Institutional Mapping Tool Description: Institutional Mapping uses a diagram to look at how a community is organized, both in terms of its internal organization and its relationships with the larger community beyond its borders. It normally consists of one large circle that represents the community, with smaller shapes inside that indicate the organizations, institutions and groups based inside the community. Shapes can be placed outside the large community circle to indicate organizations based outside the community, and lines and arrows can show the links and relationships between different groups. Purpose: To identify the institutions and organizations inside and outside the village, their roles, decision making processes and relationships. Time: 2 – 3 hours Participants: The whole community, or one person per family, in open informal groups arranged according to the community’s preference. Preparation: Inform everyone of the next steps in the CBDP process, and explain why it is important that someone from every family, especially the most vulnerable families, participates. Ask them to suggest when and where to meet, and discuss whether to split into subgroups by location or gender in order to have a manageable group size. Develop a checklist, print copies of this TOOL, clipboard and pens for the note taker, bring summary of information from the Transect Walk. Bring chalk and masking tape, which can be useful for drawing on a hard surface. Bring large paper and pens, to transfer the map onto paper and leave a copy with the community for future reference Materials: The diagram can be drawn on the ground, using natural markers such as stones and leaves. It may be helpful to collect materials in advance, to have a range of different size, shape and colored leaves, stones or beans for example. It can be transferred to paper at the end. Alternatively, it can be done using a large sheet of paper with shapes that are cut out of different colored card stock or paper. Checklist prepared in advance (see example below); copies of this Tool Process: Introductions • After exchanging greetings, remind the participants of the aim of the CBDP program and explain the purpose of this activity. Ask if anyone has any questions and if so, clarify. • Summarize, through question and answer, the main outcomes of the Social and Resource Mapping exercise. Ask if anyone has any questions, or feedback from sharing it with their friends and family. • Remind people that involvement is always voluntary, and if they decide to leave to attend to personal priorities, they should feel free to do so without asking permission. Institutional Mapping Activity
Example of Institutional Mapping Diagram: For Notetakers: Example of a table which comes out of the diagram and the discussion with the community members Name of Institution Type Role Connection to Other Institutions Influence Location Local Church Religious Institution Offers food and clean water following flooding Works with local police station High Inside Community Police Station Government Provides evacuation assistance during disasters Government District Office Low Inside Community
Farmer’s Collective Responsible for saving seeds and providing knowledge about sustainable farming practices Works with Government District Office and Agricultural Extension High Inside Community Community Leader Offers boats for evacuation, advocates to government for development work Local Church, Government District Office High Inside Community Government District Office Government Able to provide infrastructure to mitigate flooding (like embankments, etc.) Police Station, Regional Development Bank High Outside Community Regional Development Bank Financial Provides small loans for reconstruction following disaster Works with NGOs and Government District Office Low Outside Community