Effective Extension Among Refugees in Northern Ghana
Sunday, 11 September 2011 08:04
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Communications

The promotion of efficient energy strategies among the rural poor is practised by development agencies all over the world. However uptake of such strategies has always been harder to achieve among displaced communities. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TORA) psychological survey tool, Gamos investigated what the barriers to effective communication with refugees are.


  • The new survey technique show how to target messages intended to change behaviour
  • The TORA identifies the psychological and social barriers concerning a proposed change of behaviour
  • In this research TORA was tested on environmental and energy concerns
  • It resulted in a considerable uptake of improved stoves for cooking, and revealed the need for management of wild wood collection

fireThe TORA tool explains the relationship of different expressed attitudes on the decision to adopt improved practice, helping to explain behaviour patterns. It therefore helps isolate the key issues that may be acting as drivers or barriers to positive behaviour. Using evidence from workshops, consultations and 230 household surveys, Gamos applied TORA to the data to identify barriers in the areas of stove use, firewood collection and woodlot management. In the demonstration phase of the project, focused extension messages were developed and applied (using the information gathered during the research phase) among refugees in Northern Ghana.

These focused messages achieved a 51% increase in adoption of improved stoves. To read more about the TORA tool and specific findings from this DFID funded research project please read the project documents.

The summary report is available to read here: Barriers To The Adoption Of Efficient Energy Strategies Among Refugees In Northern Ghana - Summary