Community Needs Assessment

A needs assessment (or needs analysis) is a process used to identify 'gaps' between where things are at now, that is current performance or conditions and where you want them to be (desired performance or conditions). Needs assessments are often used for improvement in individuals in relation to education or training, but a similar process can be used by community groups or organisations.

The results of a needs assessment can be used to draw up an agenda for change, develop a project to meet needs or to offer activities and services which build capacity within the community. 

Typically, community needs assessments are used to specifically analyse the needs that people have in order to live in:

• an ecologically sustainable environment (useful for groups with specific environmental aims such as minimizing ecological impact or addressing things like climate change)

• a socially vibrant community (one that meets all the social and human needs of its individuals)

• a community that operates in a ‘green’ manner and is economically resilient (meeting individuals economic and financial requirements)

• a manner that permits political participation in decisions that affect the community as a whole and the individuals within it

As such, a community needs assessment is a valuable tool for a wide range of community groups, ensuring that they meet green objectives of:

• social justice

• participatory democracy

• non-violent resolution of conflict

• ecologically sustainable development