Report on the results of an online survey based on an interactive structured questionnaire, the link to which was sent to potential respondents from the database (Kherson Community Research Online Panel).
Research purpose: to find out the dynamics of changes in Kherson residents’ assessments of the socio-economic and security situation in Kherson.
Key Findings:
The rating of community problems has changed slightly over the past six months. There have been more difficulties with employment (59%, +12% compared to December 2023), a 6% increase in concern about the problem of stray animals (37%, +12%) and a lack of bomb shelters (33%, +9%). The top five most pressing problems also include “the consequences of flooding the city after the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam was blown up” and “unfair distribution of humanitarian aid,” but their changes are within the margin of error.
Regarding information needs, information about the provision of humanitarian aid remains important for Kherson residents (36%), but those who would like to receive more information about the activities of local authorities have decreased – in December 2023, the number of such people was 41%, and now it is 34%.
There is still a high demand for advice on employment (32%, +5% compared to December 2023), compensation for property damaged by the war (30%, -2%), and payment for utilities (27%, +3%).
In the context of reconstruction, the same as in December 2023, the top three priorities include: rebuilding destroyed buildings (59%, +4%), identifying and prosecuting traitors and collaborators (49%, -3%), and returning people to the community (43%, +2%).
Three strategic areas of development have been consolidated: the development of small and medium-sized businesses (77%, +3 compared to December 2023), industrial development (61%, -1%), and tourism and recreation (53%, +3%).
The psycho-emotional state of Kherson residents can be described by an increase in anxiety (56%, +5 compared to December 2023), and frustration (40%, +11%). However, “hope” (43%) and “expectation of improvement” (43%) remain in the top 5 most popular words describing the current state of Kherson residents. Likewise, “hope” (53%) and “expectation of improvement” (51%) are at the top of the ranking of words that Kherson residents think of when they reflect about the future.
Kherson residents continue to suffer from bombing. Russia has been causing the most damage to housing. In 10 months, the number of Kherson residents whose family homes were damaged increased by 16% (from 35% in September 2023 to 51% currently), as well as the apartment building or yard where the apartment is located (+13%).
Rescuers (the State Emergency Service in Kherson), the military in Kherson, Kherson volunteers, and Kherson utility workers remain the people with the highest level of trust among the community.
The number of Kherson residents who do not intend to return to the city tends to be increasing. Over the past 11 months, the number of such people has increased 7 times – from 3% in July 2023 to 22% currently.
You can read the full report by downloading it:
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This research was conducted by the Zakhyst Kherson Community Foundation Charitable Organization as a part of its project implemented under the USAID/ENGAGE activity, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Pact. The consents of this research are the sole responsibility of Pact and its implementing partners and do not necessary reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government
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