Quantitative methods

Societal challenges such as natural disasters, migration, or pandemics are getting more complex and often have global impacts. Quantitative data can help to gain a more systematic understanding of how those affected could be supported to increase their well-being and justice, and to avoid that inequalities persist, are overlooked, or exacerbated. The aim of this chapter is to discuss how quantitative data and methods can inform the assessment of humanitarian needs, decisions as to how to intervene, as well as the evaluation and monitoring of humanitarian activities. We highlight important considerations to take into account when using quantitative data and methods for these purposes. We illustrate our points by referring to different sectors of humanitarian help and interventions.