COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence | Rapid Community Assessment Guide 1

Addendum

Considerations for Conducting 

Rapid Community Assessment in 

Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker 

Communities

January 2022

U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence | Rapid Community Assessment Guide 2

Purpose

This document outlines considerations and guidelines for working with migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs)1 

as part of a Rapid Community Assessment (RCA). A full RCA guide with detailed steps and adaptable tools is available 

on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

RCA Step 1: Identifying Objectives & Communities of Focus

Identify Your Objective(s)

An RCA may be conducted with MSFWs and other agricultural-related workers for many reasons. Some example 

objectives include:

• Understand what agricultural workers are thinking about COVID-19 vaccines use and access, including access to 

information. 

• Characterize MSFWs in and around a geographic area to aid public health authorities in planning and delivering 

COVID-19 vaccination services (i.e., vaccination clinics, vaccine education) in their community(ies).

• Understand demographic and other sociocultural characteristics and types of migration patterns in the 

community(ies) for the purpose of increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

• Understand communication channels and how MSFWs use and consume media in order to promote COVID-19 

vaccine uptake more effectively.

• Identify opportunities for culturally- and linguistically-appropriate partnership and local program and service 

changes to increase accessibility, confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine.

• Identify specific migration status legal concerns that some MSFWs may have that might prevent them from 

seeking vaccination and develop strategies that consider such concerns. 

When identifying objectives, consider how they might be integrated with other existing programs and plans affecting 

MSFWs, such as efforts to promote flu vaccines or other health and education promotion. 

Identify Your Community(ies) of Focus

When thinking about MSFW communities to focus on for the RCA, consider the following relevant characteristics to 

better define that population:

• Geographic area (e.g., statewide, specific county(ies), specific agricultural region)

• Time or season of the year (e.g., peak harvesting season, times when migratory workers arrive to the area)

• Type of work contracts (e.g., permanent, seasonal, direct hire vs. hired by contractors, H-2A or H-2B temporary 

worker visa contract)

• Type of worker (e.g., seasonal local, regular border crosser, migration within the U.S., migration from overseas) 

• Types of industry and job roles (e.g., crop, livestock, packinghouse)

• Immigration status (e.g., undocumented worker, H-2A worker, legal permanent resident, U.S. citizen)

1There is no single, standard definition of MSFW or agricultural worker in the U.S. In general, farmworkers or agricultural workers include a variety of occupations, including field crop 

workers, nursery workers, livestock workers, and workers in food produce packinghouses. The term “migrant farmworker” is often used to refer to persons who travel from their home base 

to another location within the U.S., or from another country to the U.S., to perform agricultural work. See the 2017-2018 National Agricultural Workers Survey and the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture for more information.
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Country of birth

Primary language spoken and English language proficiency (speaking and reading)

Racial/ethnic group (e.g., Hispanic/Latino, Black, specific indigenous Mesoamerican groups such as Mixtecos or 

Zapotecos, Haitian, Mexican, Salvadoran)

Gender

Age

Family status

Education and literacy

Housing (e.g., owned or rented house or apartment, migrant camp, employer provided housing, H-2A housing)

Farm or other worksite locations

Other locations and times when MSFWs tend to congregate (e.g., ethnic markets and restaurants, places of 

worship, national, religious and other events) 

Health insurance status 

Established healthcare provider relationships

If you have limited information about MSFWs in your area, conduct a literature review and speak with multiple key 

local contacts (see the Identify Community Partners section in RCA Step 2 below) to learn about the population and 

how to best identify sub-groups. However, since MSFW migration patterns are rapidly changing, key local contact 

insight/opinions should be balanced with data and on-the-ground observations. 

Review Existing Data

There are a number of sources that may be useful for gathering published data: 

• Local and state health departments (including programs or projects focused on MSFWs)

• U.S. Department of Labor 

» Monitor Advocate Systems2

» Office of Foreign Labor Certification (e.g., data on number of H-2A workers, employers, work and housing 

location, arrival and departure dates)

• U.S. Department of Commerce census by industry for each state3

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (e.g., crop information)

• U.S. Census of Agriculture

• National Agricultural Workers Survey

• State farmworker enumeration studies

 2The Monitor Advocate System is a federal/state monitoring system that ensures MSFWs have equitable access to career services, skill development, and workforce protections. It also has 

H-2A/H-2B job information.

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This data may be found on the jurisdiction/state’s department of labor website.
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• National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH)

» Farm labor estimates for crop and animal production

» Webinar resources

• Migrant Education/Migrant Head Start

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages (e.g., seasonality data)

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

• Migrant Health Centers

• Local Farmworker-Serving Organizations

• Local Mexican, Central American, or other relevant consulate branches

• Local universities that work with MSFWs

When reviewing existing data, keep in mind that:

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Literacy levels, on average, may be at or less than 8th grade school equivalent. 

MSFWs may only speak the language predominant in their community of origin. For example, some people from 

predominantly Spanish-speaking countries may only speak non-Spanish indigenous languages. You should aim 

to gain a sense of the population, seasonality, migration, and geography of the community as well as languages 

spoken and literacy levels.

Data sources about MSFWs may have limitations and may contain bias (e.g., relying on employer permission to 

collect data from workers). Data is also generally coarse/aggregated or may not take into consideration seasonal 

workforce fluctuations; thus, local communities you work with may look different than what existing data show.

Community members will likely have a better understanding of seasonal migration patterns than public data 

sources, so you will need to compare data with their insights.

Therefore, consider gathering information from: 

Local community organizations that represent and interact with specific groups, such as indigenous 

Mesoamerican groups

Migrant and community health centers

Churches and other religious organizations

Employers and employer associations

Industry academic researchers, who can be found by searching publications and websites of local universities 

Local placement agencies or labor contractors who may have key, current, and specific information on the MSFWs 

they hire in a specific area

Migrant education programs

Farmworker rights advocates and labor unions
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Human Subjects Clearance

If your organization or agency has Institutional Review Board requirements (IRB), submit your RCA plan for IRB 

approval and/or other type(s) of research determination approval. It is important that the rights of participants are 

respected and prioritized, including protection of personal or identifying information during data collection. The 

following protective practices are recommended when working with MSFWs:

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It is preferable for those conducting the RCA to reflect the culture of the community of focus and be fluent in their

spoken language.

Being affiliated with a respected community partner can help to build trust and gain access to the community of

focus. If those implementing the RCA are not from the community themselves, they might consider asking a

trusted partner to accompany them.

Avoid taking photos or collecting personally identifiable information unless it is strictly necessary for the

assessment, and you are sure consent is truly understood and given, and you can adequately protect data

confidentiality.

Steps should be included in the data collection process to ensure participants fully understand the purpose of the 

community assessment and any possible risks or benefits (to them or community), given that education and

literacy levels may be at 8th grade or lower, and language/translation can be challenging.

Be sensitive to language regarding immigration status; do not directly ask for unauthorized immigration status.

Ask questions related to this topic and avoid public health research terms like “informants” or “surveillance” that 

can have associations with government related institutions like ICE/immigration.

Avoid asking for personal identifiers such as state ID and addresses. Confidentiality is the highest priority.

Be aware that using aliases is common among MSFWs, especially among undocumented people or those with

mixed documentation status families (i.e., with both documented and undocumented family members).

Consider adding clarification or assurances to address any concerns (e.g., not providing their real names) the

MSFWs may have related to public charge.

If visiting a worksite and crew leaders’ permission is not obtained first, data collectors may be asked to leave or

removed from the worksite or workers may experience retaliation for participating. You can further protect MSFWs

from the risk of retaliation by not asking for identifying information of their employers, such as employer names.

While employer and crew leader or contractors support is encouraged, it is preferred to conduct interviews or

listening sessions without employers or crew leaders present as there may be significant power dynamics

between MSFWs and employers that may change the way employees respond.

Be prepared to offer information or resources to MSFWs while conducting surveys or interviews (e.g., where to get

vaccinated, transportation resources, legal aid assistance resources).
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence | Rapid Community Assessment Guide 6

RCA Step 2: Planning for the Assessment

Identify Community Partners

It is critical to work closely with community organizations (especially those that work with MSFWs) that represent and 

serve your communities of focus. These include:

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Faith-based groups

Promotoras/es (i.e., community health workers)/traditional health workers

Farmworker-serving and other grassroots organizations

Workers unions

Labor contractors or agencies

Advocacy groups

Schools/migrant education

Low/no barrier clinics/FQHCs

Legal aid/immigration services

Unemployment office

Other social service organizations

Agricultural Extension offices

Academic institutions with expertise in MSFW communities

Consulates representing the population

Other health programs (e.g., WIC, hospitals, education departments, public housing agencies, fire/EMS, public

safety)

NOTE: Some very rural communities may not have many resources or organizations but have local advocates. Visiting 

local gathering places (e.g., food trucks, stores, check cashing or money order locations, churches, funeral homes) can 

help identify these unconventional partners. 

If there are many potential community partners and/or if you need introductions to community groups, start with 

organizations that are already engaged in vaccination and/or health services (e.g., clinics) and build from there. 

Consider partners’ bandwidth and capacity and engage them early in the process. 

Obtain Support

Once you have identified potential community partners:

• Meet with partners to understand their COVID-19 concerns among MSFWs and offer the RCA as an option for

addressing these concerns.
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence | Rapid Community Assessment Guide 7

• Obtain permission from farm owner or employer before conducting any outreach or data collection activities at 

the work location. If data collectors are visiting farms or work sites without advance permission, they should quickly 

identify and speak with the farm owner or employer/crew leader/contractor/mayordomo (person in charge) 

regarding the visit. When visiting farms or worksites, ensure that data collectors obtain the farm owner or employer 

or crew leader’s permission to avoid getting removed from the site or employer retaliation toward the workers.

NOTE: When engaging employers or industry representatives, it is important to inform them that activities are not 

regulated or audited. This can help improve participation and promote candid information sharing.

Identify Resources

In addition to the RCA team, here are some key resources you may need:

• Local community partners who are familiar with where MSFWs live, shop, work, worship, and congregate.

• Training for staff awareness on how to safely conduct surveys or interviews in a farm setting.

• Translation and interpretation services. 

• Printed educational materials (developed with literacy and language needs in mind) to provide to MSFWs who 

have questions. The following organizations may have materials for farmworkers: 

» National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc

» UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety

» Migrant Clinicians Network

• Resources or Frequently Asked Questions related to public charge and immigration status to mitigate fears of 

using public health services. For examples, see the following:

» National Immigration Law Center Webinar

» Protecting Immigrant Families: Immigrant Eligibility for Public Programs During COVID-19

Choose Assessment Methods

If possible, and to make the assessment more comprehensive, it is important to use a combination of methods to 

gather information from employers, healthcare providers, community trusted representatives, and MSFWs and their 

families. These methods can include surveys, focus group discussions, community interviews, intercept interviews, and 

observations.

Considerations for choosing assessment methods with MSFWs:

• Survey methodology may be strongly affected by low literacy levels and translation challenges. If used, it is 

recommended that surveys are conducted verbally. 

• Phone calls and texts may be costly for workers, and some may not have a reliable network connection in rural or 

remote locations. If phones are used, WhatsApp is preferred as it is free of cost.

• Conducting intercept surveys at both community sites (such as stores and restaurants) and at work and housing 

sites ensures that you are capturing information from temporarily unemployed MSFWs and employed farmworkers 

who may not have transportation. It may also help to provide a more representative sample of MSFW communities 

and be more convenient to potential participants. 
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A methodology for consideration, not included in the RCA Guide, is participatory mapping. This exercise involves 

creating a visual map of the community with the input of the community members. This can be helpful in 

characterizing mobility (reasons for movement, trends, and patterns), areas of community congregation, and 

increasing understanding of community perceptions and access to resources. This may be particularly relevant for 

MSFW communities as populations shift and change frequently which may not be captured in publicly available data. 

For more information see the Population Connectivity Across Borders toolkit.

Form the Assessment Team

Once you have determined the scope of data collection, assess how many team members will be needed and the level 

of commitment from them over the course of the RCA to achieve your objectives. 

In forming the RCA team: 

• Rural areas may require larger teams to visit dispersed areas. 

• Consider the particular importance of trusted relationships for people in these communities and include members 

from the community of focus in the RCA team, when possible.

• Project staff from outside the community of focus should position themselves as guests and defer to local 

community knowledge and relationships.

• Promotoras/es are trusted by the MSFW community and can often be engaged in data collection. 

• Engaging MSFWs and key partner organizations representatives in the planning, implementation, dissemination, 

and evaluation phases as content experts is recommended. 

• Train and orient the team as needed on special considerations for working in MSFW communities including 

establishing rapport with MSFW, reducing bias in data collection methods, how to work with interpreters, and 

confidentiality protocols.

Recruit Participants 

There are many strategies to recruit MSFW participants for data collection, including:

• Outreach through 

» Local community partners (e.g., promotoras/es, women and family organizations, farmworker unions, legal 

advocates, migrant education programs)

» Churches 

» Schools

» Employers and contractors (can be identified by contacting the state Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration or agriculture department, state monitor advocate, farm bureaus, and agricultural extension 

agencies)

• Visits to 

» Farms 

» Housing development corporations or other places workers live 
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence | Rapid Community Assessment Guide 9

» Public spaces frequented by MSFWs and their family members, such as culturally specific grocery and other 

stores, bodegas, tianguis, check cashing stores, and rodeos 

Also consider the following: 

• It is most effective to work through trusted leaders, representatives, and employers to identify workers and create 

a safe and open environment for them to participate in assessment activities. 

• Strive to include non-work sites for assessment activities. This will help you to meet more people from the MSFW 

community, provide more convenient locations for potential participants, and include more participants (e.g., 

temporarily unemployed MSFWs).

• Include work or labor housing sites to ensure that workers without personal transportation can participate. 

• Informal conversations can be an important aspect of this participation.

• If possible, include MSFW families in the assessment.

• Recruit participants representing diverse key groups of MSFWs (e.g., genders, languages, racial/ethnic groups, 

occupations, immigration or visa status, agricultural or production areas) in your geographic assessment area. 

• Women might be more likely to share detailed/informed health and family well-being information, especially 

about children, and should be approached by another woman if possible. Similarly, men might be more 

comfortable speaking with another man.

• If planning to administer the assessment at work sites, it is best to reach out to farm owners in advance to explain 

the project and objectives, answer questions and respond to concerns. 

• Providing cash or other incentives (e.g., gift cards) for participating in data collection activities can facilitate 

engagement. Ensure that any participant incentives are in a form that MSFWs can use. 

» If providing incentives at work sites, obtain employer approval. 

» If distributing gift cards, seek advice from local community- based organizations regarding appropriate 

amounts or popular stores for the local farmworker community. 

» Pre-activated Visa gift cards are recommended. Non-activated gift cards are confusing and not recommended 

because many MSFWs, especially those who have recently arrived in the U.S., are unfamiliar with gift cards. 

Provide a piece of paper with instructions on how to use it, along with a phone number if the participant has 

any trouble.

» Company checks can be difficult to cash-in at check cashing locations for MSFWs who do not have bank 

accounts. If feasible, money order payments may be better for farmworkers who are migrating. 
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RCA Step 3: Collecting and Analyzing Data

Data Collection 

The RCA Guide offers a variety of data collection tools that can be adapted to MSFW communities, including 

community interviews, listening sessions, observations, surveys, and social listening. 

Data collection forms, surveys, and interview guides should be prepared in languages spoken by the community 

of focus at appropriate literacy levels prior to the RCA and piloted before beginning data collection, if possible. If 

piloting is not possible, survey materials should be reviewed by team members and partners who are from the local 

community before distribution. Check questionnaires used by organizations with expertise in farmworker surveys. For 

example:

• U.S. Department of Labor Questionnaire Content

• California Institute for Rural Studies Farmworker Survey

Consider the following:

• While immigration status is often an important indicator and social determinant of health, it is also a very sensitive 

subject. If the data is being collected by a government agency, it is generally not advisable to collect this 

information, and it should never be tied to any personal identifiers or specific locations. 

• Asking what language the participant spoke in the home as a child may be another way to better assess the 

presence of indigenous Mesoamerican farmworkers who speak Spanish and do not identify themselves as 

indigenous racially.

• Data collection may require more time, knowledge and expertise working with indigenous Mesoamerican 

communities, and team members who share the culture and language of the community of focus. 

• Data collection times should be flexible (evenings, weekends) to accommodate MSFW schedules. Consider that 

many MSFWs work unconventional schedules at night or start working very early (e.g., 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m. 

during the summer).

• Include an RCA representative’s contact information on any survey in case participants have questions.

Data Analysis

When conducting data analysis of assessments with MSFW populations, consider the following: 

• It is critical to interpret qualitative data within the socio-cultural and linguistic context. 

• After completing analysis and write up of preliminary findings, consult community partners or other community 

members to ensure that the findings reflect community narratives and experiences.
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RCA Step 4: Reporting Findings and Identifying Solutions

In addition to reporting findings to institutional stakeholders and partners, RCA findings should be reported in person

in the communities where data collection was conducted to facilitate interpretation, validation, and discussion of 

solutions. It is important to acknowledge everyone’s participation at these community meetings.

In addition, it is recommended that a plain language summary of findings with supporting visuals is disseminated in 

English, Spanish, and predominant Indigenous or other languages. Also consider other channels to reach MSFWs to 

share findings, such as local radio stations, Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok. 

RCA Step 5: Evaluating Efforts

It is important to evaluate how well RCA efforts reached the intended MSFW communities and gathered the necessary 

insights. It is recommended to:

1. Assess whether any subgroups within your community of focus were difficult to engage. 

2. Consider the limitations of reach due to RCA timing given the seasonality of farm work and resulting changing 

populations.

3. Review findings with key local contacts and experts on MSFWs to discuss unexpected findings.

4. Get feedback from RCA participants and partners about their experience with the RCA and recommendations to 

improve the methodology.