Understanding Needs, Meeting Demands

The research, based on surveys of over 200 users and four case studies, finds that online CKB platforms are primarily used by research-oriented actors to prepare reports and proposals, rather than by the policy-makers or frontline actors they often target. Users continue to rely on general search engines like Google to initiate searches and prefer traditional written documents over multimedia content. The brief argues that platforms risk being supply-driven and recommends focusing on search engine optimization and facilitated human interaction rather than attempting to be 'one-stop-shops'.

• Online CKB platforms are predominantly used by research-oriented actors from both developed and developing countries, creating a misalignment with platforms that emphasize policy-makers as their primary target. Consequently, important intermediaries like the media and 'frontline actors'—those most vulnerable to climate change—are not well represented.
• Users typically begin their information-seeking process via general search engines such as Google or specific institutional sites like the UNFCCC, rather than navigating directly to CKB platforms. Because of this iterative search behavior, the document suggests that search engine optimization is more effective than designing platforms as comprehensive 'one-stop-shops'.
• Despite the availability of multimedia and data visualization tools, users still prioritize 'paper-based' and traditional written formats, such as journal articles, policy documents, and research reports, primarily to assist in preparing funding proposals, education materials, and reports.
• There is a gap between user behavior and platform goals regarding knowledge sharing; most users prefer to receive information rather than share their own knowledge online. While some users express a desire to be linked to other people and personal experiences, the brief notes that successful human interaction requires dedicated institutional resources and facilitation.
• Technological barriers persist for users in developing countries, specifically regarding the quality of ICTs and Internet resources. The research indicates that the adoption of tablets and smartphones has not been uniform across the global South.

APA

Hammill, A., Harvey, B., & Echeverria, D. (2012). Understanding Needs, Meeting Demands. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/understanding_needs.pdf

Chicago

Hammill, Anne, Blane Harvey, and Daniella Echeverria. Understanding Needs, Meeting Demands. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2012. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/understanding_needs.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Hammill |first1=Anne |last2=Harvey |first2=Blane |last3=Echeverria |first3=Daniella |title=Understanding Needs, Meeting Demands |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2012 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/understanding_needs.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{hammill2012understanding, author = {Hammill, Anne and Harvey, Blane and Echeverria, Daniella}, title = {{Understanding Needs, Meeting Demands}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2012}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/understanding_needs.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }