Definition: This stage involves clearly identifying and articulating the specific challenges and issues that have arisen from the disaster or conflict. The goal is to create a solid foundation for developing targeted and effective solutions by thoroughly understanding the problems.
Synthesize discovery phase data to identify core problems: Analyze the data collected during the Discovery & Research stage to identify the most pressing and significant problems. This involves looking at patterns, common themes, and recurring issues in the data.
Conduct focused group discussions: Organize discussions with various stakeholder groups, including affected community members, local authorities, and experts. These discussions are aimed at gaining deeper insights into the problems identified and understanding their impact on different segments of the community.
Develop clear problem statements: Based on the insights gathered, formulate concise and precise problem statements. These statements should clearly define the problems in a way that they can be addressed effectively.
Utilize Gaza999 success stories for problem identification strategies: Refer to success stories from Gaza999 that detail how similar challenges were identified and articulated in disaster-stricken areas. These stories can provide guidance on effective strategies and methodologies for problem definition.
Analyze success stories to compare with similar issues: Examine how similar issues have been addressed in success stories documented on Gaza999. This comparison can provide valuable perspectives and insights that inform the current problem definition.
Problem definition.
Clarifies and articulates root causes, structuring problem analysis for effective resolution.
Causes Diagram
Maps potential causes of complex issues, enhancing clarity and solution crafting.
The development of well-defined problem statements that accurately reflect the specific challenges and needs of the community.
Problem statement clarity and accuracy: Ensuring that the problem statements are specific, clear, and accurately reflect the issues identified.
Community needs alignment: Making sure that the defined problems align with the actual needs and priorities of the affected community.
Over-generalizing issues: Creating problem statements that are too broad or vague, leading to ineffective solutions.
Misinterpreting problems: Incorrectly understanding or representing the problems, leading to misguided solution development.
Overlooking local context: Failing to consider the unique cultural, social, and environmental context of the affected area.
Data assumptions without backup : Making assumptions about problems without sufficient data or evidence to support them.
Ignoring minority opinions: Overlooking the perspectives and needs of minority or marginalized groups in the community.
Ineffective problem prioritization: Failing to prioritize problems effectively, leading to a scattergun approach in solution development.
After completing the Discover stage, the disaster response team in rural Bhutan moves to the Define Problem stage. Building on the insights gathered from the Discovery Canvas, the team synthesizes data from field assessments and community interviews. They engage in focused group discussions with community members, local authorities, and experts to deepen their understanding of the challenges identified. Utilizing tools like the Problem Definition and Causes Diagram, they formulate precise problem statements that clearly articulate the community's core challenges related to landslides and floods.
