Livelihood Reports Al Amrikeya Area - Final Assessment | Page 21

KEY ASPECTS OF
METHOD
Given the complexities of the AAA context and
the current difficulties of carrying in-depth
fieldwork, it was crucial to employ a set of dif-
ferent research methods and approaches; and
cross-reference them with each other to devel-
op a better understanding of the area’s context
and needs. The main project activities –that
took place between mid-August and end of De-
cember 2016- included the following:
• Understanding of the Development Con-
text: through desktop research; map-
ping of and structured / semi-structured
interviews with different stakeholders;
site visits; documentation of the existing
conditions through mapping, sketching,
photography, field observations and com-
mented walks; and understanding of the
local socioeconomic context through focus
group discussions and in-depth interviews
with the area’s users, shopkeepers and
business owners.
• Participatory Needs Assessment: engaging
the area’s stakeholders through question-
naires, focus group discussions and com-
munity workshops covering: i) built envi-
ronment aspects; ii) social and economic
aspects; and iii) institutional/legal aspects.
The PNA is concluded by a prioritization of
physical, economic, social and institutional
needs from the perspectives of different
stakeholders;
• Situation Analysis: using SWOT tool
(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Threats) and highlighting the interests
and expectations of different stakeholders’
groups.
• Identification of short-term, medium-term
and long-term intervention proposals:
identification of further areas of study; in-
tervention objectives; and proposals for pi-
lot interventions to capitalize on the area’s
existing resources and to build trust among
different stakeholders. Each proposal in-
1.3
cludes: project description, key partners,
proposed activities, preliminary budget
and duration;
• Identification of “Lessons Learned” and
AAA future development scenarios:
through investigating other similar exam-
ples; and interviews with stakeholders to
understand the factors of the AAA success;
lessons learned from the area in terms of
urban and economic inclusion, socio-cul-
tural integration, and the different dynam-
ics refugees bring about; and how would
these lessons inform the area’s develop-
ment as well as other similar urban areas.
The Consultant employed different tools to car-
ry out the required needs assessment includ-
ing:
1.3.1 PHYSICAL CONDITION
SURVEY
Since there were no available base maps for the
area, the Consultant conducted a physical field
survey complemented by tracing of Google
Earth aerial maps to develop a base map for the
study. The next stage of the survey involved as-
sessing the existing physical conditions of the
public open space in terms of: urban features;
land use and activities; traffic, mobility and ac-
cessibility (pedestrian and mobility counts in
different locations in 10 minutes interval were
conducted); infrastructure and paving condi-
tions; public open space elements (street fur-
niture, lighting, signage, soft scape/vegetation,
environmental aspects (solid waste); and safe-
ty hazards. Survey findings were mapped and
documented as independent layers upon the
aforementioned base map, which was used as
a backdrop for observation and documentation
throughout the research.
1.3 | Key Aspects of Method
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