Template 1: Community Observation & Initial Problem Scoping Guide
Group Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
(Note: This guide is for initial observation and discussion, not formal research)
1. Community/Area of Focus (Initial Idea): _________________________
o Why this community/area? What draws your attention to it?
2. What "Hazards" or Challenges Have You Observed?
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3. Who is Affected by These Challenges? (e.g., "Market women," "children," "elderly,"
"unemployed youth," "all residents").
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4. Initial Thoughts on Potential Causes: (Why do you think these problems exist? E.g., "Lack of
dustbins," "no community engagement," "limited government funding," "lack of skills").
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5. Is this a "Need" or a "Want"? (Briefly justify your observation in terms of fundamental
necessity).
6. Why is your group passionate about addressing one of these issues?
Stakeholder Mapping
● Affected Groups: Who experiences the problem directly?
● Community Leaders/Gatekeepers: Who has influence in the community?
● Potential Partners: Who might help? (e.g., local assembly, NGOs, businesses)
Initial Problem Statement Development.
The examples below should guide you to develop your problem statement.
Make sure to edit and write just the problem statement with the guide.
1. Chosen Community Problem/Hazard: (Be specific) Example: "Lack of access to safe and clean
drinking water in the rural community of Asempa."
2. Who is primarily affected by this problem? Example: "Approximately 2,500 residents of
Asempa, particularly women and children who spend hours fetching water from unsafe
sources."
3. What are the main consequences or impacts of this problem? Example: "High incidence of
waterborne diseases (cholera, typhoid), significant time loss for school children and women,
economic burden due to healthcare costs."
4. Why is this problem important to solve NOW? Example: "It directly impacts public health,
education, and economic productivity, hindering the community's overall development and
quality of life."
Your Initial Problem Statement (Combine answers from 1-4 into 1-2 concise sentences): Example:
"The rural community of Asempa faces a critical challenge of inadequate access to safe and clean
drinking water, leading to a high prevalence of waterborne diseases, significant time loss for women
and children, and impeding overall socio-economic development."
The residents of Adom Community face increasing environmental and public health risks due to
improper waste disposal practices, resulting in clogged drainage systems, frequent flooding, and the
spread of preventable diseases.
Role of each team member for the Community Impact Project.
Name of Team member Proposed Role Key Responsibility