An analysis plan is a critical tool that ensures data collection is purposeful and that the assessment will generate actionable insights for decision-making.
Purpose of the Analysis Plan
A well-structured analysis plan helps to:
Define the key questions and objectives of the assessment
Identify the data required (both primary and secondary)
Guide the design of data collection tools and sampling
Ensure the analysis remains focused and efficient
Facilitate clear communication of findings
Key Elements of an Analysis Plan
A comprehensive analysis plan typically includes:
Assessment objectives and key questions: What are the main issues the assessment seeks to address?
Indicators and variables: Which indicators will be measured, and what variables are needed?
Data sources: What data will be collected, and from where (e.g., household surveys, community interviews, secondary data)?
Analysis methods: What statistical or qualitative methods will be used?
Disaggregation: How will results be broken down (e.g., by region, gender, livelihood group)?
Reporting outputs: What tables, graphs, and narrative summaries will be produced?
Developing an Analysis Plan
Prepare the analysis plan before designing data collection tools
Use the plan to keep the assessment focused and efficient
Review and update the plan as needed during the assessment process
Resources
The CFSVA Guideline provides detailed protocols for analysis planning in large-scale assessments.
This presentation explains the concepts of the analysis plan
Example of analysis plan used for the Bangladesh Country Office’s Food Security and Nutrition Assessment
Example of analysis plan used for the Sierra Leone Country Office’s CFSVA
For more information, please contact the Assessments and Targeting Unit in HQ VAM at global.assessmentandtargeting@wfp.org.