FY 2024 Benin Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | December 2024 Acknowledgements The Benin 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 from the Benin country team and independent field agency, Centre de Formation et de Recherche en matière de Population (CEFORP). In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Yao Gnona Afangbedji (External Affairs Officer) and Mynah Nassila (Operations Analyst) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Cotonou, Benin. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Benin World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Benin 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 Benin perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinions do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Benin’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Benin? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Benin? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 26% ▪ Fielded May – June 2024 ▪ 651 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Local Government 16% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents received the questionnaire via courier or mail and Civil Society 16% returned it accordingly or completed the questionnaire online ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency Academia / Research Center 15% ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Private Sector 7% ▪ 220 participants (34% response rate) Other 7% ▪ 53% from Cotonou, 28% from Other cities ▪ 43% currently collaborate with the WBG Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6% ▪ Compared to FY21 Country Survey Office of the President, 4% ▪ 464 participants (71% response rate) Minister ▪ 33% from Cotonou, 42% from Other cities Media 2% ▪ 30% collaborated with the WBG Office of a Parliamentarian 1% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=219) 5 6 Overall Context “Improve Africa's competitiveness by strengthening agricultural productivity, services and value chains. Africa's competitiveness is stagnating despite vigorous economic growth, and low productivity gains do not augur well for inclusive and sustainable growth.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Continue to support Benin in its clear vision of sustainable development and shared prosperity. Always strive for well-being and social cohesion.” (Local Government Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Comparison of FY21 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported significantly lower levels of familiarity All Respondents 5.0 with the World Bank Group compared to respondents in the FY21 Survey: Local Government 5.3 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 5.0 FY21 = 7.0 Government Institution 5.3 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 5.3 higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 6.7 Civil Society 5.0 Do not collaborate = 3.8 ▪ Stakeholder Groups: Although respondents from academia Academia / Research Center 3.8 and the private sector reported much lower levels of familiarity with the WBG’s work than other stakeholder groups, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Private Sector 3.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Benin? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 7 Stakeholders Most Familiar with the WBG ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to World Bank Group 5.0 indicate their familiarity with the work of several international organizations, in addition to the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Benin indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the WBG, followed by the United Nations 4.6 United Nations and the European Union. ▪ Indeed, respondents rated themselves as significantly more familiar with the WBG than the UN or EU. European Union 4.3 African Development Bank 4.0 (AfDB) African Union 3.6 International Monetary Fund 3.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity Q How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Benin? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 The WBG is among the National government 7.2 7.5 Most Trusted Institutions Academia / research centers 6.9 Respondents in Benin rated the national government, 6.7 academia, the WBG, local government, and the World Bank Group* 8.1 private sector as the most trustworthy institutions. 6.7 Local government Of note, all multi-national organizations, including the WBG, regional development banks, the UN, and the 6.7 Private sector IMF, received significantly lower trust ratings in FY24 6.8 than in FY21. FY24 6.6 Civil society 7.0 FY21 Respondents from the private sector had significantly 6.4 lower ratings of trust in the WBG (mean = 4.5) compared Regional development banks* 7.9 to respondents from all other stakeholder groups. 6.2 United Nations* 7.4 Central Bank of West African 6.0 States (BCEAO)* 7.8 5.9 Media 5.8 5.7 International Monetary Fund* 7.1 5.6 Parliament / legislative branch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Benin? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between years 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Align with national priorities and strengthen collaboration with communes and municipalities.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) “Support the government's development policy in priority sectors. Grant debt at preferential rates. Give importance to social, environmental and economic aspects.” (Government Principal Respondent) “The WBG needs to be better adapted to the real needs of grassroots populations.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) Key Performance Indicators Have Decreased since FY21 In FY24, respondents gave the highest ratings for Effectiveness in helping Benin 7.0 the WBG’s effectiveness in helping Benin achieve results^* 7.9 achieve development results; however, these ratings have declined significantly since the FY21 survey. 6.8 Relevant role in development* 8.2 Stakeholder ratings for the WBG’s relevance to development in Benin, its positive influence on shaping development policy, and its alignment with Alignment with development 6.7 FY24 the country’s development priorities also priorities* 7.7 significantly decreased compared to the previous FY21 survey. Positive influence on shaping 6.5 development policy* 7.6 6.2 Helps end poverty in Benin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How effective is the WBG in helping Benin achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Benin. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Benin. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significant difference The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Benin. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree between years The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Benin. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY21: “Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Benin.” Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; “To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Benin?” 11 Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree Stakeholders from 7.4 7.4 Effectiveness in helping 7.0 Private Sector and Benin achieve results* 5.1 7.2 Academia Had Less 6.1 Government 7.0 Institution Positive Perceptions Trust the WBG to do what 7.1 7.0 Local of the WBG is right for Benin* 4.5 6.4 Government 6.2 Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 7.0 7.3 Civil between stakeholder groups show that respondents Society Relevant role in 7.2 from government institutions, local government, and development* 6.9 bilateral or multilateral agencies have the highest 5.5 Private ratings for the WBG’s work across all KPIs. 5.7 Sector Respondents from civil society were also quite Academia 7.0 positive. 7.5 Alignment with 7.4 In contrast, respondents from the private sector and development priorities* 6.4 academia were more critical of the WBG’s work. 4.8 Respondents from these two stakeholder groups also 5.9 indicated the lowest levels of familiarity with the WBG. 6.7 6.7 Positive influence on 7.0 shaping development *Significant 6.3 policy difference between 5.4 stakeholder groups 5.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.4 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Relevant role in development* 6.7 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 5.7 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.3 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Trust the WBG to do what 6.7 WBG, the more positive their perceptions of it and its is right for Benin* work are. 5.6 8.3 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Effectiveness in helping Benin 6.8 to increase positive perceptions. achieve results* 6.1 8.0 Alignment with development 6.7 priorities* 5.8 7.7 Positive influence on shaping 6.5 development policy* 5.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Benin? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) *Significant difference between levels of familiarity Q For question wording and scales, please see slide 15. 13 Benin’s Key Performance Indicators are On Par with Other FY24 Western & Central African Countries 7.0 Effectiveness in helping achieve results 6.9 7.1 6.8 Relevant role in development 6.8 Benin FY24 7.1 6.7 Trust the WBG to do what is right 6.8 Other Western & 7.0 Central African Countries FY24 6.7 Alignment with development priorities 6.5 Other IDA Countries 6.8 FY24 6.5 Positive influence on shaping 6.6 development policy 6.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Other Western & Central African FY24 countries included: Burkina Faso, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. Q Other IDA FY24 countries included Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Maldives, Mauritania, Senegal, 14 Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Togo, and Zambia. Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from academia and private sector had significantly lower mean ratings across the aggregated All Respondents 6.5 responses to the nineteen COS indicator questions compared to respondents from other stakeholder groups. Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 7.1 Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared Government Institution 6.9 to respondents who did not collaborate with the WBG: Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.2 Local Government 6.9 Do not collaborate = 6.1 Civil Society 6.4 Academia 5.5 Private Sector 5.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details on these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “The WBG should step up its support for the private sector as a creator of wealth and employment, for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in general, and, in particular, for access to basic social services (water, education, energy, etc.). Support for agriculture and human capital development is also important.” (Media Respondent) “Adapt 100% of its support to the country's context. The country's governance. Invest in youth employment, especially in agriculture and food security.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) WBG: Focal Development Agriculture / food security 73% Areas Education 55% In FY24, nearly three-quarters of stakeholders wanted the Water / sanitation 44% WBG to focus its resources on agriculture/food security. Energy 43% Education, water/sanitation, energy, and jobs were top priorities. Jobs 35% Of note, respondents in this year's survey considered energy Health / pandemic preparedness 27% and water/sanitation much greater priorities than in the FY21 Environment / natural resource 22% survey (15% and 12%, respectively). management Transport infrastructure 20% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Private sector development 20% WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? Social inclusion / social cohesion 16% “In light of the climate changes observed in recent years, Digital infrastructure promote water management for agricultural purposes through 15% Of more priority to academia (33%) development resilient, permanent hydro-agricultural development, and the availability and accessibility of high-performance production Climate change 15% factors adapted to Benin's growing conditions.” Debt management 14% (Government Institution Respondent) Public sector governance 14% “To increase its effectiveness in Benin, the most important Social protection 12% Of more priority to bilateral / thing the World Bank Group could do is to strengthen basic multilateral agencies (36%) infrastructure, notably energy, transport, and information and Tourism development 8% communication technologies (ICT). This would improve productivity, facilitate trade and access to essential services, Gender equity 8% thereby stimulating economic growth and sustainable development.” (Local Government Respondent) Urban development 5% Other 2% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Benin? 17 Q (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=201) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s water/sanitation and health work received the highest Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth effectiveness ratings. Of note is that the effectiveness of the WBG’s support in all sectors that could be compared has significantly declined, most 6.3 notably in climate change and public sector governance. Macroeconomic stability 6.2 Human Development Public sector governance* 8.0 6.8 6.0 Health* 8.1 Job creation / employment* 6.9 5.8 FY24 6.2 Regional integration Education* 7.9 FY21 6.0 5.8 Gender equity FY24 Private sector development* 7.0 FY21 5.6 5.9 Trade* Social protection* 7.1 6.8 5.6 5.9 Debt sustainability Social inclusion* 7.3 Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability 6.9 Water supply and sanitation* 8.1 6.5 Agriculture and food security* 8.1 6.4 Urban development* 7.6 Environment / natural resource 6.2 FY24 management* 7.7 6.2 FY21 Digital development* 7.6 *Significant difference FY24 6.0 FY21 Climate change* 7.9 between years 6.1 Energy / extractives* 7.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Benin? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 18 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Benin “The WBG must adopt a participatory strategy with all stakeholders in the design, implementation, and evaluation of its programs. The satisfaction of citizens' needs must be at the heart of its policy.” (Parliamentarian Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) Perceptions of the WBG as a Long-Term Partner have Declined In FY24, respondents’ perceptions of the WBG as a long- 7.3 Being a long-term partner to term partner, that is open, responsive, and flexible were Benin* 8.1 less positive than in the FY21 survey. Openness (sharing data and 6.3 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the other information)* WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? 7.6 “Be more accessible, communicate much more to make yourself and your products better known, and, above all, Responsiveness to needs in 6.2 implement flexible procedures adapted to the context and environment of your target audiences.” Benin* FY24 7.3 (Government Institution Respondent) FY21 “The WBG has its own priority areas of intervention. I believe it Access to WBG staff and 6.2 is necessary to broaden these areas to take better account of people's needs, and to improve the government's ability to experts 6.5 intervene on their behalf. In fact, sometimes the needs exist but cannot be covered by projects because the WBG believes that they are not a priority, or that the projects are not in the 6.1 areas covered by the WBG.” Flexibility when circumstances (Government Institution Respondent) change in Benin^* 6.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? *Significant difference Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree between years 20 ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY21. The WBG Collaborates Most Effectively with the National Government of Benin In FY24, perceptions of the effectiveness of the WBG’s 7.3 National government* collaboration with the national government and other 8.5 donors and development partners have declined significantly compared to FY21. The WBG received the 6.8 Other donors and lowest ratings for its collaboration with the private sector, development partners* 7.4 which was also rated the lowest in FY21. 6.3 Local government 6.3 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Civil society 6.7 FY24 WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? FY21 “Work in closer consultation/dialogue with other bilateral and 6.2 multilateral partners, rather than ‘going it alone’ with the Academia / research centers Government.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) “Strengthen collaboration with Beninese government Parliament / legislative 6.1 institutions, in particular the results-based funding model.” branch (Government Institution Respondent) 6.0 “Strengthen collaboration with civil society organizations and Private sector the private sector.” (Civil Society Respondent) 6.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating *Significant difference To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Benin, in terms of between years Q collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 21 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Local Government and Private Sector A majority of respondents in this year’s survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with local government and the Local government 56% private sector in addition to its partnership with the national government. Approximately a third of respondents also welcomed more collaboration with civil society and academia. Private sector 50% Targeted outreach to the private sector and academia is particularly recommended because respondents from these stakeholder groups were less familiar with the WBG and held more critical views of its work. Civil society 37% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Academia / research 30% WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? centers “Working directly with communities at the grassroots level. Work with communities to identify their real problems and Other donors and provide solutions in line with their own aspirations. Education, 11% development partners health, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, energy, and basic infrastructure should be the areas to focus on with grassroots communities. The central state and its local governments Parliament / legislative should simply play a monitoring role to ensure the rational use 6% branch of resources, without having the power to prevent communities from truly choosing what suits them and not what suits their leaders.” (Government Institution Respondent) Other 4% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Benin? (Select 22 up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=198) 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Set up an impact assessment system for each policy. Carry out impact assessments of all policies and/or reforms implemented, with a view to making new decisions.” (Local Government Respondent) “Provide a large part of its technical and financial support for grassroots development through local development organizations (development associations, local development structures, etc.).” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) Financial Resources and Technical Assistance Considered the Bank’s Greatest Values to Benin Financial resources Respondents considered the WBG’s financial resources, (e.g., budget support, investment 48% technical assistance, and implementation support to be its lending, grants, trust funds) greatest values to Benin, followed closely by capacity development and training and mobilizing third-party Technical assistance and financial resources. implementation support (incl. 41% project design and implementation) ▪ Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies were much more likely to identify financial resources as the WBG’s greatest value (92%) than respondents from other stakeholder groups. In contrast, Capacity development and training 36% respondents from academia were significantly less likely (28%). ▪ Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies and academia Mobilizing third-party were much less likely to identify mobilizing 3rd party financial financial resources 35% (incl. both public and private) resources as the WBG’s greatest value (17% and 14%, respectively) compared to respondents from other stakeholder groups. Knowledge and analytical products 13% (e.g., data, reports, policy notes) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? Donor coordination 5% “Contextualize aid and loans by focusing on capacity-building for local players... endogenous practices and knowledge must be promoted.” (Local Government Respondent) Convening / bringing together 4% different groups of stakeholders “Plan exchange visits to enable players to share experiences.” (Civil Society Respondent) Other 3% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Benin? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=205) 24 The WBG Monitors and Evaluates Its Projects and Insists on Accountability Through Its Lending Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, The WBG effectively monitors and 7.7 evaluates the projects it supports in respondents had the highest levels of agreement that 8.6 Benin* the WBG effectively monitors and evaluates its projects (although significantly declined compared to The WBG insists on accountability FY21) and that the WBG insists on accountability through its lending (e.g., performance- 7.5 based financing, resources tied to 7.9 through its lending. Respondents had significantly results) lower levels of agreement that the WBG’s Environmental and Social Framework requirements The WBG’s Environmental and Social 7.3 are reasonable and that the WBG’s financial Framework requirements are reasonable* 7.8 instruments meet Benin’s needs compared to FY21. FY24 Of note, respondents from government institutions had The conditions of the WBG’s financing 6.5 are competitive compared to markets FY21 the highest levels of agreement that the WBG effectively monitors and evaluates its projects (mean = 8.4). In contrast, respondents from bilateral or multilateral The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., 6.5 agencies and the private sector had significantly lower budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Benin* 7.7 levels of agreement (both means = 6.3). The WBG provides financial support in a 6.3 timely manner^ 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating *Significant difference To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree between years Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY21 25 55% of Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; but WBG Knowledge Perceived Less Positively The WBG brings global expertise to Benin 7.1 as part of its knowledge work^* 8.3 Working with the WBG increases Benin’s 7.0 institutional capacity* 8.0 Have you ever used Significance of contribution to development 7.0 No the WBG’s knowledge results in Benin* 7.9 45% work, including participating in Yes FY24 workshops or training 55% The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 6.6 FY21 programs? Benin’s context^^* 7.6 I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 6.6 knowledge work in Benin When I need to consult the WBG’s 6.0 Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies, private knowledge work, I know how to find it sector, and academia were significantly less likely to have used WBG knowledge work (25%, 40%, and 32%, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 respectively) than other stakeholder groups. Mean Rating *Significant difference between years Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=210) To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Benin? Scale: 1 Not si gnificant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY21. 26 ^^Compared to "Are adaptable to Benin’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY21 . 27 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Benin “1) Support the development of agribusiness in Benin; 2) Support the fight against corruption in the management of development projects, as the Millennium Challenge Account has done; 3) Support Benin's national innovation system through the Triple Helix State-Universities/ Research Centers-Industries/Enterprises to create an environment more conducive to innovation and development; 4) Support Benin in implementing its NEPAD commitments, in particular, the CAADP (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program); and 5) Support Benin's beneficial participation in the CoPs and sufficient mobilization of climate change-related funds.” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? (Open-Ended Responses) Align projects to Benin’s needs and adapt them to local context; more/better engagement with stakeholders Focus Area Communication, 7% • Human capital, especially education • Infrastructure, including transport, water, and energy • Private sector development and employment creation Financial Support, • Agriculture development with an emphasis on climate 9% change adaptations Focus Area Operational 33% Engagement Effectiveness, • Engage on a more local level to better understand the needs and 10% context in Benin • More engagement outside of government, especially at the local Results level, can better ensure projects achieve their desired results 10% • More effective collaboration with the national government and other donors and partners to achieve greater results Knowledge, Engagement, 13% 19% Knowledge • Greater focus on capacity development and training • More support for capacity building and training at the local level • More knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) Q All percentages are calculated based on the total number of comments made by respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they covered, so the sum of all percentages may be greater than 100%. 28 How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? (Open-Ended Responses) Align projects to Benin’s needs and adapt them to local context; more/better engagement with stakeholders Communication, 7% Results • More rigorous and continuous monitoring of WBG-funded projects to ensure objectives are met Financial Support • Ensure projects are aligned to national priorities 9% Focus Area Operational Effectiveness Operational 33% • Greater flexibility is needed to work effectively in Benin Effectiveness, 10% • Bank staff and experts should be more accessible Results, Financial Support 10% • Increased access to financing, with more flexible conditions, but insist on accountability Knowledge, Engagement, 13% 19% Communication • More communication regarding WBG projects and their results to increase awareness and support for future projects In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) Q All percentages are calculated based on the total number of comments made by respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they covered, so the sum of all percentages may be greater than 100%. 29 30 Communication and Outreach “Broad communication of the WBG in Benin to all institutions of the republic, civil society, student youth, vulnerable groups, through outreach campaigns using community relays, etc.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Awareness is needed at all levels.” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Benin? (N=120) Events and e-Newsletters were Most Preferred WBG Channels Respondents most preferred to receive the WBG’s communications through events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online) and e-newsletters, followed by direct contact with staff and direct messaging. Preferred WBG Channel Bilateral or All Government Local Civil Private Multilateral Academia Respondents Institutions Government Society Sector Agencies Event / conference / seminar / 52% 44% 58% 46% 53% 69% 59% workshop (in person or online) e-Newsletters 48% 54% 52% 36% 44% 23% 55% Direct contact with staff 40% 35% 32% 27% 56% 46% 31% (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, email) Direct messaging 36% 31% 42% 36% 31% 31% 31% (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Social media 10% 14% 3% 9% 9% 23% 10% (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) Other 2% 0% 0% 18% 3% 0% 3% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=200) 31 Nearly 6 in 10 Respondents Recalled Seeing/Hearing about the WBG Recently, Most Often on TV 57% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG on TV, followed by radio, events/conferences/seminars, social media, and newspapers. Television (TV) 60% Radio 45% Event / conference / seminar 39% (in person or online) Social media 39% No Do you recall Newspapers (print or online) 38% 43% seeing or hearing anything about WBG websites 32% the WBG Yes recently? 57% Direct contact with WBG staff 31% (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, email) Direct messaging 17% (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) e-Newsletters 15% Blogs 3% Other 3% Podcasts 3% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=213) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=120) 32 The WBG’s Work on Food Security and Gender were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Respondents most frequently recalled the WBG’s work or Food security 59% research on food security and women empowerment, followed by climate change, human capital, and ending Women empowerment 58% poverty in developing countries. Climate change 50% ▪ Respondents from local government were much more likely to recall the WBG’s work on human capital (65%) than respondents Human capital (education, health) 43% from other stakeholder groups. In contrast, respondents from the Ending poverty in developing private sector and academia were significantly less likely (13% 40% countries and 19%, respectively). Pandemic preparedness 30% Job creation / employment 29% Digital economy 23% Youth development 22% Debt relief for developing countries 18% WBG economic forecasts 15% Changes to the WBG financial and 13% operational model Other 12% If you answered “Yes” for E2, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=120) 33 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concern: Food Security Nearly 8 in 10 respondents were very concerned about the potential impact of decreased crop yields and increased food insecurity due to climate change in Benin. More frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods, as well as land and forest degradation and decreased water availability/quality, were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 79% More frequent and severe heatwaves 71% More frequent and severe droughts 67% Land and forest degradation 66% More frequent and severe floods 65% Decreased water availability / quality 64% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 55% Loss of jobs 54% Increased erosion of shoreline 53% Extinction of plant / animal species 50% Air pollution 49% Climate-driven migration 41% More frequent and intense wild fires 40% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Benin? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~195) 34 35 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=206) collaborate/work Education 19% with the World Bank Group (WBG) Yes Public sector governance 16% in Benin? 43% Health / pandemic preparedness 11% (N=216) No 57% Generalist (multiple sectors) 9% Other 8% Environment / natural resource mgmt. 7% Agriculture and food security 7% Private sector development / trade 5% Water / sanitation 2% Energy 2% Social protection 2% Which of the World Bank (IDA) 92% Digital development 2% following WBG agencies do you Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt mgmt. 2% collaborate/work Urban development 2% with in Benin? International Finance 19% (N=91) Corporation (IFC) Gender equity 2% Climate change 2% Transport 1% Legal / human rights 1% 36 Sample Demographics (continued) Which best represents your What’s your age? (N=212) geographic location? (N=208) 25 or younger 4% Cotonou 35% 26-35 8% Other cities 28% 36-45 26% Porto-Novo 11% 46-55 35% Abomey 7% 56 and above 23% Prefer not to Other, 1% Prefer not Rural areas 7% 4% specify, 1% to specify Natitingou 5% Female 12% Parakou 4% What is your Lokossa 3% gender? (N=212) Male 86% 37 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2021 FY 2024 From May to June 2024, a total of 651 stakeholders in Benin were invited to provide their Government Principals: Office of the 6% 5% opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A list of President, Minister, Parliamentarian potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Minister, and Parliament, Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the private Unit, Independent Government Institution, 33% 26% sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 220 participated in the survey (34% response rate). Respondents Local Government 23% 16% received the questionnaire via courier or mail and returned it accordingly or completed the questionnaire online. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 5% 6% This year’s survey results were compared to the FY21 Survey, which had a response Bank, UN Agency rate of 71% (N=464). Civil Society Organization: Local and Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, as regional NGO, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 14% 16% well as changes in respondent samples, methodology, and the survey instrument itself. To Professional/Trade Association, reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response Faith-Based Group, Youth Group scales/options were analyzed. This year’s survey saw greater outreach to and/or response from academia but a decrease from government institutions and local government. These Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 7% 7% Sector Organization, Private Bank differences in stakeholder composition between the two years should be considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia / Research Center 3% 15% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 3% 2% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Benin COS Other 5% 7% FY24 Appendices with data breakdown and qualitative comments.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents* 456 219 What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q *Not all respondents provided information about their professional affiliation. Therefore, the total number of respondents listed in the table is lower than the N reported in the methodology. 38 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Benin? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Benin achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Benin? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Benin. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Benin. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Benin. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Benin To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Benin C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Benin C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Benin To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Benin, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other donors and development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Benin C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Benin C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Benin’s context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org