To use quantitative methods to conduct a vulnerability assessment you could use tools such as a survey. In this toolkit there are several examples of questionnaires from surveys identifying vulnerability. In developing the survey, it is advisable to cooperate with a professional polling institute or statistical office and to engage cooperation from minority communities. This team can also lead on training the interviewers, and collecting and analyzing data with the appropriate statistical techniques. Another way to collect information on vulnerability and exclusion is to use qualitative methods. What characterizes qualitative methods is that they are: interactive and communicative; help develop hypotheses; help to interpret and develop linkages; are dynamic and flexible processes; and help with data analysis. They enhance understanding of a specific context, generating information on such important points as the extent and types of discrimination, quality of social services, and (dis)satisfaction of rights-holders. Tools to use are interviews, observations and focus groups to involve communities and other stakeholders in in-depth examination of their marginalisation (dimensions, causes and consequences as well as actions to be taken) and challenges.45 Step 2: Filling in the Matrices. Once the information has been collected, it can be used to fill in data in matrices. Matrices are self-explanatory and easy to complete. Sample matrices: Minority Challenges Matrix: Minority Sensitive Service Delivery Matrix: Service (e.g. Health, Energy, Education) How the service is used by minorities/majorities Problems/strategies to access the service Impact of lack of access to the service Measures to be taken for minority sensitive service design and delivery There are two options when filling in matrices: Project teams fill in the matrices. This could be done in a participatory manner between all project team members. Problems could be prioritized according to the preferences expressed by communities during the data collection. If the matrix is filled out by the project team/local government, a final community meeting could be included to share the results with the community and to get their reaction to the priorities established by the team. Community members fill in the matrices. Matrices can also be used in a participatory manner, asking communities to identify problems, solutions and the resources available to implement these solutions. If truly participatory, it is important to ensure that men and women, as well as the excluded and vulnerable, have a say in the consultation process and participate effectively. Objectives of the Vulnerable Groups List  Minority group inequalities/issues Causes Programme/actions at the local level to solve the issue Existing resources at the local level to support the action  To aid assessment teams/researchers to identify potentially vulnerable groups and the types of issues that these groups may face. To make sure that teams/researchers do not overlook the concerns of entire categories of people who may not be immediately visible on first assessment of the municipality. Indeed, to guarantee a meaningful participatory approach to assessment, it is important Participatory Rural Appraisal includes a variety of participatory techniques to use in community assessments and consultation processes. 45 120 M A R G I N A L I S E D M I N O R I T I E S I N D E V E LO P M E N T P R O G R A M M I N g