The Basic Needs Approach (BNA)

The Basic Needs Approach (BNA)
The basic needs approach (BNA) aims to fulfill the unmet basic needs of the poor. People who
are unable to meet their basic human requirements are living in poverty which can be extreme or
life threatening. It works by identifying a bundle of basic minimum requirements of human life
such as food, shelter, clothing, clean water, sanitation etc, and then ensuring that the poor get it.
Such a package guarantees valuable support to the poor struggling to survive and once
subsistence is assured the poor are in better shape to improve their lives further and come out of
the poverty trap. The ease of implementation is the core strength of this approach.
Origin of the BNA
Food, being the most basic input, formed the basis for determining minimum nutritional
requirement. To this were added provisions for other ‘necessities’ like clothing, shelter, fuel, and
sundries. This is how the ‘basket of basic needs’ evolved. In 1901, the concept was tried in the
United Kingdom.
In 1962, India’s Planning Commission set a target for minimum consumption level for the fifth
Five Year Plan. It revolved around the ‘minimum diet’ level, to which non-food spending were
added. Two separate nutrition requirements were considered – higher calories for rural people
and a lower calories level for rather sedentary urbanites.
In the early 1970s the idea that satisfaction of basic needs should be the primary objective of
development emerged from work on employment at the International Labor Organization (ILO).
In fact, despite working hard many people could not earn enough to satisfy their basic human
needs of food, shelter, proper sanitation, education, medical care and so on.
In 1977, the idea of meeting basic needs as the goal of development policy was formally
introduced for the first time in a report on Employment, Growth and Basic Needs by the ILO.
The idea gained policy influence when it was picked up by the then World Bank President
Robert McNamara, who set up a special commission, led by Paul Streeten, to work explicitly on
basic needs. The commission’s work was published in 1981, which became known as the basic
needs approach.
Although the basic needs approach appealed the aid agencies due to its simplicity of
implementation, it remained neglected during the 1980s and saw revival in the early 1990s,
particularly with the creation of the Human Development Report and the Human Development
Index in 1990. Basic need as follows.
Water, Power, Roads, Affordable housing, Clean localities, Honest politicians, Work
Opportunities, Transport, Food, Money, Privacy, Security
In 1976, the International Labor Organization (ILO) published a study that defined five basic
human needs that people in developing countries have, and which may be addressed by those
who seek to help people where these needs are not well met.
Food
The basic requirement for life is food and water, and in areas where there has been drought,
famine, war or other catastrophes where the food supply has been significantly reduced, people
starve, possibly in large numbers. It is not surprising that many humanitarian efforts are directed
first at providing food. With sustenance, people will die in a very short period.
Clothing
While clothing is not as immediately critical as food, it is important particularly when

temperatures become very low -- as they can even in hot desert areas. Of course also clothing
serves modesty needs, avoiding the nakedness that can be so embarrassing.
Housing
There is a basic need for shelter, away from the elements and as protection against predators.
Beyond this, a house becomes a home when people identify with it, with those who share the
house and even with others in the vicinity. Housing together is the basis of community, where
people can share and help one another.
Education
Education is the basis of success and growth. While it is a right in some parts of the world, it is a
sought-after privilege in other places. When you can teach children, they will then have the basic
means for survival and improving their lot. Even if education is simply practical knowledge, it is
better than having to learn by experience. Education for adults is also important and can be very
liberating.
Public transportation
In developing countries, few people may have cars, or even simple transport such as bicycles.
Public transport both helps people get to and from work and also creates a more mobile
population who can move and visit other areas. Without public transport, many people are stuck
almost as if they lived on an island. Cheap and frequent transportation sets them free.

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The Basic Needs Approach (BNA)

Origin of the BNA

While clothing is not as immediately critical as food, it is important particularly when

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