Analysis
The analysis phase comprises the identification of problems and risks, but also of opportunities and challenges. The analysis phase is in itself an iterative process. Starting with existing documents, the quality and the quantity of information have to be assessed and information gaps identified and closed.
nfp workshop in Sierra Leone, 2007
It is not essential that, at the very beginning of the process, large amounts of highly detailed data be collected by external experts as a precondition to start planning and implementation. Instead, action can already be taken on the basis of existing information.
Activities
In its analysis phase, the nfp process serves to identify the necessary studies to be conducted on areas where information gaps exist and which need in-depth analysis.
In order to be able to enhance participation and institutional development, information needs to be collected and analysed on the interests and capacities of the different stakeholders/institutions influencing or being influenced by the forest sector as well as existing and potential communication channels between them.
The results of the sector review – especially those demonstrating the value of the forest goods and services – should be made available to all relevant stakeholders and civil society. Thus the presentations of the sector review results will need to be adapted to different clients as regards language, issues to be quoted and even dissemination channels.
Outputs
The sector review together with recommendations is a key output during this phase. Stakeholder-specific versions of the sector review enable a common awareness and understanding of perspectives, problems, challenges and opportunities in the forest sector, always to be perceived in concert with other sectors and in terms of its relevance for broader development goals.
Another important output from the analysis of the stakeholders will be clarity on and acceptance of their roles and mandates.
The analysis and sector review is very much part of the evolving cycle that starts again when lessons are learned and new information becomes available. Hence, the analysis phase (as the other three phases) is a continuous component of the nfp process.