---
title: "9.4 Needs Assessment and Analysis"
slug: "94-needs-assessment-and-analysis"
updated: 2023-12-06T13:36:17Z
published: 2023-12-06T13:36:17Z
canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/94-needs-assessment-and-analysis"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://handbook.fscluster.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 9.4 Needs Assessment and Analysis

Ensuring needs assessments and analysis (both within and across clusters) constitutes the first step of the HPC and is a core cluster function ([*3.4.1*](/cc/docs/341-the-six-core-functions-of-the-fsc)). They provide the evidence base for any humanitarian response, illustrate the needs of affected populations (for the FSC and at inter-sectoral level) through the HNO and inform strategic response planning ([*9.5*](/cc/docs/95-strategic-response-planning)). They also provide the necessary information for operational planning and resource requirements as well as the baseline information upon which response monitoring systems will rely ([*9.7*](/cc/docs/97-response-monitoring)). Assessments should be coordinated (i.e. conducted jointly or through a harmonized approach. [*The role of the Coordinator is described in detail in chapter 6*](/cc/docs/chapter-6-overview-of-key-assessments-and-analysis-at-country-level)*.*

Humanitarian Programme Cycle

Food Security Cluster

Humanitarian Needs Overview