Needs Assessment

Needs assessment is the collection and analysis of information that relates to the needs of affected populations and that will help determine gaps between an agreed standard and the current situation. Needs assessment supports prioritized, focused and responsive planning by identifying which communities and/or people are in need; determining the seriousness of their needs; and pinpointing the type of assistance they require. We encourage our partners to conduct needs assessments to generate group and community support for the actions they will undertake. That's because if people have stated a need for a particular course of action, they are more likely to support it.