Needs and opportunity assessment (NOA)

What is a NOA?

A simple, easy-to-follow flexible method to work with farmers and assess their actual problems, causes and possible solutions based on their circumstances.

Why use a NOA?

Many technologies and recommendations that are released by research stations are often not adopted by farmers. Where is the problem? Is the recommendation or technology not suitable or not profitable or more risky to farmers? These questions arise due to a mismatch between farmers’ actual needs and circumstances and research and technology development. ‘Successful solutions require correct diagnosis’. The needs and opportunity assessment is a powerful tool that can help diagnose farmers’ real problems and constraints and help develop appropriate solutions to them through relevant research and technology development.

Using the NOA

The steps for conducting a NOA are:

1. Selecting the site.
2. Collecting secondary data.
3. Planning for NOA.
4. Conducting the NOA field activities.
5. Characterization and mapping the site and domain.
6. Analyzing the stakeholders.
7. Analyzing and prioritizing problems.
8. Synthesizing observations from Day 1 and planning for Day 2.
9. Analyzing problems and their causes.
10. Developing solutions and accompanying options with farmers.
11. Matching the solutions with farmers’ needs and circumstances.
12. Preparing the report.