FY 2024 Comoros Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | November 2024 Acknowledgements The Comoros Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey (COS) 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 Comoros country team and independent field agency, COFINCO-Comores Finance Consulting. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Aida Assiata Amada Adamou (Operations Officer) and Matoiri Boina Ramlat (Team Assistant), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Moroni, Comoros, and Diana Styvanley (External Affairs Officer), who supported the survey implementation from Antananarivo, Madagascar. 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 Comoros World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Comoros Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how Comoros stakeholders 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 opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Comoros’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 Comoros? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Comoros? 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 27% ▪ Fielded February – April 2024 ▪ 242 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Civil Society Organization 16% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or received it via courier and returned it accordingly Local Government 12% ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team ▪ Fieldwork managed by the BI team and the independent consultant Academia / Research Centers 11% ▪ 180 participants (74% response rate) Private Sector 10% ▪ 41% from Moroni ▪ 41% currently collaborate with the WBG Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 7% ▪ Compared to FY21 Country Survey Media 7% ▪ 226 participants (90% response rate) ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or via courier Office of the President, Prime 5% ▪ 27% collaborated with the WBG Minister, Minister Office of a Parliamentarian Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. 5% (Assembly of the Union) What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=180) 5 6 Overall Context “The WBG must be closer to realities on the ground, it must emphasize the recruitment of more national staff, with good knowledge of local realities.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) “Inform and guide real solutions for the development of the country.” (Civil Society Respondent) “The WBG could condition its assistance on good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? (N=150) Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Comparison of FY21 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s All Respondents 6.4 Country Survey reported statistically similar levels of familiarity with the World Bank Group compared to the FY21 Government Institution 7.9 Survey: Mean familiarity: FY24 = 6.4 Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6.9 FY21 = 6.0 Private Sector 6.7 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Academia 6.4 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.6 Government Principals 5.8 Do not collaborate = 5.6 Media 5.6 ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from government institutions indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the WBG, whereas respondents from government principals, the media, Civil Society 5.5 civil society, and especially local government reported significantly lower familiarity with the WBG’s work. Local Government 4.9 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 Comoros? 7 Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar Stakeholders Most Familiar with the UN and WBG ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to indicate their familiarity with the work of several international United Nations 6.6 organizations and the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Comoros indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the United Nations (UN), the World Bank Group, and the European Union. World Bank Group 6.4 European Union 6.2 African Development Bank (AfDB) 5.7 African Union 5.4 International Monetary Fund 5.4 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 Comoros? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 Trust in the World Bank Group: United Nations 7.0 7.0 Consistent Over Time World Bank Group 6.8 7.0 but Significant Variation Central Bank of Comoros 6.7 6.5 Across Stakeholders Civil society 6.4 6.5 Respondents in Comoros gave the highest trust ratings for Academia / research centers 6.4 the United Nations and the World Bank Group. Private sector* 6.4 Although levels of trust in the UN and WBG were consistent 5.9 from FY21 and FY24, overall ratings for private sector and Regional development banks 6.2 5.9 traditional leaders significantly improved compared to FY21. 6.2 FY24 In contrast, trust ratings in bilateral and multilateral International Monetary Fund 6.4 FY21 organizations and youth organizations significantly declined National government 5.9 from FY21 to FY24. 5.4 Bilateral and multilateral 5.9 Of note, respondents from government institutions, bilateral or organizations* 6.6 multilateral agencies, and academia had the highest ratings of 5.8 Youth organizations* trust in the WBG (means = 7.9, 7.3, and 7.5, respectively). In 6.3 contrast, respondents from local government, the private Media 5.6 sector, and the media reported significantly lower trust ratings 5.3 (means = 5.9, 6.0, and 5.8, respectively). Local government 5.4 Traditional leaders 5.0 (Grand notable)* 4.5 *Significant difference Parliament / legislative branch 5.0 between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Trust Q How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Comoros? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Aid must be personalized according to the reality of the country.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Invest in a deep understanding of local needs. Adopt flexible financing approaches specific to Comoros. Support institutional capacity building, encourage active participation of civil society and stakeholders. Pay particular attention to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of its interventions in the Comoros.” (Local Government Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? (N=150) Key Performance Indicators Decreased or Remained Consistent to FY21; Respondents who Collaborate with the WBG are Significantly more Positive 8.0 In FY24, respondents gave significantly lower ratings Relevant role in development in 6.9 for the WBG playing a relevant role and having a Comoros* 7.6 positive influence on shaping development policy in Comoros compared to the FY21 survey. Respondents’ 7.5 ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in achieving Effectiveness in helping Comoros 6.8 development results and the WBG’s alignment with achieve development results^ 6.9 development priorities ratings remained consistent with FY21 ratings. 7.4 Positive influence on shaping 6.6 Respondents who collaborated with the WBG were development policy* 7.2 significantly more positive about its work across all indicators and had ratings similar to those who Collaborate with 7.2 WBG FY24 collaborated with the WBG in the FY21 survey. Alignment with development 6.6 All FY24 priorities 6.6 All FY21 6.8 *Significant difference Helps end poverty in Comoros 5.8 between All FY24 and All FY21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How effective is the WBG in helping Comoros achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective​ Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ​ The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Comoros. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Comoros. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Comoros. The WBG’s work helps end pove rty in Comoros. ​ ^Compared to a mean score of two questions asked in FY21: ​ Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectiveness in Comoros. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; ​ 11 To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Comoros? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree​ 6.7 Stakeholders from 5.9 7.6 Effectiveness in helping 6.3 Government Institutions Comoros achieve results* 6.1 7.1 and Bilateral / Multilateral 5.2 6.9 Government Principals Agencies have More 6.4 6.0 7.4 Government Institution Positive Perceptions Alignment with development priorities* 6.2 7.4 Local Government 6.3 of the WBG 5.0 6.2 Bilateral or 6.3 Multilateral Agency Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 7.5 Positive influence on 6.2 Civil between stakeholder groups show that respondents 7.3 Society shaping 6.3 from government institutions and bilateral or development policy* 5.9 Private multilateral agencies had the highest ratings for the 6.4 Sector WBG work across all key performance indicators. 4.9 6.2 Academia In contrast, respondents from local government and 8.1 6.7 the media respondents had significantly lower ratings. Relevant role in 7.3 Media development* 6.1 6.5 6.9 5.4 5.9 6.7 5.3 The WBG’s work helps end 6.6 *Significant poverty in Comoros* 5.1 difference between 5.6 stakeholder groups 5.6 4.5 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 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among 8.5 Relevant role in development in 6.6 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- Comoros* 6.2 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one Effectiveness in helping 7.8 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Comoros achieve development 6.5 WBG, the more positive their perceptions of it and its results* 5.7 work are. 7.8 Trust the WBG to do what is right 6.5 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue for Comoros* 6.2 to increase positive perceptions. 7.8 Positive influence on shaping 6.4 development policy* 6.3 7.5 Alignment with development 6.0 priorities* *Significant difference 5.6 between levels of familiarity 6.8 Helps end poverty in Comoros* 5.1 4.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Comoros? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) Q For question wording and scales, please see slide 15. 13 Comoros’s Key Performance Indicators Slightly Lower than those of Other Countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, IDA Countries, and FCV Countries Surveyed in FY24 6.9 7.0 Relevant role in development 7.1 7.1 6.8 6.9 Trust the WBG to do what is right 7.0 7.1 6.8 Effectiveness in helping to achieve 7.0 results 7.1 7.0 6.6 Comoros FY24 Posititve influence on shaping 6.9 development policy 6.9 7.0 Other Eastern & Southern Africa Countries FY24 6.6 Other IDA Countries FY24 6.7 Alignment with development priorities 6.8 6.8 Other FCV Countries FY24 5.8 6.3 Helps end poverty 6.5 6.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Other Eastern and Southern Africa Countries FY24: Burundi, Lesotho, Namibia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, and Zambia. Q Other IDA Countries FY24: Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Maldives, Mauritania, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Togo, and Zambia. 14 Other FCV Countries FY24: Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Solomon Islands, Somalia, and South Sudan. Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions and bilateral All Respondents 6.3 or multilateral agencies had the highest mean ratings across the aggregated responses to the eighteen COS indicator questions. In contrast, respondents from the Government Institution 7.1 private sector, local government, and the media had the lowest mean ratings, suggesting a more critical perspective Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6.7 among these stakeholders. Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated Government Principals 6.5 that they collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared Academia 6.2 to respondents who did not collaborate with the WBG: Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.0 Civil Society 6.0 Do not collaborate = 5.8 Private Sector 5.8 Local Government 5.3 Media 5.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “The WBG should provide more support to the agricultural and educational sectors and improve the means and infrastructure of air and land transport. Support in the education sector and higher education including the research involved would be of capital importance to enable Comoros and the WBG to work effectively.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) “Intervene on basic infrastructure: Energy and water, deep water ports with international standards, standardized airports and roads; Support good resource governance.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? (N=150) WBG: Focal Development Energy 70% Areas Water / sanitation 52% In FY24, 7 in 10 stakeholders indicated that the WBG should focus its Agriculture / food security 52% resources on energy in Comoros. In addition, approximately half of all Transport infrastructure 49% stakeholders would like the WBG to focus its resources on water/ sanitation, agriculture/food security, transport infrastructure, and Education 46% education – all considered much higher priorities in this year's survey Health / pandemic preparedness 34% compared to the FY21 survey (9%, 17%, 13%, and 27%, respectively). Private sector development 30% Jobs 24% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? Tourism development 19% “Train young people in the professions of the future, supervise them, Public sector governance 17% finance them and monitor them to achieve the objectives. Regularly monitor the state's financial exercises. Support small and medium-sized Social protection 17% businesses. Support local production. Develop electrical energy.” (Local Government Respondent) Gender equity 17% “Support productive sectors to significantly increase supply as quickly as Digital infrastructure development 16% possible: Agriculture, livestock, fishing; stabilize the permanent supply of energy once and for all.” (Media Respondent) Climate change 12% Environment / natural resource 12% “Support the development of economic, strategic infrastructure (ports, management airports, roads, etc.), development of renewable energy, development of Urban development 8% financing mechanisms as an investment bank for the Comorian private sector.” (Private Sector Respondent) Debt management 7% Regional integration 7% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Comoros? 17 Q (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=178) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in trade and health received the highest effectiveness ratings. Of note, effectiveness ratings for the WBG’s work in health, social protection, transport, Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth trade, and private sector development significantly improved since FY21. In contrast, ratings for effectiveness in digital development and regional integration declined. 6.8 Trade* 4.7 Human Development Debt sustainability 6.1 6.7 Health* 6.1 6.0 Macroeconomic stability 6.1 Social protection* 5.1 5.8 Private sector development* 5.2 FY24 6.0 FY24 Education 6.3 FY21 5.7 FY21 Public sector governance 6.2 5.8 Gender equity 5.8 5.7 Financial inclusion 4.9 Social inclusion 5.4 5.6 Job creation / employment 5.1 Infrastructure 5.3 Regional integration* 6.1 Transport* 5.9 5.2 5.7 Energy / extractives 5.7 Environmental Sustainability 5.6 Digital development* 6.2 Climate change / Disaster 5.9 management 6.1 5.2 FY24 Water supply infrastructure FY24 FY21 5.9 5.0 Agriculture and food security 5.8 FY21 Urban development 5.1 *Significant difference 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Comoros? 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 Comoros “Collaborate and work more with localities, the private sector and civil society.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Consultation meeting with basic institutions on a permanent basis (annual). Use of reliable local data to consider effective growth in the Comoros. Adopt the requirements of the World Bank to local needs. Finance then supervise and support in achieving the set objectives of the projects.” (Local Government Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? (N=150) Perceptions of the WBG as a Long-Term Partner are High, but Perceptions of Openness have Declined In FY24, respondents continued to perceive the WBG as a Being a long-term partner to 7.9 long-term partner in Comoros, while their ratings for the Comoros 7.5 WBG’s openness have decreased significantly compared to the FY21 survey. Ratings for responsiveness, flexibility, and staff accessibility remained consistent between the Responsiveness to needs in 6.2 FY24 and FY21 surveys. Comoros 6.3 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG 6.0 could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? Openness (sharing data and other information)* FY24 6.7 “Work more with actors and organizations that represent local FY21 populations by strengthening the WBG's partnership with technical partners such as UN agencies and NGOs.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) Access to WBG staff and 5.9 experts 5.4 “The WBG would be more effective working with the private sector. There should be expertise offices and centers of expertise.” (Media Respondent) Flexibility when circumstances 5.8 *Significant “Involve state institutions from the design phase until the closure change in Comoros^ 5.8 difference between of each project. Ensure that national institutions are taken into years account by WB employees.” (Government Institution Respondent) 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? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree Q ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in country context asked in FY21. 20 Perceptions of WBG Collaboration with Government and Other Donors have Declined, but Perceptions of Other Collaborations remained Consistent In FY24, perceptions of the WBG’s collaboration with the 7.3 national government and other donors and development National government* 7.9 partners declined significantly compared to the FY21 survey. Respondents’ ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with local 6.0 Other donors and government and the Assembly of the Union were the lowest. development partners* 7.1 Stakeholder group differences of note: ▪ Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies gave the 6.0 highest ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with other donors Civil society 5.5 and development partners (mean=7.7). In contrast, respondents from local government, academia, and the media gave significantly lower ratings (means=4.6, 4.6 and 4.4, 5.8 Private sector respectively). 5.6 FY24 ▪ Respondents from government principals, government 5.7 FY21 institutions, and bilateral or multilateral agencies gave the highest Academia / research centers ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with academia (means=6.5 6.5 and 6.4, respectively). In contrast, respondents from local government and private sector gave significantly lower ratings 5.3 (means=4.5 and 4.2, respectively). Local government ▪ Respondents from government institutions and bilateral or *Significant multilateral agencies gave the highest ratings for the WBG’s Legislative branch (Assembly 5.2 difference between collaboration with local government (both means=6.1). In of the Union) years contrast, respondents from local government, the private sector, and the media gave significantly lower ratings (means=4.2, 4.1, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 and 4.1, respectively). Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Comoros, in terms of collaborating with the following Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 21 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with the Private Sector, Local Government, CSOs, Academia Over half of this year’s survey respondents indicated that the Private sector 57% WBG should collaborate more with the private sector in addition to its partnership with the national government. Respondents also wanted to see the WBG collaborate more with local government, Local government 40% civil society, and academia. Civil society 37% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Academia / research 28% could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? centers “Effectively develop its partnership with the private sector for the creation of companies competitive in international Youth organizations 11% markets.” (Government Principal Respondent) Other donors and “The WBG should consult private individuals and civil society in the 10% development partners direction of its programs. Although it takes into account government policies, they do not take into account, or very little, the wishes of Legislative branch the populations.” (Civil Society Respondent) 7% (Assembly of the Union) “Create mechanisms that will allow WBG to collaborate directly with national institutions, particularly the private sector.” Other 4% (Private Sector Respondent) Faith-based institutions 3% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following should the WBG collaborate with more Q to have greater impact in Comoros? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=167) 22 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Strengthen the national capacity framework in terms of good governance; increase the financing envelope in Comoros.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Have expert companies of Comorian nationalities in the Comoros; Strengthen development capacity on civil society projects in relation to the private sectors; Real exchange of experience and knowledge in the Comoros.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? (N=150) Capacity Building and Financial Resources Considered the Bank’s Greatest Values Respondents considered the WBG’s capacity Capacity development and training 49% development and training and financial resources as its greatest values to Comoros. Respondents also valued the WBG’s technical assistance and implementation Financial resources 48% support and its mobilization of third-party financial resources. Technical assistance and 28% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG implementation support could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? “Help the government strengthen their capacity to absorb Mobilizing third party financial 25% financial resources through training.” resources (Government Institution Respondent) Convening / bringing together “The WBG must emphasize training and exchanges of different groups of stakeholders 16% experience.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Support for capacity building of institutions.” (Academia Respondent) Knowledge and analytical products 13% “Focus on capacity building in fiduciary management of public administrations Strengthen the capacities of non-state organizations to actively participate in the management of state Donor coordination 6% affairs. Increase partnership with other development partners, particularly UN agencies and NGOs.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) Other 5% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Comoros? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=177) 24 Perceptions of the WBG’s Monitoring and Evaluating of its Projects have Declined Regarding the WBG's financial instruments, respondents The WBG effectively monitors and 6.7 expressed the highest levels of agreement that the Bank evaluates the projects it supports effectively monitors and evaluates the projects it supports in Comoros* 7.5 in Comoros; however, perceptions of this monitoring and evaluation have declined since FY21. Across all of these aspects of the WBG’s financial instruments, The WBG insists on accountability 6.6 there were statistically significant differences between through its lending stakeholder groups. For the most part, respondents from 6.8 government institutions and bilateral or multilateral agencies had the highest levels of agreement, while respondents from local government, the private sector, academia, and the media The WBG’s Environmental and 6.5 tended to have significantly lower levels of agreement. Social Framework requirements FY24 are reasonable 6.8 FY21 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? 6.2 “Various Comorian projects have had disbursement problems due The WBG’s financial instruments to poor mastery of the procedure manual according to the WBG meet the needs of Comoros 6.1 working model. The best solution is to organize workshops to build capacity on how to operate WBG projects.” (Government Institution Respondent) The conditions of the WBG’s 5.5 “Improve and facilitate fund disbursement procedures. financing are competitive *Significant Sometimes, it seems that the funds granted do not want to be compared to markets difference between disbursed. WB procedures are very slow. Once procedures are years improved, WB support will be more visible.” (Media Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 25 57% of Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; Perceptions of WBG Knowledge Remain Positive Ratings only of those who Respondents gave the highest ratings for the significance used WBG knowledge work of the WBG’s knowledge work contribution to development results in Comoros (significantly improved Significance of WBG knowledge 7.3 since FY21) and for the WBG’s knowledge work bringing contribution to development results in Comoros* 6.6 global expertise to Comoros. However, perceptions were least positive for the WBG’s knowledge products being 7.1 The WBG brings global expertise to tailored to Comoros’s context and knowing how to find Comoros as part of its knowledge work^ 6.8 WBG knowledge work when needed. Working with the WBG increases 6.8 FY24 In your opinion, what is the most important thing Comoros’s institutional capacity 7.0 FY21 the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? 6.4 I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Comoros “Support for the settlement of state debt and supervision of knowledge and deployment of training for state agents.” (Government Institution Respondent) The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 6.1 Comoros’s context^ 6.4 “Better communication with all stakeholders, dissemination and access to information. Support for civil society (capacity *Significant building). Better knowledge transfer.” When I need to consult the WBG’s 6.1 difference between (Civil Society Respondent) knowledge work, I know how to find it years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=175) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 26 How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Comoros? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Are source of relevant information on global good practices" and “Are adaptable to Comoros’s specific developme nt challenges and country circumstances” asked in FY21. 27 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Comoros “Deepen monitoring and evaluations of all WBG-funded activities. Demand effective results. Involve all parties affected by an activity and project.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Demand more transparency in the management of funds. Be more demanding in the quality of service providers and national counterparts in terms of commitment and integrity.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? (N=150) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Communication, 3% Focus Area • Transport infrastructure • Public sector governance Financial Support, • Private sector development and employment creation 10% • Human capital, especially education Operational • Ensure that initiatives result in sustainable development Effectiveness, Focus Area 13% 45% Engagement • Engage on a more local level to better understand the needs and Results context in Comoros 16% • Engage more with the private sector to develop more competitive businesses and generate more jobs • Greater engagement with civil society to better understand the Knowledge, local context and improve project oversight 22% Engagement, 31% Knowledge • Greater focus on capacity development and training • More training in how to better use WBG financing • 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 Comoros? (N=150) 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 cover, so the sum of all percentages may be greater than 100%. 28 How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Communication, 3% Results Financial • More rigorous and continuous monitoring of WBG-funded Support projects to ensure objectives are met 10% Operational Effectiveness, Focus Area Operational Effectiveness 13% 45% • Greater understanding of the local context to tailor initiatives for better outcomes Results, 16% Financial Support • Increased access to financing, especially for sustainable development projects Knowledge, 22% Engagement, 31% 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 Comoros? (N=150) 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 cover, so the sum of all percentages may be greater than 100%. 29 30 Communication and Outreach “Communicate to the Comorian people the work and contribution of the WBG. Inform the Assembly of all the projects and financing of the WBG in the Comoros and their achievements.” (Government Principal Respondent) “It is necessary to be in direct contact with the beneficiaries of the projects to evaluate their effectiveness and popularization. … Encourage communication of these projects at the level of the communities concerned.” (Academia Respondent) “Take into account the specificity of each island: help with the decentralization of work, raise awareness in each sector about the work carried out, share information on time.” (Local Government Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Comoros? (N=150) Events and Direct Contact were Most Preferred for Receiving WBG Communication Respondents most preferred to receive Bank communications through events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online) and direct contact, followed by e-newsletters. Preferred WBG Sources Bilateral or All Government Government Local Multilateral Civil Private Respondents Principals Institutions Government Agencies Society Sector Academia Media Event / conference / seminar / 55% 60% 65% 46% 46% 55% 47% 61% 39% workshop (in person or online) Direct contact with staff (e.g., in 53% 40% 46% 64% 54% 62% 59% 50% 54% person, virtually, phone, email) e-Newsletters 40% 27% 52% 36% 54% 38% 41% 22% 31% Direct messaging (e.g., 24% 40% 20% 36% 15% 24% 24% 17% 23% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Social media (e.g., Facebook, 10% 13% 9% 0% 15% 7% 18% 17% 15% Twitter) How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=173) 31 Nearly 8 in 10 Recalled Hearing About the WBG Recently; Usually through Newspapers, Television, or Events 78% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing or hearing about the WBG in newspapers, television, and events, followed by social media and direct contact with WBG staff. Newspapers (print or online) 57% Television (TV) 49% No Event / conference / seminar 45% 22% (in person or online) Social media 36% Do you recall seeing or hearing Direct contact with WBG staff 33% anything about the WBG WBG websites 24% recently? Radio 21% Yes 78% e-Newsletters 11% Direct messaging 5% Other 5% Blogs 2% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=176) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=137) 32 The WBG’s Work on Climate Change was the Most Commonly Recalled Topic Nearly half of all respondents who recalled seeing or Climate change 49% hearing something about the WBG recently recalled the Food security 40% WBG’s work on climate change. Food security, jobs, ending poverty, and pandemic preparedness were Job creation / employment 38% also commonly recalled topics. Ending poverty in developing countries 37% Pandemic preparedness 34% Women empowerment 29% Debt relief for developing countries 27% Digital economy 22% Youth development 16% Other 15% WBG economic forecasts 14% Human capital 12% Changes to the WBG financial and 7% operational model What topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? (Select all that apply) 33 Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=136) Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Decreased Crop Yields and Water Availability, Shoreline Erosion, and Coastal Flooding Nearly 6 in 10 respondents were very concerned about decreased crop yields/increased food insecurity, increased erosion of shoreline, decreased water availability/quality, and coastal flooding due to sea level rise in relation to the potential impacts of climate change in Comoros. 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 58% Increased erosion of shoreline 56% Decreased water availability / quality 56% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 55% Land and forest degradation 47% Loss of jobs 38% More frequent and severe heatwaves 37% More frequent and severe floods 31% More frequent and severe droughts 31% Extinction of plant / animal species 27% Air pollution 18% Climate-driven migration 17% More frequent and intense wildfires 13% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Comoros? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~173) 34 35 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=170) collaborate/work Other 18% with the World Bank Group (WBG) Yes 41% Public sector governance 13% in Comoros? (N=180) No Education 12% 59% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt management 12% Privates sector development / trade 9% Health / pandemic preparedness 8% Generalist (specialize in multiple sectors) 6% Agriculture and food security 4% Which of the following WBG Social protection 4% World Bank (IDA) 96% agencies do you Environment / natural resource management 4% collaborate/work with in Comoros? Transport 3% (N=73) International Finance 16% Corporation (IFC) Digital development 3% Gender equity 1% Multilateral Investment 6% Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Energy 1% Climate change 1% 36 Urban development 1% Sample Demographics (continued) Which best represents your What’s your age? (N=177) geographic location? (N=173) 26-35 7% Moroni 41% 36-45 27% Ngazidja 29% 46-55 34% Anjouan 18% 56 and above 29% Moheli 12% Other Prefer not to specify 3% Prefer not to 1% specify 2% Female 19% What is your gender? (N=175) Male 78% 37 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2021 FY 2024 From February to April 2024, a total of 242 stakeholders in Comoros were invited to Government Principals: Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, 15% 10% provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey. The Parliamentarian WBG country team compiled a list of potential participants. Participants were drawn from the office of the President, Prime Minister, office of a Minister or Parliamentarian, government Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the private sector, civil Unit, Independent Government Institution, 19% 27% society, academia, and the media. Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 180 participated in the survey (74% response rate). Respondents Local Government 9% 12% completed the questionnaire via an online platform or received it via courier and returned it accordingly. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 9% 7% This year’s survey results were compared to the FY21 Survey, which had a response rate of Bank, UN Agency 90% (N=226). Civil Society Organization: Local and Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, as regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 15% 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. The sample composition was fairly similar in both years, with the FY24 sample including more respondents from government institutions and local Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 13% 10% Sector Organization, Private Bank government and somewhat fewer government principals. Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted Academia / Research Center 10% 11% throughout the report. Media 10% 9% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Comoros COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Total Number of Respondents 224 180 Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. 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 Comoros? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Comoros 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 makes to development results in Comoros? 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 Comoros. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Comoros. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Comoros. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Comoros. 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 Comoros C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Comoros C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Comoros To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Comoros, 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 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 Comoros C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Comoros. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Comoros’s context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org