Project profile — Hagiga Wahid: Countering Misinformation in South Sudan



Overview 

CA-3-P009670002
$55,600
The Sentinel Project forGenocide Prevention (CA-CRA_ACR-3843643891)
2020-08-31 - 2021-12-31
Closed
Global Affairs Canada
YFMInternaAssistPartnershp&Programing Br

Country / region 

• Africa, regional (100.00%)

Sector 

• Health: COVID-19 control (12264) (100.00%)

Policy marker 

• Gender equality (significant objective)
• Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting) (not targeted)
• Participatory development and good governance (not targeted)
• Trade development (not targeted)
• Biodiversity (not targeted)
• Climate change mitigation (not targeted)
• Climate Change Adaptation (not targeted)
• Urban issues (not targeted)
• Desertification (not targeted)
• Children's issues (not targeted)
• Youth Issues (not targeted)
• Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR) (not targeted)
• Indigenous Issues (not targeted)
• Disability (not targeted)
• Nutrition (not targeted)
• ICT as a tool for development (not targeted)

Description 

This project helps contribute to stability in South Sudan by countering misinformation, which exacerbates conflict and hinders responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The project supports the Hagiga Wahid pilot initiative, an interactive, two-way, mobile phone-based information system that engages citizens in monitoring, verifying, and countering the spread of misinformation. Subscribers to the information communication technology system can anonymously report rumours via channels such as text-messaging, toll-free voice lines, and social media. This information is securely stored on a server outside of South Sudan in accordance with data protection in humanitarian action best practice. Staff, a network of trained volunteers, and trusted key stakeholders investigate these rumors and report their findings back to the subscriber. Project activities include: (1) adapting the SMS pilot-tested short code to nation-wide reach; and (2) building the local subscriber base from 500 to 5,000. The key elements of this work include trust building, the provision of timely and reliable information, engaging widely with different communities to mitigate bias, and targeted messaging to beneficiaries based on self-identified needs.

Expected results 

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) established an interactive public communications network to enable subscribers, including, citizens, civil society actors, and local media outlets to benefit from improved access to neutral, accurate information; (2) improved nation-wide access to accurate, daily information for individuals residing and working in South Sudan; (3) facilitated informed decision-making to those residing and working in South Sudan; and (4) support provided to a community of practice about countering misinformation.

Results achieved 

N/A

Budget and spending 


Original budget $27,800
Planned disbursement $0
Transactions
Transaction Date Type Value
19-07-2021 Disbursement $13,900
23-03-2022 Disbursement $13,900
Country percentages by sector
Type of finance Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation
Collaboration type Bilateral
Type of aid Project-type interventions