Using participatory elicitation to identify population needs and power structures in conflict environments

A methodological approach is reported to produce a context analysis in South Afghanistan under the banner of Do No Harm (DNH). The difficult work environment for locals, development workers and researchers alike is briefly described; and the problem that is supposed to be solved is derived from it, namely how to elicit the needs and requirements of the population. Step by step the reader is guided through the approach proposed and a selection of results is presented that (arguably) demonstrate the usefulness of our ideas for optimal (DNH) project portfolio design.