conclusions & recommendations The research provides cross-case analysis that is likely to have relevance to the information ecosystems of other ethnic states in Myanmar: comparing non-conflict and former conflict zones across Mon State. Former conflict areas have the highest proportion of people who do not share news and information at all (26%), further indicating the challenges to information dissemination in these remote communities. A primary factor appears to be simply the daily toil to maintain a basic existence, giving little time for other interests or pursuits. This seems to indicate that differences in media technology use and information flow are caused more by the greater remoteness of Mon State’s rural, former conflict areas, than by being a conflict area in the past. However it should be borne in mind that the remoteness of former conflict areas was more than simply a geographical feature affecting respondents. The discriminatory nature of the conflict itself served to isolate and under-develop affected communities by cutting them off from education and economic opportunities while subjecting them to societal stresses and human rights abuses ranging from surveillance and displacement to arbitrary arrest, torture, rape and forced labor. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people in conflict affected areas experiencing constant stress and fear develop situation-specific modes of dealing with information. Future research would benefit from methodological enhancement that probes in more detail the “then and now” nuances of information flows in former conflict areas. In the next iteration of this research the intention is to dive much more deeply into the nuances of these relationships – tools such as social network analysis and more design/ethnographic approaches will be added to the research design. Likewise advanced mapping tools will be used to visualize these dynamic interactions. LESSONS LEARNED Conceived as a pilot study, the Mon State research has not only provided rich and stimulating insights, it has also highlighted some key areas of refocus and design going forward. 1. Research Design Generally the research design worked well, utilizing a mixed methods approach combining a rigorous quantitative framework supplemented and reinforced with a variety of qualitative/ applied elements. As hoped, research aiming to provide insight into trust and influence proved most interesting. Deeper investigation into the role and impact of diaspora media and other external information flows will also be an interesting focus. Firstly, it will give a historical evaluation of these types of activities for planning and design of future strategies and activities. Secondly, it will provide insights into how trust can evolve in communities undergoing rapid changes. The Center for Innovation & Learning’s other work in information ecosystems will help to add new questions and avenues as the research proceeds. Frequent synthesis sessions with the field teams and key researchers will allow previous unidentified areas of interest to emerge; testing of assumptions and hypotheses, and so on. Additionally, use of techniques such as social network analysis will support a more granular understanding of the interactions at different points within ecosystems. Based on this research, the following are recommendations for improving the delivery of information to key populations in the future. 2. PRIORITIZE TV, MOBILES, AND DVD/VCDs IN URBAN AREAS With 83% of urban residents in Mon State owning a TV in their home and 54% of urban residents possessing a mobile phone in the home, the ability to communicate and spread information via these media in urban areas has risen greatly in recent years. Urban dwellers watch TV frequently, with 48% of urban TV watchers having watched TV the previous day and three-quarters within the past week. Because 85% of urban respondents own a DVD/VCD player in their home, information distributed via DVD/VCDs could also have wide reach in urban areas. While less prevalent than TV, radios are still important in urban areas and are owned by 61% of urban respondents, despite decreasing usage compared to TV in recent years. 3. IN RURAL AREAS, PRIORITIZE RADIO, TV, AND SIMPLE MESSAGES TAILORED FOR DISTRIBUTION BY WOR D OF MOUTH In rural areas where 62% of respondents own TVs and 61% own a radio in the home (46% and 48% in former conflict areas, respectively), both media will be important for getting information out. However, because electricity supply is frequently irregular, radios are overall the most dependable and immediate means to distribute information. Because of the limited direct reach of TV and radio, however, many individuals in rural and former conflict areas will hear news second-hand by way of a trusted interpersonal source such as a family member, friend, or local village elder or authority. As a result, to maximize the clarity and reach of information, messages should be tailored to be easily remembered and spread by word of mouth. 50 INFORMATION ECOSYSTEMS in transition: a case study from myanmar part one: rese arch findings 4. USE THE MOST RECOGNIZED AND TRUSTED MEDIA TO MAXIMIZE REACH In Mon State, government-owned media outlets Nay Pyi Daw Myanmar Radio National Service (Nay Pyi Daw Myanma Ah-Than) and MRTV are overwhelmingly the most recognized, widely distributed, and most trusted media sources among TV and radio users. For each station, 100% of radio or TV users knew of the station, with 98% having used it. Use of these two stations by Myanmar authorities or by any other communication agencies will be critical for reaching the widest possible audience. It should be noted, however, that it is important to communicate the same message via a combination of sources. Many in Mon State frequently crosscheck sources to evaluate the trustworthiness of the information they have heard. Additionally, respondents reported that the top go-to sources they checked after hearing of a major event were: friends or family, Myanmar Radio National Service, MRTV, then Shwe FM (10%). Because of lack of trust in any one news source, delivery of critical information in an emergency must be made through multiple media channels and medians. 5. USE PHOTO AND VIDEO TO SUPPORT THE CREDIBILITY OF NEWS AND INFORMATION Among a public still skeptical of the full accuracy of any single source, there is demand for news and information content delivered with video and photographic visuals. The inclusion of photo and video visuals to support the trustworthiness of news and information—whether related to a health campaign, a warning against an impending major storm, or critical information in the midst of an emergency—will continue to be of high importance to information consumers in Mon State. 51 how to inform, empower, and impact communities INFORMATION ECOSYSTEMS in transition: a case study from myanmar how to inform, empower, and impact communities PART ONE: RESEARCH FINDINGS