Working with data to evolve a community mobilisation process with pastors in the Philippines

Introduction

Although the Transform story could be a case study on the process of developing a scalable poverty alleviation strategy, it can also be a case study on how data catalysed a strong partnership between an NGO and faith leaders. The iterative approach of designing, collecting, analysing, reflecting, and acting on data and evidence has helped guide, stimulate, and strengthen the partnership that ICM has with its pastors. It must be said that this was not always done correctly; there were mistakes made and pitfalls to be avoided. In the infancy phase of Transform, it became quickly apparent that good quality data were necessary to design a scalable, efficient, evidence-based programme. As data collection infrastructure was set up, there were tensions because some pastors felt that ICM was collecting data on them without clarity around the purpose. These tensions had to be navigated, with clear communication being critical. There are still many areas of improvement needed, and a common appreciation of how data can direct shared resources and energies is the goal.

This chapter explores a series of examples in data collection at ICM and how it has affected our partnerships with pastors in achieving development outcomes. There are a variety of data collection methods, tools, and study designs. The hope is that some of the learnings captured through these experiences can help other organisations as they juggle data and faith partnerships simultaneously.