11. Data analysis and recommendations
Data is only useful if it is analysed. The assessment team must analyse the data to inform the development of recommendations. The team should work together to ensure the information obtained by different team members can be cross-referenced with others before reaching conclusions.
A digital data gathering tool (such as Kobo) uses mobile phones, tablets or computers to automatically collect and analyse data. Advantages include geolocation (for mapping), quick and easy data analysis, offline collection (for areas with limited connectivity), and multimedia data collection.
The CARE WASH unit has developed guidelines for the use of the Kobo toolbox: http://water.care2share.wikispaces.net/Digital+Data+Collection
| Analysis frameworks | Suggestions, tools and ‘how to’ guides |
| Humanitarian situation | |
| Damage assessment | Ensure that quantitative and qualitative data collected through surveys is compiled, triangulated and analysed |
| Prioritisation of needs (analysis of key sectors-for example, water and sanitation, shelter, health, food and psychosocial) | Annex 4.10 Sphere Minimum Standards, and tools in CET Chapter 24 Sector guidelines |
| Profile of affected community | Annex 4.5 The good enough guide, Tool 4 |
| Response gap analysis | Annex 4.3 Gap analysis matrix |
| Geographic priorities | Make best use of available mapping capabilities to overlay assessment data with geographic analysis |
| Cross-cutting and contextual analysis | |
| Gender | Refer to tools in Chapter 3 Gender |
| Conflict | Refer to tools in Chapter 29 Conflict sensitivity |
| Benefit-harms/do no harm | Annex 4.14 Benefits-Harms Tool |
| Child protection | Annex 4.5 The good enough guide, Tool 8 |
| Environment | Refer to tools in Chapter 35 Environment and disasters |
| Operating context | |
| Security analysis | Chapter 7 Safety and security-Security Management Plan security analysis |
| Logistics feasibility | Annex 4.15 Logistics Assessment Checklist |
| CARE capacity assessment | Protocol C3 Capacity assessment Annex 4.16 CORA Tool |
The assessment team must make clear strategic recommendations to CARE’s decision-makers about the most appropriate response to the emergency. The recommendations must reflect: the priority humanitarian needs; gaps in existing response capacity on the ground; CARE’s expertise and capacity; and the operational feasibility of a response, including availability of resources. At a minimum, the assessment team must answer and provide recommendations to the critical questions in section 11.2.1.
11.2.1 Minimum requirement for recommendations
- Should CARE respond? Why/why not? What is CARE’s ‘value added’?
- What should CARE’s response strategy be? What specific programme interventions should CARE pursue, and why?
- What special considerations does CARE need to take into account in its programming strategy regarding cross-cutting issues?
- What are the operational requirements for CARE to implement the recommended programme?
