Rapid Appraisal in Humanitarian Emergencies Using Participatory Ranking Methodology (PRM)

Participatory Ranking Methodology (PRM) is a rapid participatory method particularly wellsuited
to assessments in humanitarian emergencies. It is a structured means, enabling affected
communities and other relevant stakeholders to identify key needs and resources. It is an
'open' method shaped by the way communities themselves express their understanding of the
emergency. However, crucially, it produces data in a form that can be promptly collated and
analyzed, a key requirement in most emergency assessments.
In most cases when PRM is used in emergency assessments it is used alongside other measures
such as key informant interviews and desk reviews.
This guide summarizes the key steps in conducting an assessment using PRM, including
identifying the key framing question to be addressed, selecting participants, running a PRM
group session, and collating, analyzing and presenting findings.