In September 2018, an Internews team—consisting of one lead researcher, two research consultants, and 15 locally recruited field researchers and enumerators—conducted an Information Needs Assessment (INA) focusing on migrant populations based in Gao, Mali. The study was realized over a two-week period, of which one week was data collection, in close partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Signpost.

Through different questionnaires and data collection methods, the research team interviewed a total of 490 people from migrant communities on their information needs. Another 26 key informant interviews were conducted with local authorities, civil society representatives, host communities, and humanitarian organisations in Gao.