Purpose:
This technique provides the means to identity principle constraints and to elicit opportunities for project intervention based on participant preferences. The session is about determining the needs of the group. The facilitators must be especially sensitive to representativeness of the group responses. Some form of group consensus must be achieved, and a high level of facilitator direction may be required in order to insure the maximum participation. Also, facilitators must be aware of the dynamics that underlie each group decision in order to understand the factors that drive the decisions.
 

Materials:
Pairwise ranking matrix, Flip chart paper, markers, tape, scissors, tacks, and materials if voting becomes necessary.
 

Instructions:

• Introduce the idea that the participants will be working to decide what their most important needs are. Divide into small groups so that more voices can be heard. It is important that the needs assessment be representative (or maximally so) of the group and not of any one individual in the group.
• Ask: What problems or challenges do you face? What prevents you from having a better life? Encourage the participants to list everything they wish to. To clarify issues, allow the participants to question each other and discuss the ideas. Write ideas on the flip chart as they are mentioned. If items listed seem to be similar, ask the participants to clarify.
• With the items listed, conduct a pairwise ranking to get a final ranking (see back). Ask members to reach a consensus regarding the comparison of each pair of the needs they have identified. The facilitators need to be aware of the variability of opinions. (Pairwise ranking can be done again, based on which items have the most possibility for action by the participants.)
• The creation of a group-wide pairwise ranking matrix then is one that is reflective of each individuals input.
• The pairwise ranking exercise leads directly into the next activity--the Options Assessment Chart.

Debrief:

• What relationships are there between the items? (A participant can lead the discussion, if willing.)
• If individual group lists contain different items, discuss why.
• Look for ease in implementation (something easier that can build confidence)
• Look for ways to meet some needs on all lists
• Consider if an idea is possible