Communications needs assessment in Egypt: Final Report

The recently approved dissemination strategy of the Population Council's ANE OR/TA Project aims to improve the communication process for diffusing study results, enhance their utilization, and institutionalize the operations research communications methods in each of the ANE OR/TA countries. A communications needs assessment was conducted to re-examine the target audiences, define the type of messages each responds to best, identify the most appropriate mix of media for transmitting those messages, and consolidate linkages with other communications professionals working within related fields. This exercise was conducted in Egypt between January and March 1996. The methodology was based on conducting in-depth interviews with key informants from ANE OR/TA Project audiences, organizing a roundtable discussion to review reactions to past communications activities in Egypt, and exploring ways to improve the content, presentation, and production of future communications products. Findings revealed a broad sense of satisfaction with the ANE OR/TA dissemination activities among all of the project's constituencies in Egypt. This needs assessment report will strengthen the basis for implementing forthcoming dissemination activities.