Multi Sectorial Needs Assessment

The Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) conducted in Idlib and Aleppo (2022) was designed to inform SARD’s strategic planning and programme design for 2023. Building on SARD’s annual assessment approach, the study aimed to generate evidence-based insights on household needs, vulnerabilities, and priorities across key sectors to support decision-making at both strategic and operational levels.

The assessment focused on four priority sectors: Early Recovery and Livelihoods (ERL), Child Protection (CP), Shelter, and Food Security. Primary data collection concentrated on ERL and CP, while Shelter and Food Security analysis was strengthened through extensive secondary data review, ensuring a comprehensive and resource-efficient approach. The study explored critical dimensions including income sources, coping strategies, access to services, child protection risks, infrastructure conditions, and community-level priorities.

A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (including child-focused methodologies), and direct observation. The methodology emphasised triangulation across data sources to enhance reliability and depth of analysis, while ensuring inclusive representation of host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable groups.

The findings provided a robust evidence base to guide programme prioritisation, design of interventions, and resource allocation, while highlighting sectoral gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities for early recovery and resilience-focused programming in a complex and evolving humanitarian context.