ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses methods for investigating the micro socioeconomic characteristics of beneficiary groups. Micro analysis is a very broad field practiced by a variety of social sciences including anthropology, economics, geography, political science, and sociology. Micro analysis can contribute to all phases of development activities from identification through final evaluation. If appropriate micro analysis has been conducted and local groups have been involved closely in project identification and design, then chances of enthusiastic local participation in project implementation are improved. Data, both quantitative and qualitative, are perhaps the most important element of micro analysis; however, they are difficult to obtain. A wide variety of techniques can be used to analyze data on the micro socioeconomic characteristics of beneficiary groups. Micro analysis often starts with the collection and synthesis of available macro level information on the broad context of the local community.
