RESUMO
A needs analysis using rural appraisal and matrix ranking techniques was done in six leprosy communities in the middle belt region of Nigeria. Asked 'what would make their life better?' whole village groups were made to list, prioritize and rank their expressed needs by voting in a matrix table drawn on the ground. Out of a total of 504 votes, 31% was for health care or drugs for their general ailments, 23.6% for money and less than 10% for other needs that ranged from water, trade and housing to love and, least, mobility aids. Health care was prioritized in all communities but got the highest votes in three communities, money got the highest in the only two communities where it was prioritized and water in one. The need ranked the highest in each settlement seemed to be a reflection of its peculiar socio-economic situation. Apart from the similar priorities of health care and money, men's differing priorities were water, housing, clothes and assistance with farming, and women's, school fees for children, family, trade and food. These reflect their different traditional roles. Considering the variety of needs we think that there is no one solution to rehabilitation in the Nigerian context, but the situation and context of individual settlements should be considered, looking at general health care, income generation or loans schemes, schooling and water supply.