Overview
The purpose of gap analysis is to identity a difference between the desired state and the actual state. Once identified then the organization or community can determine if corrective action needs to be taken.
In humanitarian response, gap analysis shows the difference between the expected or needed response that which actually occurs. Gap analysis concepts applies to multiple aspects in humanitarian response: operational capacity, activity or response, strategic and funding. Each of these can then be further broken down further based on criteria such as status (completed, ongoing, planned), number of staff, response planning, and so on.
Reference Materials
Intro Doc Humanitarian Gap Analysis - Its Purpose Definition and Products
Humanitarian Gap Analysis (Live Working Document from Sudden Onset Guide)