Methodological note

In total, the research team conducted 39 KIIs: 20 with humanitarian actors (10 in each country), 3 with national authorities (2 in Mali and 1 in South Sudan), and 16 with local authorities or civil society actors (10 in Mali and 6 in South Sudan). The team conducted 20 FGDs with communities affected by crisis (10 in each country).

Several limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings of this study. Due to the qualitative and non-probabilistic nature of the research, the results are indicative only of the perspectives of the stakeholders and communities consulted and they cannot be generalised to broader populations. Given the sample size and short data collection window, data saturation was not reached, and findings should be considered exploratory rather than exhaustive.

While FGDs were stratified by gender and displacement status to ensure diversity, the research team cannot guarantee full representation of all vulnerable or marginalised groups. Moreover, interviews and FGDs were not audio-recorded. Instead, responses were translated in real time and documented as notes, increasing the risk of information loss or abbreviated translation.

In Mali, logistical and access constraints in one location led to delays in data collection and prevented the formation of same-sex enumerator groups for FGDs. In South Sudan, the research team faced low response rates from governmental actors and local authorities, limiting the diversity of perspectives – particularly at the institutional level. Only one interview was conducted with a national representative, falling short of initial targets. In addition, all data collection was conducted mainly through male enumerators, from an existing pool of enumerators, including the FGDs with female participants. This may have constrained openness on sensitive issues.