3.1  What is rapid assessment?

Rapid assessment of urban sanitation and waste management is the process of collecting information from households and institutions to get a quick overview of the situation in an urban community. The results can then be used to identify the areas that need to be improved and suggestions of possible solutions. The assessment involves observations of the community and discussions and meetings with target households and other community members. Some examples of the type of question that could be asked are:

• How many households and schools have sanitary facilities (including handwashing provision) and how are these facilities being used?
• How convenient are the facilities? Do they provide the necessary access and privacy and preserve dignity?
• What is the current level of sanitation and waste management knowledge among the community?