Use the “5 Whys” to Find the Root Cause

To understand the need or problem, ask “Why?” 5 times in succession.

For example, in a situation where EO data isn’t being used for disaster risk management (DRM) preparedness:

1. Why are the disaster managers not using EO data for preparedness?
   1. They are not aware it exists.
2. Why are they not aware it exists?
   1. There is limited outreach of EO providers to DRM.
3. Why is there limited outreach?
   1. EO and DRM operate in separate domains that don’t often communicate.
4. Why don’t they communicate?
   1. No formal mechanism exists to link them. 
5. Why hasn’t such a mechanism been established?
   1. A needs assessment identifying the gaps has never been conducted.

This process often reveals foundational gaps – such as  the need for better cross-sector coordination – which might not be evident at first glance.