6. Problem Analysis

   MSW Notes > NGO Management 

6. Problem Analysis

Meaning:
Problem analysis is a systematic method used by NGOs to identify, understand, and prioritize community issues before designing interventions.

Steps in Problem Analysis:

1. Identifying the problem: Through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions.
2. Understanding causes: Using tools like Problem Tree Analysis to find root causes and effects.
3. Prioritizing issues: Selecting the most urgent and solvable problems.
4. Developing strategies: Designing programs to address causes rather than symptoms.

Importance:

• Prevents wastage of resources.
• Ensures that interventions match community needs.
• Increases chances of project success.

Example:
In a village with high school dropout rates, an NGO discovered through analysis that the main cause was lack of transport facilities, not lack of schools. The intervention then focused on providing bicycles to children, which reduced dropouts.