Rapid assessments: methodology
Rapid Assessments are conducted at the country level through survey and focus group discussions (FGDs). In its approach the Rapid Assessments are inspired by the sector model developed by AidEnvironment. This model is adapted by the Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI) to a variety of sectors including seed, horticulture, dairy and sesame.
Pilot to assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis
The rapid assessments are currently being piloted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the functioning of the seed sector in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Uganda, where WCDI collaborates with national partners in seed programmes.
By identifying alerts and immediate actions, partners aim to inform decision makers in government, industry, research, civil society, and farmer organizations where the impact is felt the most, and to contribute to the development of the immediate actions that are required to cope with the challenges resulting from the crisis.
The full methodology explained
In the PDF attached to this page, the full methodology and steps is identified. This also serves as introduction to the process for partners who wish to apply and adapt the Rapid Assessment to other sectors.
Use of the methodology in other sectors
During the pilot phase, assessments are also being developed to cover the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the functioning of the horticultural and dairy sectors, as well as on specific commodities such as sesame and potato.
These are sectors in developing countries and emerging economies in which Wageningen University & Research, SNV Netherlands Development Organization and other partners, are active.
Working with a similar model of Rapid Assessment in various sectors and countries over time will allow for interpretation and synthesis of the impact of the crisis on food systems at the national, regional, and global scale, while also giving insights for immediate action that contribute to the sector to cope with the crisis. It will furthermore provide insights into the use of the sector model guiding this type of intervention to enhance the functioning and resilience of the agricultural sectors.
