FY 2023 Fiji Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | February 2024 Acknowledgements The Fiji Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution of the Fiji Country Team. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Vika Raica Waradi (External affairs analyst) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Suva, Fiji. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank World Bank’s Work and Engagement on the Ground in Fiji Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Fiji perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are they with the WB? How much do they trust the WB? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WB when it comes to its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Fiji’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Engagement and Work on the Ground: How is the WB perceived as a development partner? Are opinions improving or declining? 4. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels and which channels are reported to be used the most? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 5. Message Recall: What key topics that the WB communicates do stakeholders recall? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WB’s work? 4 Methodology Overview ▪ Fielded July 2023 through August 2023 Government Institution 34% ▪ 268 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaires online Private Sector 20% ▪ List of names provided solely by the WBG country team ▪ The online survey platform is monitored and managed by the COS team Media 18% ▪ 44 participants (16% response rate) Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 14% ▪ 68% currently collaborate with the WBG ▪ Compared to FY19 Country Survey Civil Society Organization 11% ▪ 109 participants (78% response rate) ▪ Respondents received an invitation via email and completed the questionnaire online. Office of the President / Prime 2% Minister / Minister ▪ 44% collaborated with the WB Click here for details of the Sample Demographics and Methodology Q Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) (Percentage of Respondents, N=44) 5 6 Overall Context Familiarity with the World Bank Has Improved ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the WB compared to FY19: Mean familiarity: FY23 = 6.7 All Respondents 6.7 FY19 = 4.9 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who collaborate Government organizations 7.3 with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.2 Do not collaborate = 5.7 Non-government organizations 6.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 In this year’s survey, 68% of respondents indicated that they Mean Rating of Familiarity collaborated with the WBG as opposed to just 44% in FY19. Because respondents who collaborate with the WBG tend to rate it more positively, analyses were conducted comparing collaborators in FY19 to collaborators in FY23 to ensure that the increased ratings over time were not due to the greater Government organizations included respondents from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, and Government Institutions. percentage of collaborators in the sample for this year’s Non-government organizations included respondents from bilateral / multilateral survey. When examining only those respondents who agencies, civil society, the private sector, and the media. collaborate with the WBG, respondents’ familiarity level with the WB still improved significantly (FY23 mean = 7.2; FY19 mean = 6.0). How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank in Fiji? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Extremely familiar (N=44) 7 The World Bank Is The World Bank 7.7 Considered the Most Trusted Institution in Fiji Regional development banks 7.5 The WB was considered the most trusted institution in The United Nations (UN) 7.4 Fiji among those studied. The regional development banks and the United Nations were also listed among the top trusted institutions. At the same time, the private The International Monetary 7.3 sector and youth organizations were the least trusted Fund among the institutions studied. Civil society 7.0 Faith-based institutions 6.9 Private sector 6.8 Youth organizations 6.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree (FY23 N=~42) Mean Rating of Trust 8 9 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Perceptions on Most Key Indicators Have Improved In FY23, respondents’ perceptions of the WB’s relevance, its influence on the development agenda, alignment with 7.7 the development priorities, and effectiveness in Relevance* 6.1 achieving results were significantly more positive compared to FY19. Influences the development 7.6 agenda* 6.2 Alignment with the development 7.4 priorities* FY23 5.9 FY19 Effectiveness in achieving 7.4 Q The WB currently plays a relevant role in development in Fiji. Scale: 1Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree results^* 5.9 To what extent does the WB influence the development agenda in Fiji? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree The WB’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Fiji. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Fiji? 6.6 Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Reduce extreme poverty The World Bank’s work helps end extreme poverty in Fiji. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY19: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WB’s effectiveness in Fiji. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WB’s work help to Mean Rating achieve development results in Fiji? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significantly different between years 10 Government Stakeholder Hold Slightly More Positive Relevance 7.9 7.6 Perceptions of the World Bank 7.8 Trust Respondents from government organizations reported 7.6 slightly more positive perceptions of the WB and its work when compared to non-government organizations respondents. 7.8 Effectiveness in achieving results 7.2 7.5 Alignment with the Government development priorities organizations 7.4 Non-government 7.5 organizations The WB currently plays a relevant role in the development in Fiji Influences the Q Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree development agenda To what extent do you trust the WB to do what is right? 7.1 Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Fiji? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The WB’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Fiji. Scale: Mean Rating 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree To what extent does the WB influence the development agenda in Fiji? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 11 12 World Bank’s Work and Engagement on the Ground in Fiji Ratings for Most Indicator Questions Increased Significantly 1 Mean Rating 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year comparison: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey 7.7 reported significantly higher levels of aggregated mean ratings Relevance* 6.1 for the indicator questions compared to FY19: 7.7 Collaboration with the national government Mean overall ratings: FY23 = 7.2 6.9 FY19 = 6.0 Trust 7.7 Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who collaborate Contribution of the WBG's knowledge work to 7.6 with the WBG gave statistically similar levels of ratings across development results in Fiji* 6.2 the aggregated indicator questions compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG. 7.4 Alignment with Fiji's development priorities* 5.9 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.3 7.4 Effectiveness in achieving development results* 5.9 Do not collaborate = 7.2 Collaboration with other donors and development 7.3 partners* 6.2 In this year’s survey, 68% of respondents indicated that they Influence on the development agenda 7.3 collaborated with the WBG as opposed to just 44% in FY19. Because respondents who collaborate with the WBG tend to 7.3 Responsiveness to needs* 5.8 rate it more positively, analyses were conducted comparing collaborators in FY19 to collaborators in FY23 to ensure that the 7.1 Access to WBG staff and experts* 5.7 increased ratings over time were not due to the greater percentage of collaborators in the sample for this year’s survey. Reduce extreme poverty in Fiji 6.6 When examining only those respondents who collaborated with the WBG, respondents in this year still reported significantly Collaboration with civil society* 6.5 FY23 5.3 higher levels of aggregated mean ratings for the indicator FY19 questions compared to FY19 (FY23 mean = 7.3; FY19 mean = Collaboration with private sector 6.5 6.4). 5.8 *Significantly different between years Mean Ratings for the thirteen COS Indicator Questions by Stakeholder Groups on a Scale from 1 to 10. Q These selected indicators are listed at the end of this report. 13 Perceptions of the WB’s Collaboration with Other Regional development banks 7.8 Development Partners and 7.7 The national government 6.9 Civil Society Have Improved Other donors and development 7.3 partners* 6.2 Respondents gave the highest ratings for the WB’s 7.2 Parliament collaboration with the regional development banks. There was a significant improvement in the perceptions of the WB as an effective development partner in terms 7.1 Media of its collaboration with other donors and development partners and with civil society, compared to FY19. 6.9 Local government 6.9 Academia 6.5 FY23 Civil society* 5.3 FY19 6.5 Private sector 5.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WB an effective development partner in Fiji, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? *Significantly different between years Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 14 15 Communication and Outreach 8 in 10 Respondents Recalled Seeing or Hearing Information about the WB in the Last 30 Days 78% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WB in the last 30 days. More than half of the respondents reported seeing that information in newspapers and on social media. Additionally, respondents frequently recalled messages from direct contact with WB staff. Among those who selected “social media”, the platforms most commonly reported were Facebook, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. Newspapers (print or online) 63% Social media 59% Direct contact with WB staff 47% Event / conference / seminar 31% 74% Television (TV) 28% World Bank website 19% 37% 37% Radio 16% e-Newsletters 9% 11% 11% 5% Direct messaging (e.g., Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram YouTube WhatsApp 9% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Blogs 6% Q Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WB in the last 30 days? (N=41) Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=32) 16 What social media platforms do you recall seeing this information on? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=19) WB’s Global Economic Analysis on Fiji was the Most Commonly Recalled Topic Respondents most frequently recalled WB economic analysis on Fiji and its work to provide financing for developing countries. WB's economic analysis on Fiji (forecasts for economic growth, 66% public expenditure review, debt, etc.) WB's work to provide financing for developing countries 56% WB's work or research on climate change (mitigation, adaptation) 44% and disaster response WB's work or research on human capital (improving health care, 38% nutrition, education, and jobs and skills) WB's work or research on tourism 28% WB's work or research on energy (increasing energy supply, 13% reducing dependence of fossil fuels) WB's work or research on food insecurity 9% Other 3% 17 Q What topics were included in what you saw or heard? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=32) Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful When Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: More Frequent and Severe Floods The majority of the respondents were very concerned about more frequent and severe floods and an increase in natural disasters when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change in Fiji. Respondents were also very concerned about increased erosion of the shoreline. These key areas of concern should be taken into consideration to make communications about climate change more impactful in Fiji. Not at all A little Somewhat concerned Very concerned More frequent and severe floods 83% Increase in natural disasters (for example, cyclones or sea-level surges) 78% Increase erosion of shoreline 71% Unsafe drinking water 61% Loss of jobs 61% Effects on public health 61% Diminished water supply for people and the economy 59% Climate-driven migration 59% Decreased crop yields/food insecurity 56% More frequent and severe droughts / heatwaves 54% Land and forest degradation 51% Extinction of plant/animal species 37% Air pollution 34% Forest fires 27% Q What is your level of concern for each of the potential impacts of climate change as it affects your country? (Percentage of Respondents, N=41) 18 Message Recall Respondents strongly agreed that the WB helps countries boost disaster and climate resilience and mitigate the effects of climate challenges. The World Bank… helps countries boost disaster and climate resilience and mitigate the effects of climate 7.6 challenge is committed to comprehensive debt solutions that bring significant benefits to people in poor 7.4 countries provides support to improve access and quality of health and education in developing 7.2 countries. supports countries to ensure transition to more diversified and cleaner sources of 7.1 energy helps address the current food crisis and enables greater preparedness to future food 6.8 security crises 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 19 20 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (N=44) Government Institution 34% Private Sector 21% Media 18% What’s your gender? (N=44) Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 14% Civil Society Organization 11% Female Office of the President / 39% 2% Prime Minister / Minister Male Office of a Parliamentarian 0% 61% Local Government 0% Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 0% 21 Sample Demographics Currently, do you professionally collaborate/ work Which of the following agencies of the WBG do with the WBG in your country? (N=44) you primarily collaborate/work with in Fiji? (N=30) No The World Bank 57% 32% (IBRD/IDA) The Yes International 68% Finance 43% Corporation (IFC) 22 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2019 FY 2023 A total of 268 stakeholders in Fiji were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey from July 2023 to August 2023. The WBG country team Government Principals: Office of the compiled a list of potential participants. Participants were drawn from the Office of the President, President, Prime Minister, Minister; Office of 3% 2% a Parliamentarian (National Assembly, Prime Minister, Minister, Office of a Parliamentarian (National Assembly, Legislative body), Legislative body) Government Institutions, Bilateral/ Multilateral Agencies, Private Sector, Civil Society, Academia, and the Media. Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation Unit, Independent 30% 34% Of these stakeholders, 44 participated in the survey (16% response rate). Respondents Government Institution, Judiciary, completed the questionnaires online. The results of this year’s survey were compared to the FY19 State-Owned Enterprise COS survey with a response rate of 78% (N=109). Local Government 6% 0% Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, but also changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey instrument Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 9% 14% itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response Bank, UN Agency scales/options were analyzed. Additionally, this year, the COS project utilized a Pulse survey format, a shorter survey version conducted online by the BI team at the WBG. The list of Civil Society: NGOs, Community-Based respondents was identified and provided solely by the country team, while in the previous survey, Organization, Private Foundation, 24% 11% Professional / Trade Association, up to 20% of the respondents were provided by a local fielding agency. These differences in Faith-Based Group, Youth Group stakeholder composition between the two years should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 21% 20% Sector Organization, Private Bank Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 5% 0% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Fiji COS FY23 Media 3% 18% Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Other 0% 0% Total Number of Respondents 108 44 23 Indicator Questions A1_3. To what extent do you trust the World Bank to do what is right? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) A2. How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in Fiji? A3. The World Bank currently plays a relevant role in development in Fiji, Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) A4. The World Bank’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Fiji, Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) A5. The World Bank’s work helps reduce extreme poverty in Fiji. A6. To what extent does the World Bank influence the development agenda in Fiji? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) A7. How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not significant at all – 10: Very significant) To what extent is the World Bank an effective development partner in Fiji, in terms of each of the following? – Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) B1. Responsiveness to needs, B2. Access to WBG staff and experts, To what extent is the WB an effective development partner in Fiji, in terms of collaborating with the following groups: – Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) B3.Collaboration with the national government B4.Collaboration with the private sector B5.Collaboration with civil society B6. Collaboration with other donor and development partners Note: Corporate Score questions are highlighted in RED 24 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org