What type of needs are identified in a needs assessment?

A needs assessment identifies the unmet fundamental human needs and grievances that contribute to conflict. These are the underlying drivers of the conflict, often masked by stated positions or demands. A needs assessment seeks to uncover what people truly require for their well-being, security, and sense of justice. These needs can be tangible, such as access to food, water, shelter, healthcare, or education, or intangible, such as security, recognition, identity, participation, or justice. Identifying these unmet needs is crucial for developing effective conflict resolution strategies that address the root causes of the conflict rather than just treating the symptoms. For example, in a community experiencing ethnic tensions, a needs assessment might reveal that one group feels marginalized and excluded from political decision-making, while another group fears losing its cultural identity. Addressing these unmet needs for inclusion and cultural preservation would be essential for building lasting peace.