, which in turn has lead to credibility and policy influence.

Keywords

Sri Lanka, resettlement, expressways, monitoring

Article Text

This paper describes the experience of mixing quantitative and qualitative methods in monitoring resettlement activities under the Southern Transport Development Project (STDP) in Sri Lanka. One of the main objectives of the monitoring exercise, which is ongoing, is to influence policy makers and the Q-squared monitoring methodology was developed to meet this objective. This paper provides a reflection on issues in implementing the monitoring methodology, how successful the methodology has been in influencing policy makers and challenges faced in using the Q-squared approach in a client-driven context to influence policy.

The monitoring activity is being carried out by the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA)¹, an independent, Sri Lankan professional institute, for its clients - the Road Development Authority (RDA) of Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). While the monitoring activity is not an analysis of poverty per se, it is closely linked to poverty analysis mainly because development induced resettlement adversely affects living standards and livelihoods and may have an impoverishing effect on affected households. In addition, it is estimated that one third of households affected by the project were below the national poverty line before the project commenced.

The paper is organised in five sections; section 1 provides a brief overview of STDP. Section 2 provides an introduction to the external resettlement monitoring, including the circumstances leading to the choice of a Q-squared approach, and the degree to which the monitoring methodology is ‘mixed' or Q-squared. Section 3 discusses some findings generated by the mixed methodology. The main emphasis of this note is the practical challenges faced in going the Q-squared way, which are discussed in section 4. The final section concludes by drawing the lessons learnt from this case study.

Section 1: Background to STDP

As the very first limited-access expressway in Sri Lanka, the STDP is a flagship project of both the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the financiers2, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the ADB. The STDP involves the construction of a 128 km expressway between the capital city, Colombo with Matara in the south, as well as a 6 km link to the southern port city of Galle. By linking the under-developed south of the country with Colombo, the project is expected to reduce poverty within the immediate project area, where over 30 percent of the population is classified as poor, and within the south of the country in general.

Approximately 10,271 land lots have been acquired for the project, which is estimated to have affected about 3,000 families. Of these about 1,400 households were physically displaced (STDP, 2007). Resettlement activities (including payment of compensation and other entitlements, relocation of affected persons to the specially designated sites, the income restoration programme, assistance with re-establishment of social networks and social capital; and monitoring and evaluation of the resettlement process) were carried out in terms of a Resettlement Implementation Plan (RIP), jointly agreed between the GOSL and the financiers and implemented by the Road Development Authority (RDA) under the Ministry of Highways.

The RIP is a radical departure from the current Sri Lankan laws on land acquisition, compensation and resettlement. As such, the impacts of resettlement due to the STDP have many implications for future policy, particularly because STDP is expected to be followed by many expressway projects. Four more expressway/highway projects are already in different stages of planning. Further, the three primary institutions involved in the STDP are also key players in influencing Sri Lankan policy on transport and roads. The RDA is the primary state agency mandated with road development and planning, while ADB and JBIC are the main financiers of infrastructure development in Sri Lanka.

Section 2: External Monitoring of Resettlement Activities under STDP

Implementation of resettlement activities under STDP has been difficult, contentious and slow. The Compliance Review mechanism of the ADB, which became activated because of complaints and representations made by a group of affected persons, recommended that the resettlement activities under the project be monitored by an independent external monitor. Accordingly, one of the main aims of the independent external monitoring is to enable the RDA to respond more effectively and equitably to the concerns of affected persons with regard to their resettlement as well any changes to their income and livelihood, and address any shortcomings in resettlement implementation. ... continues ...

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