TECHNICAL REPORT

EXPERT CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON RAPID ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND THEIR APPLICATION TO POPULATION PROGRAMMES

Technical Report is a periodic publication of UNFPA which covers important developments and discussions in the areas of population, family planning and reproductive health.

This Technical Report has been prepared for publication by the Population Data, Policy and Research Branch of the Technical and Evaluation Division (TED), UNFPA. It summarizes the discussions at a meeting on the value and practical implications of rapid assessment procedures as a tool for programme planners and policy makers. The meeting was held in New York, 6-8 December 1995.

UNFPA also publishes reports in other series, including: Evaluation Report, Programme Advisory Note and Programme Review and Strategy Development (PRSD) Report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

I. ROLE OF RAPID ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

Purpose of the Meeting
Background
Types of Rapid Assessments
Methodological Considerations
National Experiences
Rapid Assessments and Information, Education and Communication Activities

II. RESEARCH AGENDA FOR METHODOLOGICAL WORK

Sampling and Other Methodological Considerations
Training and the Development of Guidelines
Feedback

III. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF USING RAPID ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

Training Strategy
Monitoring and Evaluation
Analysis and Reporting
Institutionalization in UNFPA

ANNEXES