Rapid Needs Assessment

A specific form of needs assessment that involves using local resources and specific methods to undertake a relatively quick, easy and inexpensive snapshot of a specific group or community in order to assess the needs of any planned initiative. It is a way of working that does not use a traditional scientific approach to needs assessment but encourages using local people using tools such as questionnaires, observation, group meetings and interviews for qualitative data on which to assess need and propose plans for action.