9.3.1 Information gathering

Developing a reliable base of information and evidence is crucial to advocacy. Time constraints and multiple demands on programme managers may limit the capacity for information gathering and analysis, especially in the early days of a response. Gathering policy-related information through pre-emergency programming activities and surveys and through engagement with partners can be a useful starting point, and can be supplemented with rapid assessment data (see guidelines in the Chapter on Assessment), including Rapid Gender Analysis

Relevant information for problem analysis may be gathered from crisis affected people, aid recipients, local partners, external experts, government sources, other NGOs, the UN, academia, private sector actors and the media. In all cases, CARE must always ensure not to expose aid recipients or CARE and partners’ staff to security risks in the process.

It is critical to assess and verify all information for accuracy and bias and to rely on sources that are the most trustworthy, legitimate and verifiable – including how these sources are perceived by the policymakers and power holders we are trying to influence. Using a diverse set of sources helps to triangulate and provide a balanced picture. Because marginalised or vulnerable groups experience policy impacts in distinct and often harsher ways, the collection and analysis of information and evidence must identify and take into account the specific needs of women, ethnic and religious minorities, children and others (see the Chapter on Gender). Data collected and used should be sex-, age-, and diversity-disaggregated whenever possible.