Publication and observation period
A report released today may describe the end of the previous year. Record both dates, the area covered and the latest revision. Projections depend on assumptions; estimates may change as collection becomes more complete.
Need, targeting and coverage
People in need are a broader group than those targeted by a plan. Reached people may be counted by sector or activity. One person may receive several services, so adding sector totals can double count them.
Funding requested and funding reported
On OCHA financial tracking tools, check the plan, year and amount categories. Requirements, commitments and contributions mean different things. A funding percentage concerns the tracked scope and alone does not measure aid actually received by a household.
Use a compatible denominator
Percentages need compatible numerators and denominators. Comparing areas requires the same period, definition and unit. Fictional teaching example: 300 consultations for 100 patients do not mean 300 unique people; these include repeat visits.
Read food insecurity classifications
The IPC classifies acute food insecurity in five phases. Household Phase 5 Catastrophe and area-level Famine are different classifications. Check period, geography, evidence and whether analysis describes observed or projected conditions.
Share without exposing people
Prefer aggregate data and its original page. Do not add names, addresses or sensitive locations. Public datasets still have terms of use and should not be described as exhaustive without checking their coverage.
Your reading checklist
- 1
Find the source
Open the original report or dataset instead of a screenshot.
- 2
Record five details
Keep source, period, area, unit and method with your note.
- 3
Qualify the comparison
Mention estimates, revisions, scope differences and double-counting risks.
Mistakes to avoid
- Presenting projections as final results.
- Adding refugee, displacement or beneficiary totals without checking definitions.
- Using an old funding rate to describe the present.
Frequently asked questions
Why do two sources report different numbers?
Dates, definitions, areas, methods and revisions may differ. Compare these before concluding that one is wrong.
Does a plan’s target cover all needs?
No. Targeting depends on the plan’s scope, priorities and response capacity.
Is a precise figure necessarily reliable?
No. Apparent precision cannot replace explicit methods, coverage and limitations.
Official sources
Always verify the date and conditions on the official source.