Basic Needs

This briefing paper highlights the increasing use of the expression, 'basic needs' and 'a basic needs approach to development'. The paper considers the background to this use and explores some of the implications and issues it raises. The paper concludes that although there is some uncertainty in the debate about a Basic Needs approach, the fact that the concept and slogan have been so widely adopted demonstrates its strong emotional appeal and usefulness in spreading concern for the world's poor.