Needs assessments in extension: results and implications of different assessment methods

Abstract

The paradigm shift to more participatory approaches and the extensive use of PRA has emphasised the importance of needs, but has also led to more questions regarding the reliability and validity of the various methods. This paper compares different approaches of needs assessment in order to get a better understanding of their possibilities and limitations. The findings are based on a study conducted in Ganyesa, a rural district of the North West Province of South Africa, for which data was collected in three phases using different methods.
Evidence in support of the hypothesis, that problems and needs can be used interchangeably, was found in the highly significant correlation between respondents' importance rank order of identified problem and needs. From comparative observations of the spontaneity of responses regarding own problems and needs, it appears that these assessments are equally reliable and valid. Respondents also seem to find it easier to list the problems of the community than their own.
Needs are influenced very significantly by group interaction and they also change over time, as was shown by a comparison of assessments done at two year intervals. This has practical implications regarding the value of assessed needs and emphasises the importance of remaining sensitive regarding changing needs as situations change.
Gender, age and geographic location (service centres) were investigated as determinants having a possible influence on the individual's needs. The latter has by far the biggest influence and thus justifies separate need appraisals per community or sub-community.