While chain analysis does make use of data that must be obtained through formal, statistically rigorous approaches, it can be argued that secondary sources can be accessed to provide this type of information. In fact, as shown in Figure 1, the methodology proposed should initiate the data collection efforts with a thorough search of the information already available from secondary sources. Hence, there is a need to access statistical yearbooks, previous studies, academic research papers, press articles, government reports, analyses from trade associations and documents from international organizations, donors and NGOs, among other sources. Often, these sources will not only provide the types of information that are traditionally generated by the formal data collection approaches, such as statistical data. General information of a more qualitative nature will also be uncovered, enabling a pre-diagnosis of the chain at the very early stages of the study. The pre-diagnosis will reveal the information gaps and is likely to indicate the need for deeper knowledge in a number of issues. At this point, the traditional RA methods will then be used