Nepal baseline survey

Our Nepalese research team carried out a 'baseline' survey of 4,500 people in 60 districts to:

• Understand the media consumption patterns and preferences of target audiences (15-49 year olds)
• Assess knowledge, attitudes and practices around social inclusion and political engagement

The survey was translated into three languages: Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri.

Results - media consumption:

• 90% of the population listen to the radio and more than 80% watch TV
• The majority listen to the radio for up to 2 hours every weekday and up to 3 hours on a weekend or holiday
• News and current affairs, music and drama are popular radio programme genres
• 92% trust the media more than any other institution in Nepal - national and local politicians are the least trusted group

Results - social inclusion and political engagement

• The majority of people feel that the lack of peace, political instability and strikes and protests are the major problems facing Nepal today
• The majority of people feel that the lack of infrastructure, unemployment and poverty are the biggest problems facing their communities
• Nearly half the respondents reported that they are not informed about the current political situation
• Nearly 25% of respondents feel discriminated against as a group

'Midline' and 'endline' surveys will then be carried out to assess progress in changing attitudes and behaviour that have created inequality, injustice and discrimination in the past.