Nutrition Policy Institute's latest peer-reviewed publication, "Using Fermi Estimates within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’s Guide,” authored by Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn Rider, and Miranda Westfall Brown was published in the Journal of Extension. The publication explores a common challenge faced by Extension professionals, public health program planners, and others engaged in community program planning: conducting strong needs assessments when key data are missing, incomplete, or time- or cost-prohibitive to obtain. The Fermi estimate framework offers a solution that is both novel and practical. By breaking down complex questions into smaller, more manageable pieces, reasonable, defensible estimates can be generated to support planning, decision-making, and community engagement. The article provides clear, step-by-step instructions for applying the Fermi estimate method, along with a real-world example. Whether teams are working to understand local needs, allocate resources, or frame program priorities, this approach equips them with a practical tool for filling critical data gaps.
