1. Mission Report Writing Carmela Grillone FAO Consultant

2. Why are reports written? For the record: they are available for future reference and consultation For the record: they are available for future reference and consultation To provide information To provide information To help solve a problem To help solve a problem To assist the decision-making process To assist the decision-making process

3. General Structure Cover and Title Page Cover and Title Page Summary Summary Background Background Time Allocation Time Allocation Activities Performed Activities Performed Conclusions and Recommendations Conclusions and Recommendations Annexes Annexes

4. Structure: Summary Summary Summary Usually not more than 10/12 lines, presenting the scope of the report and the issues discussed therein

5. Structure: Background Summary Summary Background Background This section will describe the Terms Of Reference (TOR) of the mission, the background and reasons for the mission, besides indicating how it was implemented Include here a brief acknowledgement of help received

6. Structure: Time Allocation Summary Summary Background Background Time Allocation Time Allocation Dates of mission

7. Structure: Activities Summary Summary Background Background Time Allocation Time Allocation Activities Performed Activities Performed This is the body of your report. In the first paragraph you will give a numbered/bulleted logical list of your activities (set priorities). You will then devote a paragraph to each activity you mention (possibly incorporate quantitative/qualitative data).

8. Structure: Conclusions Summary Summary Background Background Time Allocation Time Allocation Activities Performed Activities Performed Conclusions and Recommendations Conclusions and Recommendations Describe your findings/conclusions/results of your mission. By using your conclusions as a starting point, make recommendations.

9. Structure: Recommendations Summary Summary Background Background Time Allocation Time Allocation Activities Performed Activities Performed Conclusions and Recommendations Conclusions and Recommendations Recommendations should be specific and clearly identify how a particular problem or situation can be resolved. They should emerge naturally from your conclusions

10. Structure: Annexes Summary Summary Background Background Time Allocation Time Allocation Activities Performed Activities Performed Conclusions and Recommendations Conclusions and Recommendations Annexes Annexes You might include the TOR, list visits and persons consulted, material produced, discussion material, data, reports cited.