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The Assessment Capacities Project (Acaps)Mapping of Multi-sectoral and Multi-agency Needs Assessment
Training Courses, Materials, Tools and Resources
Introduction
A mapping exercise was undertaken over a 3 week period in December 2009 to identify and collate multi-sectoral and multi-agency needs assessment training courses, materials, tools and resources that might contribute to the development of a training curriculum for Acaps roster members.
A total of 154 respondents participated in a training needs analysis (TNA) for Acaps roster members; 26 completed a semi-structured interview and 128 completed a structured online survey.
Respondents were drawn from a wide range of organisations including United Nations agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations (NGO), NGO consortiums, national government representatives, Donors, Regional response agencies and members of the academic community.
Respondents were asked to identify multi-sectoral and multi-agency needs assessment training courses, materials, tools and resources that they were aware of as part of the online TNA survey and as part of the semi-structured interviews that were conducted.
In addition, an internet key word search was undertaken to identify further training materials, tools and resources.
It was agreed with Acaps at an early stage in the consultancy to focus on those materials, tools and resources that were dedicated in whole or in part to multi-sectoral and multi-agency needs assessment as opposed to sector or cluster specific materials. However, cluster specific materials are included where they have been recommended by the relevant global cluster as the most likely tools and materials to be offered by the cluster for multi-agency or multi-sectoral approaches to draw upon in the future.
The information collected represents an overview of existing multi-sectoral and multi-agency needs assessment materials, tools and resources that came to light during the Acaps TNA exercise but should not be considered an exhaustive list.
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Abbreviations
ACAPS Assessment Capacities Project ADPC Asian Disaster Preparedness CentreADRA Adventist Development and Relief Agency ADRC Asian Disaster Reduction CentreAICF Action Internationale Contre la Faim (International Action Against Hunger) AIDMI All India Disaster Mitigation Institute ALNAP Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian
ActionAMDA Association of Medical Doctors of Asia ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASSETS Assessment of Emergency and Transition SituationsAusAid The Australian Government’s Overseas Aid ProgrammeBCPR Bureau for Crisis Prevention and RecoveryCAFOD Catholic Fund for Overseas Development CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere CCCM Camp Coordination and Camp Management ClusterCDADA Community Damage Assessment and Demand AnalysisCDC Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta CEDAT Complex Emergency DatabaseCDEMA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management AgencyCERF Central Emergency Revolving Fund CFSVA Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analyses CIDA Canadian International Development AgencyCRS Catholic Relief Services CRED Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters DART Disaster Assistance Relief Teams DESINVENTAR Disaster Inventory SystemDFID UK Government Department for International Development DHA Department of Humanitarian Affairs (UN) DMT Disaster Management Team DPKO Department of Peace-Keeping Operations (UN) DRI Disaster Risk IndexECB Emergency Capacity Building Project ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the CaribbeanECHO European Community Humanitarian Office ECOSOC Economic and Social Council (UN) EFSA Emergency Food Security AssessmentERT Emergency Response Team EU European Union EU MIC European Commission Mechanism for Civil Protection FAO Food and Agriculture Organization (UN) FCA Forgotten Crises AssessmentFTS Financial Tracking System GCL Global Cluster LeadsGLIDE Global Unique Disaster Identifier GNA Global Needs AssessmentGRIP Global Risk Identification Programme
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GTZ Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (Society for Technical Cooperation) HeRAMS Health Resources Availability and Mapping SystemHIS Health Information SystemHIT Health Information TeamHNTS Health and Nutrition Tracking Service IASC Inter-Agency Standing Committee (UN) ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross ICVA International Council of Voluntary AgenciesICVA International Council of Voluntary Agencies IDP Internally Displaced PersonIDRL International Disaster Response Laws, Rules and Principles programmeIFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ILO International Labour OrganisationINEE Interagency network for education in emergenciesIOM International Organization for MigrationIPC Integrated Food Security Phase ClassificationIRA Initial Rapid Assessment IRC International Rescue Committee IRIN Integrated Regional Information Networks - IRINISDR International System for Disaster ReductionJAM Joint Assessment MissionJIRA Joint Initial Rapid AssessmentJTF Joint Task Force LAT Livelihood Assessment ToolkitLENSS Local Estimate of Needs for Shelter and Settlement LWF Lutheran World Federation LMS Learning Management SystemMcRam Multi-cluster rapid assessment mechanismMdM Médecins du monde (Doctors of the World) MDRMKB Megacities Disaster Risk Management Knowledge BaseMEASURE Monitoring and Evaluation to Assess and Use Results MICS Multiple Indicator Cluster SurveyNAF Needs Analysis FrameworkNCDC National Climatic Data Centre NICS Nutrition Information in Crisis Situations NGO Non-Governmental Organization NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationOCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA ACE Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Assessment and
Classification of Emergencies ProjectODI Overseas Development InstituteOFDA Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (US) OFDA DART United States Office for Disaster Assistance – Disaster Assistance Response Team PCNA Post-Conflict Needs Assessment PDC Pacific Disaster CentrePDNA Post Disaster Needs AssessmentPONJA Post-Nargis Joint Needs Assessment participantsREA Rapid environmental assessment
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REDLAC Working group on Risk, Emergency, and Disaster of the Interagency Standing Committee for the Latin American and Caribbean Region
REDR Registered Engineers for Disaster ReliefSIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation AgencyRNIS Refugee Nutrition Information System (UN) SCF Save the Children Fund (UK) and Save the Children Federation (USA) SMART Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions SPDRP South Pacific Disaster Reduction Programme (SPDRP)SPHERE Humanitarian charter and minimum standards in disaster responseTRIAMS Tsunami Recovery Impact Assessment and Monitoring System UNDAC United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination TeamUNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment ProgrammeUN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements ProgrammeUNHCHR United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNICEF United Nations Children’s FundUNSCN United Nations Standing Committee on NutritionUSAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government VCA Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment VTA Village Tract Assessment participants VOICE Voluntary Organizations in Cooperation in Emergencies WASH Water Sanitation and Hygiene WB World BankWFP World Food Programme (UN) WHO World Health Organization (UN) WHO HAC World health Organization – Health Action in Crises (UN)
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Summary of Multi-sectoral and Multi-agency Needs Assessment Training Courses, Materials, Tools and Resources
Handbooks/Guides/Manuals
1. Assessment of Emergency and Transition Situations (ASSETS) - (Mercy Corps, Health Alliance International)
2. Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analyses Guidelines 2009 (CFSVA) - WFP3. Contingency Planning Guidelines and Online Toolbox - Inter-Agency, IASC SWG on
Preparedness and Contingency Planning4. Disaster Loss Assessment Guidelines - Government of Australia (Queensland)
Department of Emergency Services, 20025. Emergency Field Handbook, 2005 – UNICEF6. Emergency Food Security Assessment Handbook (EFSA) 2009 – WFP7. Emergency Preparedness and Response Manual - CRS8. Environmental Needs Assessment in Post Disaster Situations, 2008 – UNEP9. Field Operations Guide For Disaster Assessment and Response, version 3 – USAID10. Good Enough Guide - Impact Measurement and Accountability in Emergencies -
Emergency Capacity Building Group (ECBG)11. Guide To Successful Damage And Needs Assessment, 1999 - South Pacific Disaster
Reduction Programme (SPDRP)12. Guidelines for Emergency Assessment, 2005 - IFRC13. Handbook for Emergencies, third edition, 2007 – UNHCR14. Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) Guidelines, 2008 - UNHCR, WFP15. Nutrition Information in Crisis Situations (NICS) – UN SCN- NICS16. Preparedness for a Multi-cluster Assessment, 2009 (Guidance based on the McRAM
experience Pakistan) - Inter-Cluster17. SPHERE Handbook, 2004 - NGOs, IFRC, ICRC18. UNDAC Handbook, 2006 – UNDAC
Toolkits
19. Camp Management Toolkit, 2008, CCCM Cluster20. Community Risk Assessment Toolkit, 2009, ProVention Consortium21. Contingency Planning Guidelines and Online Toolbox - Inter-Agency, IASC SWG on
Preparedness and Contingency Planning22. Disaster Response Preparedness Toolkit, 2008 - OCHA23. Disaster Risk Index (DRI) Analysis Tool, 2003 - UNDP24. Emergency Health and Nutrition Assessment Toolkit - Save the Children25. Guidelines for Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment in Disaster (REA), 2005 -
University College London – CARE International26. Health Resources Availability and Mapping System (HeRAMS), 2009 – Health cluster27. Health Information System (HIS), 2009 - UNHCR28. INEE Minimum standards toolkit for education in emergencies, chronic crises and early
reconstruction, 2006 – Inter-agency29. Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA) Tool, 2009 - Health, nutrition and WASH clusters
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30. Integrated Food Security and Humanitarian Phase Classification (IPC) - Food Security Analysis Unit, 2008- Somalia (FSAU)
31. Joint Initial Rapid Assessment Tool, 2009 - Emergency Capacity Building Project (ECB)32. Livelihood Assessment Tool-kit (LAT), 2009 - FAO / ILO33. Local Estimate of Needs for Shelter and Settlement (LENSS), 2009 – Shelter cluster 34. Multi-Cluster Rapid Assessment (McRAM) Mechanism, 2009 - Inter-cluster35. Pacific Disaster Centre (PDC) interactive tool, 2009 – Pacific Disaster Centre36. Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions (SMART)
Methodology, 2007 -Inter-agency37. Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Toolbox, 1999 – IFRC38. WASH Cluster Survey Tool, 2009 – WASH Cluster
Frameworks
39. Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Assessment Framework, 2008 – CCCM Cluster
40. Needs Analysis Framework (NAF), 2006 - Inter-Agency (IASC CAP working group)
Training courses
41. Distance Learning Management System (DLMS), 2009 (in development) UN-HABITAT42. ICT Humanitarian Emergency Platform Training, 2008, WFP 43. Learning Management System, 2009 – WFP44. Needs Assessment in Disaster Situations, 2008 OCHA45. Needs Assessment Training, 2008 – NOAA 46. Needs Assessment Training in Emergencies Course, 2009 – RedR47. The Basics of International Humanitarian Response, 2009, UNHCR
Methodologies
48. Community Damage Assessment and Demand Analysis (CDADA) Methodology - All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI)
49. Forgotten Crises Assessment (FCA) Methodology, 2005 - ECHO50. Global Needs Assessment (GNA) Methodology - ECHO 51. Global Needs Assessment (GNA) Methodology, 2009 - UNHCR 52. Indicators for Monitoring the Millennium Development Goals – UN53. Methodology for Rapid Assessment in Humanitarian Assistance, 2006 - REDLAC54. Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) - UNICEF55. Post-Conflict Needs Assessment and Framework Toolkits (PCNAs), 2008 - UN,WB56. Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and Recovery Framework (RF) 2009 - UN,WB57. Risk Mapping and Shelter Response Planning - UN-HABITAT and GRIP
Recovery
58. Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Methodology, 2000, ADPC59. Methodology for Estimating the Socio-economic and Environmental Impact of Disasters,
2003, ECLAC
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60. Post-Nargis Joint Assessment (PONJA), 2008 Govt of Myanamar, ASEAN, UN, Humanitarian Agencies
61. Tsunami Recovery Impact Assessment and Monitoring System (TRIAMS) - Sub-regional initiative
62. UNDP/BCPR Post-disaster Recovery Guidelines
Databases
63. Asia Pacific Natural Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlas - Pacific Disaster Centre64. Complex Emergency Database (CE-DAT) - CRED65. Country Information - ISDR66. Dartmouth Flood Observatory - Dartmouth Flood Observatory67. Disaster Inventory System (DesInventar) - LA RED68. Disaster Data Portal (as part of the Global Risk Identification Program) - UNDP-CRED-
GRIP69. Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) - CRED-WHO70. GeoNetwork Openspace - Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping
Systems (FIVIMS)71. GLIDEnumber - Asian Disaster Reduction Centre72. Integrated Regional Information Networks - IRIN73. International Disaster Response Laws, Rules and Principles programme – IDRL74. Joint Needs Assessment Database System ECB75. Megacities Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Base (MDRM-KB) - Pacific Disaster
Centre76. Natural and Environmental Disaster Information Exchange System - European
Commission Joint Research Centre77. NCDC Storm Event Database - NOAA78. Reuters AlertNet - Emergencies - Country Stat - Reuters Foundation
Others
79. Health and Nutrition Tracking Service (HNTS) - Inter-agency80. Inventory of Disaster-Related Education and Training in East and Southern Africa, 2006
OFDA81. Monitoring and Evaluation to Assess and USE Results (MEASURE) DHS (Demographic
and Health Surveys) – USAID
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Multi-sectoral and multi-agency Needs Assessment Training Courses, Materials, Tools and Resources
HANDBOOKS/GUIDES/MANUALSTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies used
Assessment of Emergency and Transition Situations (ASSETS) (Mercy Corps, Health Alliance International)
A needs assessment manual for Health Alliance International field staff.
A collection of step-by-step, participatory tools designed to help move an assessment team from the “big picture overview” to an examination of the most critical sectors in a given environment.
A collection of participatory instruments presented as a generic assessment continuum designed to promote high impact developmental relief programs in emergency situation as well as to examine the most critical sectors in a given emergency to learn where the agency can add the most value through developmental relief programs.
This guide is divided into three sections and reflects the linear, step-by-step approach of ASSETS. The first section is a basic introduction to ASSETS and the philosophy behind the tools.
It details when to use ASSETS, the necessary components of an effective ASSETS team and the two-part structure of the ASSETS model.
The second section gives an overview of the General Assessment Tool (GAT) and how to use its six components. It provides some guidelines about when, why, how and by whom the various assessment components should be used.
The third section focuses on sector snap shots, which can help an assessment team develop an in-depth assessment of one or more sectors, such as Civil Society, Economic Development, Food and Non-Food Resources, Health Behaviour, Beliefs and Practices, Health Infrastructures, Staffing and Services, Health Status, Local Partnership Opportunities, Site and Shelter Planning and Water and Sanitation.
Web link Contacthttp://www.mercycorps.org/
files/[email protected]
Malka [email protected]
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesComprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analyses Guidelines 2009 (CFSVA)WFP
The guidelines cover how to conduct CFSVAs to obtain pre-crisis information on the scale, nature and causes of food insecurity and vulnerability in countries exposed to recurrent and protracted emergencies.
Involves in-depth, large-scale household surveys (generally covering the entire country) and analyses of secondary data. Field work typically lasts 3-4 weeks and data analysis and report writing can take up to 3-4 months; the baseline is expected to be valid for 3-5 years unless major shocks occur.
Recent CFSVAs have identified what can be done to address food insecurity and vulnerability, and included an improved analysis of risks, which allows a projection to be made of the likely changes over the CFSVA timeframe.
Key Indicators:
CFSVAs typically analyse the same core set of indicators and information as used in WFP’s Emergency Food Security Assessments (EFSAs).
Web link Contacthttp://www.wfp.org/content/comprehensive-food-security-and-vulnerability-analysis-cfsva-guidelines-first-edition
Agnes [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesContingency Planning Guidelines and Online Toolbox, Inter-Agency, IASC SWG on Preparedness and Contingency Planning
Guidelines and online toolbox on preparedness and contingency planning for IASC Country Teams
The toolbox is being field tested and further development of this initiative is planned for 2010. (Further information requested).
Web link Contacthttp://www.hewsweb.org/
cptoolkit/[email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesDisaster Loss Assessment Guidelines. 2002Government of Australia (Queensland) Department of Emergency Services
Disaster loss assessment guidelines for State and Territory emergency management organisations, students, community organisations, appropriate government departments and for further dissemination to approved users including local government in over 70 countries around the world.
The Guidelines provide an explanation of the process of loss assessment, and then lead the reader through the steps required to carry out an economic assessment of disaster losses.
The guidelines set down processes that will be applicable to regional and national governments and cover all types of loss, including losses affecting different aspects of an area, economic and financial losses, and total and avoidable losses.
They offer a step-by-step guide to disaster loss assessment and apply to both actual disasters as well as hypothetical events.
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Web link Contacthttp://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900sid/LGEL-5NFLFC/
$file/ema-loss-02.pdf?openelement
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesEmergency food security assessment handbook (EFSA) 2009 WFP
The EFSA Handbook (second edition) is complemented by the Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment (CFSVA) Guidelines.
The handbook describes how an EFSA may be undertaken in response to a rapid- or a slow-onset emergency. In either case, food and nutrition security is analysed to determine the nature of the risks faced by individuals and households.
The second edition of the EFSA Handbook moves beyond describing the various approaches to measuring food insecurityamong households and populations affected by natural and man-made emergencies. It complements the first edition by providing guidance for collectingand analysing both rapid and in-depth emergency assessment data and for formulating recommendations for effective programming response.
Part I presents the purpose and objectives of an EFSA, the Conceptual Framework, key food security concepts and the different types of EFSA.
Part II focuses on information requirements and indicators. More precisely it covers the analysis plan, explaining its purpose and components; the information needs; the requirements for the contextual information; the indicators and data necessaryto estimate food insecurity and consequences to lives and livelihoods; and what sources of data to use.
Part III focuses on planning an assessment and collecting primary data. It presents the planning steps to undertake prior to fieldwork, logistics considerations for fieldwork, and approaches and tools for primary data collection, with particular emphasis on the importance of good-quality primary data.
Part IV explains how to conduct a situation analysis, forecast and response analysis and then how to formulate recommendations.
Part V outlines the EFSA report structure, explains the EFSA quality monitoring system that builds on the EFSA; and provides guidelines for communicating EFSA conclusions and recommendations.
The Annexes provide supplementary tools such as standard questionnaires, templates and additional guidance and reference documents for food security analysis and response.
Web link Contacthttp://www.wfp.org/content/emergency-food-security-assessment-handbook
Joyce [email protected]
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesEmergency Field Handbook, 2005UNICEF
Emergency Field Handbook. A guide for UNICEF staff.
Provides guidance to UNICEFstaff for planning and organising actions to address the rights and needs of children and women in emergencies.
This practical tool covers programme areas and supporting operational functions with specific sections on coordinated needs assessment and ongoing monitoring. Specific guidelines are included on:
Assessment methodologiesInitial rapid assessmentExpanded rapid assessmentManaging monitoring and evaluationLogisticsSecurityHuman resources
Web link Contacthttp://www.unicef.org/publications/index_28057.html
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesEmergency preparedness and response manual - CRS
Handbook for CRS field staff in emergencies.
This handbook aims to assist CRS country programs to improve accountability to disaster affected population and to donors through the design and implementation of high quality emergency preparedness and response programs.
Section 1 reviews the foundations of emergency preparedness and response, including key concepts and definitions and an examination of the relationship between prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and development. This section also provides background information regarding what values and approaches CRS brings to emergency preparedness and response programs, such as Catholic Social Teaching and the agency’s emphasis on partnership.
Section 2 focuses on program quality issues, including guidance on proposal design and CRS procedures related to emergency program management.
Section 3 presents a summary of various funding sources, the CRS emergency proposal review process, and information on headquarters structures supporting emergency operations.
Web link Contact
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http://crs.org/publications/showpdf.cfm?pdf_id=26
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesEnvironmental Needs Assessment in Post Disaster Situations, 2008 – UNEP
This guide is intended for use by anyone concerned with environmental, and related, impacts occurring in a post-disaster situation and is of particular relevance to those interested in ensuring that environmental issues are taken into account from the earliest possible moment of planning for early recovery.
The ENA guide has been written with the expectation of it being used primarily by a core group of people who might constitute an Environmental Needs Assessment Team (ENAT), though in particular the ENA Team Leader.
Guidelines for environmental needs assessment post disaster within a PDNA framework.
The guidelines help;
- identify environmental impacts and risks caused by the crisis and relief operations as well as potential environmental pressures from recovery;
- identify the negative response-related activities or coping mechanisms resulting from an emergency that can impact the environment or create new environmental risks;
- assess institutional capacities at the national and local levels to mitigate environmental risks and manage environmental recovery;
- provide a forward looking plan that aims to “Build Back Better”, by integrating environmental needs within early recovery programming and across the relevant relief and recovery clusters; and
- provide a standard reference point for future environmental assessments in the post-crisis setting, in spite of the fact that this tool is expected to be modified to suite the needs of different situations.
Web link Contacthttp://
www.humanitarianreform.org/humanitarianreform/Portals/1/cluster%20approach%20page/clusters%20pages/Early%20R/
UNEP%20PDNA_pre-field%20test%20draft.pdf
http://www.unep.org/
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesField Operations Guide For Disaster Assessment and
This Field Operations Guide for Disaster Assessment and Response (FOG) was
The FOG contains information on general responsibilities for disaster
The FOG includes guidelines on conducting elements of coordinated needs assessments:
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Response, version 3USAID
developed by the U.S. Agency for International Development/Bureau for Humanitarian Response/ Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) as a reference tool for individuals sent to disaster sites to perform initial assessments or to participate as members of an OFDA Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).
responders, formats and reference material for assessing and reporting on populations at risk.
Preparedness planningSurvey and data collectionInterpretation and analysis of dataForecastingReportingMonitoringData collection methods
Web link Contacthttp://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/resources/pdf/fog_v3.pdf
Heather [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
Good Enough Guide - Impact Measurement and Accountability in Emergencies - Emergency Capacity Building Group (ECBG)
The ECB is a collaborative effort by CARE International, Catholic Relief Services, the International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, Oxfam GB, Save the Children, and World Vision International.
Guide for field workers of INGO The guide has been initiated to help field workers to be accountable to local people and measure programme impact in emergency situations.
The guidelines and tools define criteria for and support to a response process based on the real needs and change aspirations of the affected people and communities. Furthermore, it considers monitoring mechanisms to facilitate the adaptation of response measures to changing circumstances and needs.
The document provides orientations on five aspects as well as fourteen concrete tools related to impact measurement and accountability in emergencies. It is limited to emergency response and does not imply methods for needs assessments.
Web link Contacthttp://www.ecbproject.org/
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
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Guide To Successful Damage And Needs Assessment, 1999South Pacific Disaster Reduction Programme (SPDRP)
A guide for conducting successful damage and needs assessment for the south pacific region.
The guide offers an introductory overview of the key elements to consider when conducting multi-agency and multi-sectoral needs assessment in rapid onset crisis scenarios.
The guide focuses on principles for relief planning with dedicated sections specific to multi-sectoral needs assessment including:
Key elements of assessments and the assessment process- planning and preparation - survey and data collection- Interpretation, analysis and forecasting- assessment methodology- assessment tools- reporting
Web link Contacthttp://www.proventionconsortium.org/themes/default/pdfs/guide_damage.pdf
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesGuidelines for Emergency Assessment , 2005IFRC
The guideline is designed for use by anyone undertaking emergency multi-sectoral needs assessment and is aimed at all members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.(Generalists – no specific technical knowledge is required to useThem).
A comprehensive overview of the main elements and processes for conducting multi-sectoral needs assessments in emergencies for generalists.
The guide covers all of the key elements of emergency needs assessment and includes specific sections on:
Key conceptsPlanning an assessmentOffice based tasksFieldwork organisation and managementTypes of data collectionAnalysis of dataNeeds assessment reporting
Web link Contacthttp://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/International%20Services/file_cont7345_lang0_3034.pdf
[email protected] Bauman
Title/name Type of training materials/resources and target audience
Content outline Format/methodologies
Handbook For Emergencies – third edition, 2007, UNHCR
Handbook for UNCR field staff for emergency preparedness and response.
It stresses the importance of pre-emergency planning, as well as
Section OneSummarizes UNHCR’s mandate of international protection and the
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planning throughout every stage of a crisis. It focuses on setting coordination priorities, as well as contingency and operational planning.
aim and principles of emergency response;
Section Twodeals with emergency management;
Section Threecovers the vital sectors and problem areas in refugee emergencies, including health, food, sanitation and water, as well as key field activities underpinning the operations such as logistics,community services and registration.
Section Fourgives guidance on the support to field operations, primarily administration and staffing;
The Appendicesinclude UNHCR’s Catalogue of Emergency Response Resources, which set out what resources can be immediately deployed, and how and when.
The appendices also include a “Toolbox” which gathers, in one location, the standards, indicators and useful referencesused throughout the handbook.
Web link Contacthttp://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/search?page=search&docid=472af2972&query=handbook for emergencies
www.UNHCR.org
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesJoint Assessment Mission (JAM) Guidelines, 2008UNHCR/WFP
(JAMs have been conducted by WFP in collaboration with UNHCR since 1994 to understand the
The guidelines apply to ‘regional’ operations, when WFP programme assistance to refugees/IDPs is in a group of neighbouring countries through a regional EMOP or PRRO, as well as to the majority of cases for which programming by both WFP and UNHCR is on a country basis, and
An overview of the joint objectives of UNHCR and WFP the various joint assessment activities, and the key principles that underlie all those joint assessment activities.
Provides practical guidelines for planning and undertaking a joint assessment at the onset of an emergency or a new refugee influx and provides similar guidance for a periodic (usually annual) review/re-assessment of an ongoing operation.
Specific guidance is provided on:
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situation, profiles and needs of refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and host populations, in particular with regards to food security and nutrition).
in countries where UNHCR and WFP collaborate to ensure adequate food and nutrition to any given caseload.
- Planning and undertaking assessments in preparation for voluntary repatriation and reintegration;
- Joint monitoring and coordination.- Principles and concepts for an in-depth food security
assessment within both rural and urban settings.- Framework of availability, access and utilization of food, and
the importance of livelihoods, coping strategies and combining data with mortality and nutritional status.
- Sample of considerations in urban refugee and displacement situation, and an overview of self reliance principles and assessment parameters.
- Health and nutrition and key areas of assessment, including the organizing of nutrition surveys, review of micro nutrient deficiencies and general review of health data and statistics.
- Provides an overview of numbers and registration and areas to include in an assessment.
- Environmental and energy (fuel) concerns within a refugee or internally displaced programme.
- Food strategy planning and information on planning a general ration, including areas of targeting, distribution, requirements and food composition and aspects of phasing out a general ration programme.
- Planning and organizing selective feeding programmes, including supplementary feeding and school feeding;
- Standards for programming and for choosing implementing partners.
Web link Contacthttp://www.wfp.org/content/unhcrwfp-joint-assessment-missions-jam-guidelines
Public Health and HIV/AIDS Section, UNHCR [email protected] Security Analysis Service, WFP, Rome [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesNutrition Information in Crisis Situations (NICS) – UN SCN
United Nations Standing
The reports cover populations affected by crisis including refugees, IDPs and resident populations. They are designed to provide information over time on key outcome
A summary of the situations is presented at the front of each Report. The nutritional situations in each of the crisis areas are classed
Though the methods underlying the summary table involve a significant degree of subjectivity, they allow comparison to be made between the nutritional risk of different crisis areas and are unusual in combining consideration of the underlying causes of
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Committee on Nutrition indicators from emergency-affected populations, play an advocacy role in bringing the plight of the emergency affected populations to the attention of donors and humanitarian agencies and to identify recurrent problems in international response capacity
into five categories relating to the prevalence and/or risk of malnutrition
I. very high risk/prevalenceII. high risk/prevalence
III. moderate risk/prevalenceIV. not at elevated
risk/prevalenceV. unknown risk/prevalence
The prevalence/risk is indirectly affected by both the underlying causes of malnutrition, relating to food security, public health environment and social environment, and the constraints limiting humanitarian response. These factors are classed as either ‘adequate’; ‘mixed’ or ‘inadequate’. (It is noted that these classifications should not be used in isolation to prescribe the necessary response)
malnutrition (risks associated with inadequate food security, public health, and the social and care environment) PLUS factors relating to the delivery of assistance (access, resources available for humanitarian response, and availability of information).
Web link Contacthttp://www.unscn.org/en/
publications/nics/[email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesPreparedness for a Multi-cluster Assessment, 2009 (Guidance based on the McRAM experience Pakistan) Inter-Cluster
(The McRAM was initiated by UNICEF but from its inception it has been a joint UN
Initiative with many other
Guidance document reporting on the McRAM experience in Pakistan to inform other potential users of this approach to rapid needs assessment.
The McRAM post-emergency assessment tool uses questions designed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Clusters in Pakistan, together with PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) technology and well-trainedfield teams to provide rapid feedback on emergency situations.
The overall objective of McRAM project is to have a well designed, multi-cluster assessment mechanism in place and a system prepared to implement this mechanism at very short notice.
McRAM, emphasises the use of available technology and using it in the context of emergency assessment together with the creation of one well designed assessment tool by all key clusters to address both the issues of timeliness and accuracy of emergency assessments.
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partners).
Web link Contacthttp://documents.wfp.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/ena/wfp208286.pdf
Fawad Hussein [email protected]
Sandie [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesSPHERE Handbook, 2004NGOs, IFRC, ICRC
The Sphere Project was launched in 1997 by a group of humanitarian NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of calamity and conflict, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance. Sphere is three things: a handbook, a broad process of collaboration and an expression of commitment to quality and accountability. The project has developed several tools, the key one being the handbook
As a practical tool, the Sphere Project has been used globally since its inception by a large number of organisations in a wide variety of manners. Some organisations used it to define project goals or as an analytical assessment tool of programme requirements. Others used it as framework for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes.
The concurrent update of the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies’ Handbook of Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies, Chronic Crises and Early Reconstruction (2004 edition) and the revision of the Sphere Project’s Handbook - Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (2004 edition) are now underway.
Taken as a whole, some agencies use it as a powerful tool for coordination and advocacy, particularly in its multi-sectoral scope and its linkages to practice.
Based on a wide consultation process, a revision process of the SPHERE handbook is planned for 2009. SPHERE has not been formally endorsed by most agencies or by individual clusters;use of SPHERE Standards is voluntary. However, the SPHERE Project and associated standards have had one of the strongest influences on the collection of health information in emergencies.Also, some donors, including ECHO, require implementing partners to report against SPHERE Standards and indicators.
Web link Contacthttp://www.sphereproject.org/content/view/27/84/lang,english/
Avishan [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesUNDAC Handbook, 2006 (section on Needs Assessment)
The UNDAC handbook is a reference guide The handbook contains a variety of useful information, checklists and a
The UNDAC team focuses, in most cases, on the rapid initial assessment as soon as possible after the impact of a sudden-onset
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UNDAC for the use of UNDAC team undertaking an emergency mission and has chapters dedicated to disaster needs assessment and coordination amongst agencies.
description of coordination structures in the field. It has been designed and written in the form of a typical UNDAC mission cycle with chapters commencing with the UNDAC members' preparation prior to a mission, through various stages of a mission till the termination of the mission and debriefing
disaster. An UNDAC assessment should help determine the extent of a disaster and its impact on the population as well as needs for international assistance during the immediate relief phase.
It also attempts to assist UNDAC members in accomplishing any of the various tasks they may be expected to perform on mission. These include issues such as from manning an On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) for urban search and rescue teams during an earthquake to working with military contingents in humanitarian emergencies.
It also contains useful data for everyday use on mission such as composition of medical kits, security precautions, characteristics of operating in different climatic conditions and terrain. It was first published in 1993 and revised versions were published in 2000 and 2006.
Web link Contacthttp://ochaonline.un.org/Coordination/FieldCoordinationSupportSection/UNDACSystem/Handbook/tabid/1432/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Agnes [email protected] [email protected]
TOOLKITSTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
Camp Management Toolkit, 2008CCCM Cluster
The Camp Management Toolkit highlights essential issues of protection andservice provision in camps and camp-like settings and provides practical advicefor camp management staff on how best to ensure the overall coordination andmanagement of a camp and uphold the rights of displaced persons. It is an advisorymanual and does not attempt to develop
The Camp Management Toolkit is applicable to camps for both refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) and in both conflict situations and natural disasters. It is written to complement existing sector guidelines and standardworks such as The Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and
The organisation and structure of this 2008 updated version of the toolkit are different from previous versions. While the 2004 version was organised chronologically, following the life-cycle of a camp from planning and set-up to closure, the 2008 version is divided into four thematic sections;
IntroductionCore Management TasksA Safe Environment
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agency policies or directives. Minimum Standards in Disaster Response and UNHCR’s Handbook for Emergencies, amongst others.
Camp Services
This re-organisation has been chosen to;
- bring more clarity and shape to a diverse, inclusive and complex humanitarian sector.
- reflect the different levels of accountability – direct and indirect – that a Camp Management Agency holds in each particular sector or aspect of the operation.
- make it easier for readers to quickly scroll and find information about a topic regardless of what stage in the life of a camp they are engaged with.
- provide a more logical categorisation of topics and activities reflecting the operational essence of camp management.
Web link Contacthttp://
www.humanitarianreform.org/humanitarianreform/Portals/1/cluster%20approach%20page/
clusters%20pages/CCm/CampMgmtToolKit.pdf
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesCommunity Risk Assessment Toolkit, 2008
ProVention Consortium
Intended users of the Toolkit are international NGOs and their partner organisations, local government staff, risk researchers and community based organisations, active in developmental and/or humanitarian work.
This web based tool documents various CRA methods and applications and assists users in identifying a method or case study of particular relevance to their context. The CRA Toolkit is part of the wider ProVention-supported 'Community Risk Assessment and Action Planning' project.
The Toolkit has four main parts: A collection of methodologies and case studies. For most methods and case studies, a 3-6 paged guidance note summarises the resource and enables users of the CRA Toolkit to identify the most appropriate assessment methodologies and applications.
Each guidance note provides a detailed analysis of the method and case study concerned and presents a brief abstract.
A search tool, which allows users to carry out a search according to a wide range of predetermined categories.
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A glossary of terms provides a detailed description of the different CRA concepts, methods and tools.
Additional links to CRA, Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) and participatory materials.
Web link Contacthttp://
www.proventionconsortium.org/?pageid=39
mailto:[email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesContingency Planning Guidelines and Online Toolbox Inter-Agency, IASC SWG on Preparedness and Contingency Planning
Guidelines and online toolbox on preparedness and contingency planning for IASC Country Teams
The toolbox is being field tested and further development of this initiative is planned for 2010. (Further information requested).
Web link Contacthttp://www.hewsweb.org/
cptoolkit/[email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesDisaster Response Preparedness Toolkit, 2008 - OCHA
The Toolkit is designed to provide essential and practical information, checklists, guides, presentations and other tools to assist OCHA staff and partners to prepare for disaster situations.
On each page, the Toolkit provides internal links to pages or resources within the Toolkit as well as links to other OCHA websites and external websites.
This toolkit is divided into three sections: Hazard Info & Monitoring Tools - an overview of different
types of disasters, as well as online tools for monitoring disaster risks, an overview of determining cyclical disaster events, and other monitoring information.
Response Preparedness Tools - checklists, guidelines, presentations and other tools to support overall disaster response preparedness and specific areas such as disaster risk analysis, needs assessment, capacity building of response actors, legal preparedness tools, and an overview of the Hyogo Framework for Action. Recommended measures to improve staff safety and security in disaster risk areas are also included.
Funding - potential sources of funding for disaster response preparedness projects are provided.
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Web link Contacthttp://ocha.unog.ch/drptoolkit/
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesDisaster Risk Index (DRI) Analysis Tool, 2003 - UNDP
The DRI tool measures the relative vulnerability of countries to three key natural hazards — earthquake, tropical cyclone and flood — and identifies development factors that contribute to risk, and shows in quantitative terms, just how the effects of disasters can be either reduced or exacerbated by policy choices.
The DRI enables the calculation of the average risk of death per country in large- and medium-scale disasters associated with earthquakes, tropical cyclones and floods, based on data from 1980 to 2000. It also enables the identification of a number of socio-economic and environmental variables that are correlated with risk to death and which may point to causal processes of disaster risk.
In the DRI, countries are indexed for each hazard type according to their degree of physical exposure, their degree of relative vulnerability and their degree of risk.
Underlying the DRI is the concept that disaster risk is not caused by hazardous events per se, but rather is historically constructed through human activities and processes. As such the risk of death in a disaster is only partially dependent on the presence of physical phenomenon such as earthquakes, tropical cyclones and floods.
In the DRI, risk refers exclusively to the risk of loss of life and excludes other facets of risk, such as risk to livelihood and to the economy. This is because of a lack of datasets available at the global scale with national resolution.
Web link Contacthttp://gridca.grid.unep.ch/undp/
http://www.undp.org/cpr/disred/english/wedo/rrt/dri.htm
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesEmergency Health and Nutrition Assessment Toolkit.Save the Children
(A collaborative endeavour between Save the Children's (SC) Development and Emergencies teams and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch).
This Emergency Health and Nutrition Toolkit is intended to better prepare technical staff for the health and nutrition issues related to emergency preparedness and response.
Designed as a capacity building resource, the toolkit can be used for training on individual topics, full modules, or as a comprehensive 5-day course.
Within the toolkit, there are six modules:
Introduction to the Emergency Context; Save the Children Emergency Preparedness and Response; Assessment Tools; Child Health;Infant and Child Nutrition; Reproductive and Newborn Health.
In addition a three-part data collection series, the Assessments Tools Module is intended to provide an introduction to the various
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methods of data collection in the emergency context, including rapid assessments, surveys and surveillance
Web link Contacthttp://
www.savethechildren.org/publications/technical-
resources/emergency-health-and-nutrition/index.html
[email protected]@savechildren.org
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesGuidelines for Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment in Disaster (REA), 2005 -
University College London – CARE International
The REA is a tool designed for natural, technological or political disasters and as a best practice tool for effective disaster assessment and management.
Primary REA users are people directly involved in disaster response operations, with a basic knowledge of the disaster management process but no background in environmental issues.
The REA is a tool to identify, define and prioritize potential environmental impacts in disaster situations.
A simple, consensus – based qualitative assessment process, involving narratives and rating tables, is used to identify and rank environmental issues and follow-up actions during a disaster.
The REA is built around conducting simple analysis of information in the following areas:
- The general context of the disaster;- Disaster related factors which may have an immediate environmental impact ;- Unmet basic needs of disaster survivors that could lead to adverse impact on the environment;- potential negative environmental consequences of relief operations
Web link Contacthttp://www.reliefweb.int/library/documents/2005/bhrc-gen-30apr.pdf
Charles [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesHealth Resources Availability and Mapping System, 2009 (HeRAMS)
Health cluster
The Health Cluster is currently designing this new tool whose primary objective is to allow for better coordination of the health response in a humanitarian situation and support informed based decision making in this sector.
It is designed to supplement weakened, disrupted or non-existent routine health informationsystems from the early phase of the crisis through the recovery and development stages. It has inaddition been adapted to prepare the ground for the rehabilitation or
HeRAMS provides a comprehensive inventory of available health resources in an assessment mode or, when repeated over time, as an M&E tool.
HeRAMS has been extensively pilot tested in Darfur and will be further refined and implemented in other crisis situations.
Key Indicators:
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upgrading (when/if needed)of pre-existing information systems and should be interrupted as soon as this is achieved.
The tool generates indicators on health resources availability, in terms of services, human resources or infrastructures and allows for a detailed analysis of the situation to be made from various angles (geographical comparison of resource availability, identification of critical gaps, identification of trends, etc).
It does not take into consideration the access dimension. It also allows predictions of the evolution of the situation as a result of important changes such as the arrival/withdrawal of key partners, and its effect on resource availability.
Depending on the context and the type of use, indicators can be simplified. For example, if the situation does not permit an exhaustive collection of the services provided, the tool may look at sub-sectors (e.g. Maternal & Newborn Health, General Clinical Services, etc.) covered by each partner, which may already permit the identification of response gaps.
Web link Contacthttp://www.humanitarianreform.org/humanitarianreform/Portals/1/cluster%20approach%20page/clusters%20pages/health%20cluster/Health%20Resources%20Availability%20Mapping%20System.pdf
Eric Laroche
Erin Kenney
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesHealth Information System (HIS) – UNHCR
UNHCR's Health Information System (HIS) is a standardized tool to design, monitor and evaluate refugee public health and HIV programmes. The aim is to improve the health status of people of concern to UNHCR, through evidence-based policy formulation, improved management of health programmes and, ultimately, direct actions that improve refugee health.
UNHCR has developed and field-tested a basket of indicators, tools and guidelines to be used by field partners to monitor health programmes accurately and reliably.
The HIS has the following 5 objectives:
The HIS contains ten modules, which correspond to the core components of the primary healthcare model upon which services for refugees are generally planned, organised and delivered.
Two noteworthy omissions are sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and community health programs which will be addressed during later revisions.
1. Population
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1. Rapidly detect and respond to health problems and epidemics
2. Monitor trends in health status and continually address health-care priorities
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and service coverage
4. Ensure that resources are correctly targeted to the areas and groups of greatest need
5. Evaluate the quality of health interventions
2. Mortality3. Morbidity4. Inpatient and Referral5. Laboratory6. Disease Control7. EPI (including Growth Monitoring, Vitamin A and Tetanus
Toxoid)8. Nutrition9. Reproductive Health10. HIV/AIDS
For each module a set of indicators and standards are provided.
Web link Contacthttp://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646ce0.html
Monica [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesINEE Minimum standards toolkit for education in emergencies, chronic crises and early reconstruction, 2006.
Interagency network for education in emergencies and IASC education cluster (INEE)
The INEE Minimum Standards handbook represent a global framework for coordinated action to enhance the quality of educational preparedness and response, increase access to relevant learning opportunities, and ensure humanitarian accountability in providing these services.
Aimed at education practitioners, humanitarian workers and Ministry of Education officials.
The Toolkit contains the INEE Minimum Standards handbook, training and promotional materials, including all translations, as well as clear, practical tools and resources to help education practitioners, humanitarian workers and Ministry of Education officials implement the standards.
The Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies, Chronic Crises and Early Reconstruction are designed for use in emergency response, and may also be useful in emergency preparednessand in humanitarian advocacy. They are applicable in a wide range of situations, including natural disasters and armed conflicts.
The toolkit offers a set of minimum standards, key indicators and guidance notes that inform humanitarian action in the context of education, from the development of education programmes to their implementation and continuity, as well as government and community support.
The concurrent update of the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies’ Handbook of Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies, Chronic Crises and Early Reconstruction (2004 edition) and the revision of the Sphere Project’s Handbook -
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Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (2004 edition) are now underway.
Web link Contacthttp://www.ineesite.org/minimum_standards/MSEE_report.pdf
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesInitial Rapid Assessment Tool (IRA)Health, nutrition and WASH clusters
Multi-sectoral rapid assessment tool for inter-agency use in rapid onset crises.
The Multi-sectoral Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA) Tool was developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) global Health, Nutrition and WASH Clusters in 2006-2009.
It aims to enable faster and better multi-sector rapid assessment in the first few days of a sudden-onset crisis in order to guide the initial planning of urgent humanitarian interventions, identify needs for follow up assessments, and inform initial funding decisions.
The IRA was developed as an action-oriented tool for assessing needs as soon as possible after the onset of a crisis. Field work and reporting should be completed within one to three weeks.
It is a rapid assessment using qualitative methods and triangulation from a wide range of information sources to complement a pre-crisis review of secondary data.
It is the product of a process initially involving the Nutrition, Health and WASH clusters, but was expanded to include shelter and food security, involving WFP, UNICEF, FAO, WHO, ACF, SCF, IFRC and others.
Designed to be rapidly conducted by non-specialist personnel, with the objective of answering essential questions for humanitarian response planning and programming.
The tool includes:- A guidance note for country and field levels to advise IRA teams on how to prepare for, organise and carry out an IRA and analyse the data;- A two page “Aide mémoire” for field teams;- A check list for pre-crisis secondary data and information, organised by cluster; - A set of four templates for data collection, which contain questions and specific data collection and recording notes.
Web link Contacthttp://www.who.int/hac/network/global_health_cluster/
[email protected] [email protected]
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ira_guidance_note_june2009.pdf
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesIntegrated Food Security and Humanitarian Phase Classification (IPC), 2008 - Food Security Analysis Unit- Somalia (FSAU)
The IPC is not an assessment method per se, but a system for classifying the situation in different areas that integrates multiple data source, methods and analyses.
The IPC consists of four components – the core Reference Table and the supporting components of Analysis Templates, Cartographic Protocols and Population Tables
Use of the IPC encourages a mixed-method approach and the use of triangulation. The IPC does not see itself as replacing existing food security information systems or methodologies but as a complimentary ‘add-on’ that draws from and provides focus to existing analytical system, enabling comparability between them and explicitly linking analysis to action.
The full Reference Table also includes guiding information for evaluating the Risk of Worsening Phase which are divided into three levels: 1. Watch; 2. Moderate Risk; and 3. High Risk.
The Analysis Templates are tables which organise key pieces of information in a transparent manner to substantiate a Phase Classification statement and additional information to guide an effective response.
The Cartographic Protocols are a set of standardised mapping and visual communication conventions designed to convey key information from the situation analysis on a single map.
The Population Tables are a means of communicating population estimates by administrative boundaries, livelihood systems and livelihood types.
Web link Contactwww.ipcinfo.org [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesJoint Initial Rapid Assessment Tool, (JIRA) 2009 Emergency Capacity Building Project (ECB)
Joint initial rapid assessment tool for ECB members and partners.
A core set of assessment fields that are common to all agencies and useful across a range of sectors including critical issues such as shelter, sanitation and food security.
The core set of assessment data forms the basis of a pilot technology platform designed specifically to enable easy entry, storage and retrieval of assessment data, and robust enough to operate reliably even under challenging field conditions and poor connectivity.
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When operational, the data collected will be open access and available in real time to anyone with an internet connection via a web interface.
Web link Contacthttp://www.ecbproject.org/sharedtools.htm
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesLivelihood Assessment Tool-kit (LAT), 2009FAO/ILO
FAO and ILO issued a working draft of this tool-kit in October 2007 for use in assessing the impacts of disasters on people’s livelihoods, and the capacities and opportunities for recovery.
The Livelihood Assessment Tool-kit (LAT) process consists of three interrelated elements: a Livelihood Baseline (LB); an Initial Livelihood Impact Appraisal (ILIA); and a Detailed Livelihood Assessment (DLA). As currently designed, the LAT is aimed at sudden onset natural disasters. However, it is planned to extend the coverage of the LAT to other types of emergency.
The tool-kit is currently geared towards post natural-disaster situations, and parts of it were applied and adapted in 2007-2008 following natural disasters in the Philippines, Bangladesh andBolivia and as input to disaster preparedness efforts in Pakistan.
The Livelihood Assessment Tool-kit (LAT) process consists of three interrelated elements: a Livelihood Baseline (LB); an Initial Livelihood Impact Appraisal (ILIA); and a Detailed Livelihood Assessment (DLA). As currently designed, the LAT is aimed at sudden onset natural disasters. However, it is planned to extend the coverage of the LAT to other types of emergency.
Key Indicators: % of households losing employment due to disaster; % of households undertaking various coping strategies (including looking for work) after disaster; andAssets lost at household and community levels (physical, human, financial, social and natural) after disaster.
Web link Contacthttp://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/tc/tce/pdf/LAT_Brochure_LoRes.pdf
[email protected] and [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesLocal Estimate of Needs for Shelter and Settlement (LENSS),
Since May 2008, the Emergency Shelter Cluster has been developing a post-disaster
The LENSS tool kit is designed to alleviate the difficulties of shelter
LENSS tool kit includes:
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2009
Shelter cluster
shelter needs assessment toolkit, the Local Estimate of Needs for Shelter and Settlement (LENSS) to be used since the onset of a disaster. The current draft is designed to collect information for decisions on shelter and settlement needs at local level13 and to be used by non-technical specialists.
and settlement needs assessment in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and before the recovery phase. LENSS tools suggest what shelter and settlement data to ask for, who to ask, when to ask and how to share the answers.
A framework and a comprehensive ten-pages data collection plan specifying possible data sources for each information topic;
A quality control guide; A set of 11 data collection sheets (35 pages Q&A) for needs
assessment during a disaster: Affected state, Who What Where, Census, First hand observation, Locality, Assisting actors, Story page template, Registration, Damage assessment, Hazard assessment, Focus
Key Indicators: Using the SPHERE Minimum Standards, needs are assessed for the following outcomes:
1. Shelter; 2. Basic goods and supplies to meet personal hygiene needs,
prepare and eat food, provide thermal comfort, build, maintain or repair shelters;
3. Distance or protection from security threats, threats from disease, or other natural hazards and safety hazards;
4. Access to livelihood support activities; 5. Return to country/settlement of origin where possible or
dispersed settlements;6. Access to water and sanitation services and social facilities; 7. Freedom of movement in/out of settlements; 8. Land and property ownership and/or user rights; 9. Access to information about and participation in shelter and
settlement outputs; 10. Attention to the needs of persons most frequently, but not
consistently at risk in disasters (female heads of households, persons with disabilities, refugees, single parents, unaccompanied children and elders).
Web link Contacthttp://www.sheltercentre.org/library/Local+Estimate+Needs+Shelter+and+Settlement+Field+Version
Leon [email protected]
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesMulti-Cluster Rapid Assessment (McRAM) Mechanism, 2009Inter-cluster
Multi-cluster rapid assessment mechanism (McRam) for use by IASC clusters.
A rapid needs assessment tool Multi-cluster RapidAssessment Mechanism (McRAM) post-emergency assessment tool that uses questions designed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Clusters in Pakistan, together with PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) technology and well-trained field teams to provide rapid feedback on emergency situations.
The McRAM has been used several times since its introduction in March 2008.
In August 2008, it was used in communities displaced from Bajour agency into areas of Lower Dir and Malakand districts of North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Afterwards, it was used to assess the situation of IDPs in NWFP, Earthquake affected people in Balochistan and drought affected population in Tharparker, Sindh
Web link Contacthttp://documents.wfp.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/ena/wfp208286.pdf
Fawad [email protected]
Sandie Walton [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesPacific Disaster Centreinteractive tool, 2009 PDC
(Provides applied informationresearch and analysis support forthe development of effectivepolicies, institutions, programs,and information products for thedisaster management andhumanitarian assistance incommunities of the Asia Pacificregion and beyond).
Web based interactive tool for educators, scientists, decision makers, and community members.
This easy-to-use, interactive tool allows users to view useful information and maps from datasets such as earthquake hazards and impacts, transportation, public facilities, emergency services, elevation, land use/zoning and high resolution imagery.
Through the Internet Map Viewer, educators, scientists, decision makers, and community members currently have instant access to one of the world’s largest urban data sets. These stakeholders are currently using the Map Viewer to learn about hazards and their possible impacts as the basis for mainstreaming risk reduction activities into city planning processes.
Web link Contact
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http://www.pdc.org/pdf/factsheets/EMI.pdf
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesStandardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions (SMART) Methodology, 2007 - Inter-agency
(SMART began in the late 1990s to develop a basic integrated, standardized method to improve the estimates of nutritional status and mortality rates during emergencies. Two of its majorobjectives are: (a) to balance simplicity with technical soundness (data quality and reliability) sothat rapid data analysis can occur in support of strategic decision-making and (b) standardize survey methods used by the humanitarian community for collecting and analyzing data, including sampling).
SMART is a tool intended for NGO and host government users to simplify the rapid collection and reporting of good quality data in emergencies.
The SMART initiative seeks to ensure that reliable and consistent data, starting with three critical data points on mortality, nutritional status, and food security, are rapidly accessible for policy and resource decision making.
SMART is a simple, user-friendly tool to enable frequent, good quality surveys needed for monitoring fragile situations.
For data consistency, SMART developed a survey manual and analytical software program that integrates the planning, collection and analysis of nutritional status and mortality rate. Pilot tests were undertaken in Chad, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, and Somalia. The food security model is a work in progress with positive feedback from the initial pilot-testing that accurately predicted food insecurity problems. Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) and Action Against Hunger/Action Contre la Faim (AAH/ACF) are planning further field work in Africa.
Data reliability is facilitated by the software program (Nutrisurvey) that simplifies the process of survey planning, data entry and analysis with built-in statistical manipulations that generate sampling size, design effect, cluster groupings, and automatic standard tables and graphs.
Key Indicators adopted include:
- public health indicators of the severity of the crisis and useful to identify needs;
- crude mortality/death rates (CMR/CDR), including comparison of CDR with the age 0-5 death rate;
- nutritional status of Under-five children based on height-for-age,
- weight-for-height and weight-for-age compared to international reference standards and presence of oedema
- middle-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) as an optional indicator;
- population size and demographics.
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Web link Contacthttp://www.smartindicators.org/ Anne Ralte
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesVulnerability and Capacity Assessment Toolbox, IFRC
End users would be institutions looking to undertake risk reduction through development or relief projects. This may include international agency staff, NGO’s or disaster risk management field practitioners.
This toolbox provides a conceptual framework as well as practical guidelines for conducting a vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA). It begins with the history and theory behind the concept of VCA and moves into providing the techniques/tools for VCA. It also provides a logical sequence for conducting a VCA.
The Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) is the primary assessment methodology presented in the toolbox. It is understood as comprised of assessing: hazard, vulnerability and capacities of communities.
The toolbox provides an overview of how to undertake such assessments and where to collect data for different assessment stages including data from GIS, Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, and different key people and institutions. It also provides an entire chapter on assessment techniques (mainly drawn from RRA/PRA) and gives an overview of the techniques/tools and an example detailing how to use it.
Web link Contacthttp://www.ifrc.org/Docs/pubs/disasters/Vca_en.pdf
Neil [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesWASH Cluster Survey Tool, 2009WASH cluster
(The WASH Survey Tool is part of the Global WASH Information Management Project, whichis being implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and OXFAM with support from UNICEF and the participation of WASH agencies).
The toolkit includes a range of indicators from which to develop a selected, county level, context specific set of indicators and associated needs assessment format. This approach aims to ensure ownership of specifically adapted and context specific formats, of the data collected and the results for more effective humanitarian response.
The WASH Cluster Survey Tool is a database of indicators which can be used to develop (i) a Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT); (ii) a Comprehensive Assessment Tool (CAT); or (iii) a Monitoring Tool. It is intended to help WASH Cluster agencies identify critical problems/risks faced by the populations in disaster situations. Using indicators selected from the WASHSurvey Tool database by the WASH Cluster agencies in the field, data are collected from the field in
Data collection for the WASH Survey Tool uses a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods and does not include specific guidance on sampling. As some of the data on impact-type indicators is gathered through a household survey, it is likely to take some days to complete at larger sites or for a population scattered over several sites. The information is intended to be collected by WASH specialists working in their various agencies.
The data are captured either in Excel or into a simple version of Access, in order to generate various types of reports according to severity of need. A simple Excel template has been designed to facilitate rapid compilation of information on where individual WASH agencies are working, what they plan to do and the approximate schedule of planned actions. The data collation and analysis tool will automatically compile this data to produce a
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order to facilitate a rapid comparison of the severity of needs, by each WASH subsector.
summary who-what-where-when report and an analysis of gaps (i.e. where there are high levels of need but no agency responding), in order to make critical programming and resource allocation decisions.
These can then also be used to develop maps in order to more effectively communicate response and specific gaps identified.The CAT is likely to be carried out some days/weeks after a rapid-onset disaster once priority locations for intervention have been defined through the IRA Tool (multi-sectoral in nature and aimed at generalists) and/or the RAT tool (aimed at WASH specialists). However, the Survey Tool is designed to be used at any phase of the emergency and includes templates for rapid and comprehensive assessments, as well as periodic and regular monitoring, all which can all be customized at the field level.
Key Indicators: The indicators are mainly based on SPHERE Standards and the ACF Handbook.
Web link Contacthttp://
www.humanitarianreform.org/Default.aspx?tabid=342
Julian Parker, IRCjulian.parker theIRC.orgAndy Bastable, Oxfamabastable oxfam.org.ukNeil Bauman, consultant (IRC)nbauman rocketmail.com
FRAMEWORKSTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Assessment Framework, 2008
The CCCM cluster is comprised of CARE, International Organisation
Since January 2008, the CCCM Cluster has been developing a needs assessment system for use in the initial humanitarian response for displaced people residing in camps and collective centres.
- To know how many camps there are, where they are located, how many people are living at each site;
- to know to what extent camps are covered by
It is a surveillance system for non-specialist primary data collection at the community level, with data organized according to camp (geographic location). The system will be comprised of guidance, data collection forms and a database in which to store and analyze the information.
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for Migration (IOM) – cluster lead in natural disasters,International Rescue Committee, Lutheran World Federation (LWF); Norwegian Refugee Council,UNOCHA, Shelter Centre, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – cluster lead in conflict situations.
humanitarian actors and which camps lack services in particular sectors;
- to identify key actors responsible for each camp, including camp administrators, government officials, community leaders and humanitarian actors;
- to track changes in the number and composition of the camp population; - - to be able to compare a camp to other camps, or regions to other regions.
The CCCM tool organizes data collection into five layers, each of which is broken down according to the phase of the emergency and data collection frequency and sequenced in order to gradually build upon an initial core dataset:
1. Camp Geographic and Snapshot Data2. Population Tracking Form3. Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment4. Camp Capacity Mapping5. Urgent Action Report
Key Indicators: Most of the indicators in the assessment relate primarily to availability of services and community governance structures. Other indicators tracked include land ownership, population figure accuracy, community participation, dispute resolution mechanisms, local capacity for food supply and shelter construction, and distance to the nearest primary school.
Web link Contacthttp://oneresponse.info/GlobalClusters/Camp%20Coordination%20Management/Pages/default.aspx
Kimberley [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesNeeds Analysis Framework (NAF), 2006 - Inter-Agency (IASC CAP working group)
The Needs Analysis Framework is a tool to help Humanitarian Coordinators and Country Teams organise and present existing information on humanitarian needs in a coherent and consistent manner in order to help strengthen the analysis of humanitarian need.
Humanitarian Coordinators and Country Teams should use the framework as a blueprint to consolidate existing needs assessments and analyse them prior to developing a CHAP.
The Needs Analysis Framework is a tool introduced to help UN Country Teams “organise and present existing information on humanitarian needs in a coherent and consistent manner”.
The aim is to ensure that the responses proposed in Consolidated Appeals (CAPs) are underpinned by a strong needs analysis, using existing assessment data from multiple sources and covering all sectors. The NAF uses a sector-specific approach, and presents a basic analytical framework. However, the current version does not allow for comparison of available information and agreement on a common analysis of the situation. The NAF advises that such
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prioritisation be prepared at the country level.
The original (2005) version of the NAF was piloted in several countries in 2005-6, and was subsequently meant to be widely applied in 75% of CAPs. Implementation has varied widely since its creation however.
OCHA is currently reviewing the NAF approach, which remains an important contribution to improving multi-sectoral analysis and the evidence base for CAPs.
Key Indicators: The NAF contains a large number of outcome indicators, including on mortality, morbidity and malnutrition.
Web link Contacthttp://www.reliefweb.int/cap/Policy/Needs_Assessment/2006/Workshop/Needs%20Analysis%20Framework%20in%20English%20March%202006.doc
Esty [email protected]
TRAINING COURSESTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
Distance Learning Management system (DLMS)UN- HABITAT
A learning management system (LMS) has been procured and customized to enhance the learning experience of partners, training institutions and individuals and includes elements aimed at multi-agency working.
The LMS is in development .The learning will be through e-learning or online learning and certain courses will be available on CDs
The first e-learning course to be administered on a pilot basis will be on local elected leadership and is based on the Local Elected leadership series which has been one of the most successful UN-HABITAT face-to-face training tools. Content development for the course is underway and will be online soon. The e-learning courses are intended to compliment the face to face training workshops.
web link Contacthttp://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp?typeid=19&catid=533&cid=4478&activeid=4471
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesICT Humanitarian Emergency Platform Training WFP
In WFP several both technical and managerial trainings are available to staff. Some of the trainings are delivered in the field by deployed trainers, and some are delivered in regional offices or through headquarters.
Information and communication technology training for emergency preparedness and response.
Below is a list of training programs available to both WFP and the inter-agency community. Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) training EPR Field training packageLet’s Comm training Radio Training WFP ICT trainings
web link Contacthttp://ictemergency.wfp.org/home
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesLearning Management System, 2009, WFP
On-the-job learning allows staff to learn while engaged in daily work under the supervision of a coach. It can be formal or informal and can cover all the stages of an assessment or focus on specific technical areas.
These courses cover the main topics and qualitative and quantitative skills required to conduct an emergency food security assessment, a comprehensive food security vulnerability analysis or a market analysis. The standard material from these core courses can be adapted to the country or regional context, to the specific skill sets required or to the methods used by partners.
Specialized Trainings: This category includes courses on joint assessments with FAO - Crop and Food Security Assessment Missions (CFSAM), and with UNCHR - Joint Assessment Missions. It also includes specialized training in food security and nutrition analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
web link Contacthttp://odan.wfp.org/repository/
pages/pWkshpCourseMaterials.asp
Anette [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesNeeds Assessment in Disaster Situations Training Package, 2008OCHA
Training is aimed at Field level cluster leads, OCHA staff, national and local authorities involved in emergency response, response actors including UN,
This OCHA training module aims to strengthen evidence-based humanitarian response planning at field level. It will do this by building
The training package covers;
Increasing understanding of why needs assessment is a critical part
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NGOs and the Red Cross Movement, and donors.
The course is designed to be delivered to between 20 and 30 participants at one time.
the skills of humanitarians at field level - especially OCHA staff and cluster leads - in coordinating needs assessments, and in using the information from assessments as a basis for effective strategic planning exercises (whether in emergency situations or ongoing humanitarian crises).
of the planning process.
Improving knowledge of needs assessments issues and available tools and frameworks.
Providing guidance on how to widen participation in, and improve the coordination and effectiveness of, assessment exercises.
Demonstrating different means to effectively present needs assessment raw data as information to support analysis.
Strengthening skills to better use assessment information as the basis for strategic planning.
web link Contacthttp://ocha.unog.ch/drptoolkit/
PTrainingWorkshopMaterial.htmlTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
Needs Assessment Training, 2008NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This on-line course introduces coastal management professionals to needs assessments and what it means to conduct one.
Understand where needs assessment fit in the project development process. Describe the basic steps in conducting needs assessments.
Develop assessment instruments such as surveys and questionnaires.
The online course offers an overview of needs assessment approaches and methodologies and incorporates a number of useful tools:
- Hazard Assessment Tool, This easy-to-use tool provides instructions on a map to download information about the various hazards that might impact a location.
- Risk and vulnerability assessment tool, to help communities assess and prioritize the precautionary measures that make a community more resilient to disasters.
web link Contacthttp://www.csc.noaa.gov/needs/ http://www.csc.noaa.gov/
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesNeeds Assessment training in emergencies course, 2009 – RedR
This course aims to improve the effectiveness of personnel engaged in humanitarian relief by taking you through
There are four main themes:- Organisation and management
- objectives of the assessment,
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
- identify and describe a good approach to the carrying out
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good practice in assessment procedure, including frameworks and principles of emergency assessments.
terms of reference, planning assessment activities, information collation, report writing.
- Data collection techniques - how they work, when to use them and the meaningfulness of the data they produce.
- Analytical frameworks that determine the focus of the assessment and the way assessment information translates into programme response and helps establish indicators for measuring progress, impact and relevance.
- Sector-specific issues - data collection methodologies and analytical frameworks that are most appropriate to each sector, links between sectors, and benchmarks, especially SPHERE.
of emergency assessments.- compare and contrast commonly used assessment
frameworks, tools and techniques including planning and preparation for assessment missions.
- define and apply underlying principles of emergency assessments.
web link Contacthttp://www.redr.org.uk/en/
What_We_Do/training/UK_training/uk-training-
calendar.cfm
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesThe Basics of International Humanitarian Response, e-centre course 2009, UNHCR
The eCentre offers training opportunities through two methods, distance learning and organized training events. It provides a number of standard courses through workshops. The workshops typically
Various modules on disaster preparedness and response, contingency planning and needs assessment are offered.
Additionally, the eCentre organizes 10-12 training events per year (workshops, seminars or similar activities), and contributes to approximately the same number in a collaborative role.
eCentre workshops typically gather a diverse group of NGO, government and UN partners.
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have about 32 participants coming from governments, NGOs, UN and international organizations.
Workshops employ a wide range of methodologies, emphasizing above all practical exercises and simulations that challenge participants to apply knowledge and skills that they have learned in realistic situations. A consistent theme of all courses is the importance of coordination and mutual understanding among diverse partners in achieving concerted response to complex emergencies.
http://www.the-ecentre.net/index.cfm
METHODOLOGIESTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
Community Damage Assessment and Demand Analysis tool (2007):
All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI).
Tool for NGOs, CBOs and local governments.
The Community Damage Assessment and Demand Analysis (CDADA) methodology is based on lessons from previous post-disaster damage assessment practices of All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI). AIDMI is a community based action research and action-planning organization that aims to bridge the gap between policy, practice and research from the community level to the national level in India and more recently in Asia.
It is a multi-sectoral and multi-method assessment tool. The CDADA method is designed for use by local NGOs, CBOs and government departments that work with local organizations. The primary objective of the CDADA is to provide a clear and concise picture of the post disaster situation, to identify relief needs and to develop strategies for recovery.
It includes a simple series of activities to be undertaken across the disaster time line, essentially related to emergency. It calls for collection of damage and needs data from local actors including the affected communities, CBOs, and government authorities.
The assessment covers two key components;
1. Situation assessment or damage assessment, which describes hat has happened.
2. Need assessment and analysis, which clarifies the basic question of what needs to be done.
Web link Contacthttp://
www.southasiadisasters.net/
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesForgotten Crises Assessment (FCA) Methodology, 2005 - ECHO
‘Forgotten crises’ are defined as those situations where a high level of humanitarian needs persists but that receive little attention by way of donor contributions and media coverage. They tend to be long-term situations of acute human suffering caused by protracted violent conflicts where there is little international interest.
For the 2005 ECHO Aid Strategy, the nine indicators were grouped into five broad categories each of which is assigned a 20% weighting1. Overall situation category
(HDI, HPI)2. Exposure to major disasters
category (CRED, HIIK)3. Humanitarian effects of
population movements category (UNHCR, Global IDP Project)
4. Situation of children (malnutrition and U5MR)
5. Donor contributions category (OECD)
The Forgotten Crisis Assessment was added in 2005
Four indicators are used to determine whether a situation is considered a forgotten crisis or not:
1. Needs – using the GNA score but excluding the ODA data, 2. External assistance – using the GHA score on Net ODA per
capita, 3. Media coverage – using a keyword search of 600 news
sites in 20 different languages4. Qualitative assessment by ECHO geographical units.5.
Each indicator has a potential maximum scored of 3 and a minimum of 1. The total scores for each country/territory are ranked.
Web link Contact‘ECHO Aid Strategy’ section of the ECHO website http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/policies/strategy/methodology_2005.pdf
Bart [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesGlobal Needs Assessment (GNA) Methodology,
ECHO
ECHO’s Global Needs Assessment (GNA) methodology is a method for assessing relative needs at a macro-level for approximately 135 countries
The methodology applied for identification of those countries that are home to people who ought to be priority beneficiaries of DG ECHO assistance comprises two stages.
First stage: assessment of the relative vulnerability of countries, identifying those countries whose population is likely to suffer more than others in the event of a humanitarian disaster.
Vulnerability indexVulnerability is measured by the vulnerability index (VI) which aggregates nine national indicators reflecting the weakness/strength of a country as well as the eventual lack of
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internalresources and capacities to cope with adversity by itself.
Second stage: identification of countries actually in a humanitarian crisis situation, corresponding to the DG ECHO criteria for intervention.This is assessed by the crisis index (CI).
Crisis indexIndicator 1: ongoing or recently resolved conflictIndicator 2: recent natural disasterIndicator 3: large number of uprooted people (refugees and/or internally displaced people)
The combination of the two indices, i.e. CI and VI which reflect the comparative assessment of vulnerabilities and crises, together provide an indication of the priority areas for humanitarian aid.
Web link Contacthttp://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/
policies/strategy/methodology_2005.pdf
Bart [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesGlobal Needs Assessment (GNA) Methodology, 2009UNHCR
In 2009, UNHCR rolled out worldwide a Global Needs Assessment (GNA) aimed at determining the real needs of refugees and internally displaced people, the costs of meeting those needs and the consequences of any gaps. The GNA is now an integral part of how UNHCR maps and plans its operations around the globe.
This Global Needs Assessment is not a new assessment toolor method, but draws on the results of the Strengthening Protection Capacity Project’s approach to identify unmet needs through consultation with all stakeholders, as well as statistics compiled through UNHCR’s monitoring system.
The GNA was piloted in eight countries in 2008 and applied worldwide in 2009 to inform the agency’s 2010-2011 biennial planning process. The goal is to develop a comprehensive, prioritized plan and related budget for UNHCR or its partners to meet their responsibilities.
The pilot assessment, set to be rolled out worldwide in UNHCR operations for the 2010-2011 planning cycle, was carried out in Cameroon, Ecuador, Georgia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Yemen and Zambia earlier this year.
Web link Contacthttp://www.unhcr.org/pages/ Jennifer Pagonis
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4a1bede134.html [email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesIndicators for Monitoring the Millennium Development Goals - UN
MDG website presenting information and analysis of indicators to measure progress towards MDGs
The MDG Indicators website presents the official data, definitions, methodologies and sources for more than 60 indicators to measure progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.
The data and analyses are the product of the work of the Inter-agency and Expert Group (IAEG) on MDG Indicators, coordinated by the United Nations Statistics Division.
Web link Contacthttp://www.un.org/
millenniumgoals/[email protected]
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesMethodology for Rapid Assessment in Humanitarian Assistance, 2006 – REDLAC
Work Group on Risk, Emergency, and Disaster of the Interagency Standing Committee for the American and Caribbean region
(The group focuses its interventions during the response and preparedness stages and coordinates tasks of prevention and mitigation with other actors).
The Work Group for Risk, Emergencies and Disasters for the region’s Interagency Standing Committee (REDLAC) was formed with the aim of creating a platform for the exchange of information, reflection and actions that optimize preparedness and response actions for preventing and mitigating suffering of populations vulnerable to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The methodology and tools make up an integrated instrument, which does not substitute those developed by members or organisations working in the area of disasters.
It aims to provide shared information during an emergency for an interagency needs analysis, as well as facilitate an integrated understanding of the needs to better support the preparation or application and the establishment of humanitarian assistance interventions in cases where these exceed national capacity.
The First section consists of a general introduction to analyzing the impact of a disaster on a social system. The Second section describes the methodology for rapid humanitarian assistance, including objectives, the composition of teams, the process, communication and dissemination of its results.
The Third section corresponds to the design and use of the four tools available for carrying out rapid assessment in humanitarian assistance.
Each section can be used on its own or as part of a kit depending on the requirements of the user.
Web link Contacthttp://www.humanitarianreform.org/humanitarianreform/Portals/1/cluster%20approach%20page/
http://redlac.org/
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training/CSLT%20July%2007/Day4/REDLAC%20Rapid%20Needs%20Assessment.pdf
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesMultiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) - UNICEF
Multiple indicator cluster survey tool MICS uses three modular questionnaires that can be customized to fit the data needs of a country. Together, they help measure key indicators.
The MICS survey tools are developed by UNICEF after consultations with relevant experts from various UN organizations as well as with interagency monitoring groups.
UNICEF works closely with other household survey programmes, in particular the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) programme, to harmonize survey questions and modules and to ensure a coordinated approach to survey implementation, with the objective to provide comparability across surveys and to avoid duplication of survey efforts. The survey questionnaires are modular tools that can be adapted to the needs of the country.
Key indicators include:Child Survival and Health : Child Mortality; Malaria; Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI); Diarrhoeal Disease; Integrated Management of Childhood Diseases (IMCI);. Child Nutrition : Child Malnutrition; Low Birth Weight; Breastfeeding; Iodine Deficiency; Vitamin A Deficiency. Maternal Health : Maternal mortality; Antenatal Care; Delivery Care; Fertility and Family Planning. Newborn Care Water and Sanitation : Water; Sanitation; Guinea Worm. Education Child Protection: Birth Registration; Child Labour; Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. HIV/AIDS: Young People and HIV/AIDS; Mother to Child Transmission; Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
Web link Contacthttp://www.unicef.org/
statistics/index_24302.html http://www.childinfo.org/
http://www.childinfo.org/
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesPost-Conflict Needs Assessment and Transitional Results Frameworks Toolkit, 2008 (PCNAs)UN,WB
Post-conflict needs assessment and framework for UNDP and WB
PCNAs are a dynamic forum for cooperation between the UNDG and the World Bank in post-conflict situations leading to improved coordination in strategy development and program planning.
PCNAs have been conducted or remain ongoing in the following countries:Sudan (Darfur), Somalia, Sudan (North/South), Haiti, Liberia and Iraq.
First, a ‘pre-assessment’ or shared situation and context analysis is conducted to develop the PCNA concept note. Depending on the available time, this involves consultations among keystakeholders, review of pre-existing information, and in some cases the development of a database containing an inventory and bibliography of baseline data and essential documents.
The aim is to identify the main causes and characteristics of the conflict; risks and trends e.g. in access and insecurity; key population groups, institutions or regions that may need to beprioritized, e.g. in terms of receipt of benefits or reconstruction efforts; and the capacity of national (state and non-state) actors and institutions.
Second, sectoral field and desk assessments are conducted by national and international technical experts. The identified needs are prioritized according to criteria agreed beforehand by the stakeholders, which should reflect how the activity contributes to stabilization of peace and how it links with the government’s priorities.
No specific guidance is currently provided on how to conduct these assessments.
Finally, the resulting information from all the clusters is consolidated and used to produce a prioritized and costed overview of the needs, which is encapsulated in a 3-5 year recovery action plan - the Transitional Results Framework (TRF).
Web link Contacthttp://www.undg.org/index.cfm?
P=148AnaMaria Hermoso
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesPost disaster needs assessment (PDNA) and recovery framework. 2009UNDP
The PDNA framework is intended to help coordinate recovery efforts across different sectors with a risk reduction focus.
It covers the methodologies used by different actors including the national governments, UN agencies, IFIs (like the World Bank), regional banks (like the ADB, IADB etc), INGOs, local NGOs and other related actors in Asia and Latin America.
The PDNA framework is intended to help coordinate recovery efforts across different sectors with a risk reduction focus.
It specifically reviews the methodologies and tools used during rapid onset disasters including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tsunamis.
The PDNA is packaged as a framework bringing together the different sectoral assessments and agency specific methods that are currently being developed or used. It aims to promote complementary use of general or multi-sectoral methodologies.
PDNA represents an approach to be applied during different agency and inter-agency assessments rather than an additional and specific methodology.
It is envisaged as a dynamic framework that is a part of the assessment continuum (from emergency to reconstruction) and that guides the process for recovery assessments at different levels.
Tools that are utilized include:- Guidelines for composite analysis of different recovery needs assessments; - Format for conducting and reporting Rapid Recovery Needs Assessments (RRNA) at the local level. This can be used in areas where there are gaps in assessments and or by stakeholders who do not have existing tools for multi-sectoral recovery assessment; - Checklists for covering cross-cutting themes that are usually not mainstreamed in assessment methodologies such as gender;- Format for developing an Integrated Recovery Framework (IRF) and an associated Integrated Plan of Action (IPA) for all recovery stakeholders at the national level;- Information management tool for mapping recovery needs, capacities and gaps, across the recovery time line.
Web link Contacthttp://
www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/networks/
private/PDNAandRF/
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesRisk Mapping and Shelter The goal of this long-term activity is to GRIP aims to promote sustainable GRIP is a multi-stakeholder initiative that directly aligns with the
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Response PlanningUN-HABITAT and GRIP
(UN-HABITAT and GRIP have undertaken on behalf of the IASC Emergency Shelter GlobalCluster, a “Risk Mapping and Shelter Response Planning” initiative as part of a disaster risk reduction strategy, to systematically incorporate risk management into urban planning).
improve capacities to predict causes, magnitude and geographic coverage of the damage, address future post-disaster shelter recovery needs and to manageinformation about on-going risk after a disaster and their implications for shelter planning. It is currently being pilot tested in selected big cities and is envisioned for large-scale deployment.
development by reducing the impact of natural hazards in high-risk areas. Its specific objectives are to improve disaster risk information and understanding and to increase their use in decision-making processes.
With the mission of providing “better risk information for sound decision making”, GRIP coordinates the generation of evidence-based risk information and facilitates its applications to improve the quality of policies, regulations and investments at all levels.
Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA)’s Priority Area 2: risk identification, assessment and monitoring.
Although hosted by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, GRIP’s structure, is inherently multi-stakeholder, as it is a set of harmonized activities contributing to commonly-agreed-upon objectives. Dozens of organizations have been involved in its preparation, design and implementation.
GRIP’s programme design reflects the information and support needs identified by the risk identification community. As one of the key thematic platforms for the implementation of the HFA by the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system, the programme was officially launched in 2007 at the 1st session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and has been adopted by the ISDR system to support worldwide activities to identify and monitor disaster risk.
Web link Contacthttp://www.gripweb.org/grip.php?ido=2222&idMat=19471122
mailto:[email protected]
RECOVERY
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesDamage Assessment and Needs Analysis Methodology (2000):
ADPC
(The Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) has been working with disaster affected countries and communities in Asia since 1980s. It has considerable experience in disaster reduction
Damage assessment and needs analysis methodology for government and UN system.
The aim of the DANA is to develop a standard methodology and protocols, appropriate to the needs of disaster managers in countries in Asia, for assessing and reporting post-disaster damage and needs. Its focus is on identifying relief needs. This methodology was designed by studying and harmonizing emergency assessment formats
The DANA tool provides a framework for planning, collecting damage and needs assessment data and processing this information into user-friendly reports.
It clarifies that two kinds of simultaneous assessments need to be planned and reported:
1. Situation (damage) Assessment: a description of what has happened.
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capacity building and in implementing innovative field interventions related to recovery and reconstruction. From 1999 to 2002, ADPC worked with the USAID to review and consolidate a methodology for Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA)).
being used in different countries in Asia.
2. Needs Assessment: a statement of what needs to be done.
It includes formats for reporting and checklists for identifying common priority needs after a disaster covering the sectors of protection, medical and health, shelter, food, water, sanitation and lifeline systems (communications, power supplies, transport, etc).
Web link Contacthttp://www.adpc.net/dana/
dana.htmlBrian Ward
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesMethodology for estimating the socio-economic and environmental impact of disasters
UN ECLAC, 2003
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
Methodology for assessing reconstruction needs for government, UN system and IFIs
The 2003 version of the handbook describes the methods required to assess the social, economic and environmental effects of disasters, breaking them down into direct damages and indirect losses and into overall and macroeconomic effects for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The methodology follows a series of steps covering;
- the compilation of information on the conditions prevailing before the disaster;
- the compilation of information on the scope and magnitude of the direct and indirect damage as well as the secondary effects of the disaster by sector;
- an overview of the full extent of the disaster’s socio-economic impact, or an evaluation of the global magnitude of damage; and
- the identification of the most severely affected economic and social sectors and priorities for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The handbook is divided into five sections each covering the following ;
- general conceptual and methodological framework; - methods for estimating damage and losses to social sectors, - methods for estimating damage to services and physical infrastructure;
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- damages and losses to productive sectors, - overall, cross-sectoral and macroeconomic effects, with separate chapters on environmental damages, the differential effect of the disaster on women, the impact on employment and income, a procedure for calculating total direct and indirect losses, and the effects of the disaster on the main macroeconomic aggregates.
Web link Contacthttp://
www.proventionconsortium.org/themes/default/pdfs/ECLAC/
vol_I.pdf
Mr. Neil Pierreneil.pierre cepal.org
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesPost-Nargis joint assessmentPONJA 2008
Govt of Myanamar, ASEAN, UN, humanitarian agencies
The Post Nargis Joint Assessment (PONJA) was designed as a comprehensive, rapid, joint effort to provide the basis for humanitarian and recovery programs.
The assessment covers humanitarian as well asrecovery needs. It was led jointly by ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Myanmar Government,with technical support from a range of humanitarian and development partners, including the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and many non-governmental organizations.
The PONJA aimed to assess:
- the vulnerabilities and needs of the population living in the most affected areas;
- the damage done to assets (for example, destroyed or damaged houses, sunken fishing boats) in all areas affected by the cyclone;
- the losses of income caused by the cyclone that the Myanmar economy and households will experience until assets and livelihoods are restored to pre-cyclone levels.
The PONJA team relied on two approaches to gather the data for its analysis:
Primary data were collected through the Village Tract Assessment (VTA), a survey of households, key informants and focus groups in the worst affected townships.250 enumerators visited 291 villages across 30 townships over ten days in early June 2008. The survey included questions onhealth, food and nutrition, education, women and children, water and sanitation, agriculture, livelihood, temporary settlements, and emergency shelter.
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Secondary data were provided by a range of Ministries, UN agencies, past household surveys, satellite imaging, and other sources and form the basis for the Damage and Loss Assessment. These data were validated through a series of tests: field visits covering the whole Delta, triangulation with the primary data collected through the VTA and by comparisonwith other countries’ benchmarks, and consultations with communities and local stakeholders.
Web link Contacthttp://www.asean.org/21765.pdf Adelina Kamal
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesTsunami Recovery Impact Assessment and Monitoring System (TRIAMS) - Sub-regional initiative
The purpose of the TRIAMS initiative is to assist governments, aid agencies and affected populations in assessing and monitoring the rate and direction of tsunami recovery in the countries covered over a period of five years. It aims to examine if:
living conditions and standards have returned to pre-existing levels;
recovery interventions are:– targeting the poorest households and communities;– addressing pre-existing inequalities and/or inequities;– not generating new inequalities and/or inequities.
TRIAMS has four components:- core and country-specific
output indicators (quantitative), collected through routine government monitoring systems and other partners’ information systems;
- core and country-specific outcome indicators (quantitative), largely collected through existing government surveys, with samples adjusted to detect changes in tsunami-affected populations and to compare outcome indicators between tsunami-affected populations and non-affected populations;
- beneficiary perspectives – to better understand how affected people view recovery progress;
- triangulation and alternative explanations – using qualitative and other methods to help
Impact assessment and monitoring focuses on four key areas of recovery: vital needs (e.g. food, water, shelter, etc.); basic social services (e.g. health care, education); infrastructure (e.g. public works, social infrastructure); livelihoods (e.g. formal and informal income generation).
Information gathered through the TRIAMS system has been used to inform: the ongoing planning of recovery efforts by all stakeholders; beneficiaries of the progress and impact of recovery efforts; donors, partners and the public on the use of resources and
the outcomes.
Organisations involved in TRIAMS believe it offers a potential framework for monitoring and evaluation systems for future disaster response and recovery efforts. It is understood that at a recent meeting in Geneva WHO and IFRC agreed to work on developing TRIAMs as a generic tool. (Dahlgren - personal communication)
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analyse and interpret the quantitative numbers and investigate unexplained differences.
Web link Contacthttp://www.ifrc.org/Docs/
pubs/Updates/triams-technical-paper.pdf
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesPost-disaster Recovery Guidelines (2007)
UNDP/BCPR
Guidelines for governments and UN agencies and regional recovery specialists
The guidelines provide the conceptual basis for a broad and common recovery approach among stakeholders.
UNDP-BCPR compiled the first draft of the recovery guidelines in 2004. The guidelines have been since revised based on recovery experiences including the Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004), Guyana floods (2005) and the South Asia earthquake (2005).
The guidelines have been designed in recognition of the need for recovery strategies to fill the existing gap between response and long-term reconstruction.
It is based on the experience that post-disaster response, recovery and reconstruction processes often rebuild conditions of risk or even increase vulnerability. The guidelines thus aim to help recovery stakeholders seize the opportunity for risk reduction instead of returning to pre-disaster development. It provides a conceptual framework, guiding principles, steps to facilitate recovery planning in the aftermath of a disaster, and an outline for an institutional framework for recovery.
Web link Contacthttp://www.undp.org/cpr/
disred/documents/publications/regions/america/
recovery_guidelines_eng.pdf
www.undp.org
DATABASESTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Web link Comments
Asia Pacific Natural Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlas - Pacific Disaster Centre
Pacific Disaster Centre’s Natural Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlases are decision support toolsets for disaster management and humanitarian assistance organizations
http://www.pdc.org/atlas/html/atlas-init.jsp
With the addition of the new Global Edition, there are now three versions of the Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlas: the Global, Asia Pacific and Hawaii Editions.
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around the world. The Atlases contain information on major hazards, both "active" and "historical," including tropical cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, floods, and wildfires. They provide decision makers with the needed geospatial context for assessing risks and communicating about natural hazards and the exposure that people and infrastructure have to these hazards. They support the entire range of the disaster management "life cycle" from hazard assessment, to early warning, to response and recovery operations.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsComplex Emergency Database (CE-DAT) - CRED
The Complex Emergency Database (CE-DAT) was launched in 2003 as the database component of the SMART initiative to standardise the methods used in gathering health and nutrition information in emergency operations.
http://www.cedat.be/ CE-DAT is an international initiative that monitors and evaluates the health status of populations affected by complex emergencies. CE-DAT was created in 2003 as an outcome of SMART, an interagency initiative to encourage rational, evidence-driven humanitarian decision-making.
CE-DAT is a database of mortality and malnutrition rates.These indicators have also been shown to be useful in monitoring the extent to which the relief system is meeting the needs of vulnerable populations and thus the overall impact and effectiveness of the relief system.
With over 2,000 surveys and 20,000 health indicators, CE-DAT serves as a unique source of field data for monitoring the health status of conflict-affected populations and for the production of trend analyses, impact briefings and policy recommendations.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsCountry Information - ISDRInternational Strategy for Disaster Reduction
The overall objective of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system is to generate and support a global disaster risk reduction movement to reduce risk to disasters and to build "a culture of prevention" in society as part of sustainable development.
In pursuit of this objective, the ISDR System
http://www.preventionweb.net/english/hyogo/isdr/?pid:3&pih:2
ISDR is a system of partnerships. These partnerships are composed of a broad range of actors, all of which have essential roles to play in supporting nations and communities to reduce disaster risk.
Partners include governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, international financial institutions, scientific and technical bodies and specialized networks as well as civil society and the private sector.
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supports nations and communities to implement the Hyogo Framework for Action through widened participation of Governments and organizations in the ISDR; raising the profile of disaster reduction in the priorities and programmes of organizations; and building a stronger, more systematic and coherent international effort to support national disaster reduction efforts.
A secretariat – the UNISDR Secretariat – supports and assists the ISDR System in implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsDartmouth Flood Observatory DFO facilitates practical use of space-based
information for flood detection, flood response, future risk assessment, and water resources research.
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~floods/ The Flood Observatory uses orbital remote sensing to detect, measure, and map river discharge and river flooding. It includes:
River Watch , a satellite-based flood detection and measurement system.
Surface Water Data Record , a comprehensive map and data record of the Earth's changing surface water.
Active Archive of Large Floods , 1985 to present (basic information concerning known flood events).
Rapid Response Inundation Maps , produced and published while floods are underway.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsDisaster Information Management System (DesInventar) - LA RED
DesInventar is a conceptual and methodological tool for the construction of databases of loss, damage, or effects caused by emergencies or disasters.
http://www.desinventar.net/DesInventar/index.jsp
DesInventar includes: Data Collection Methodology (definitions and how to's) Data Analysis Methodology (how to obtain results) A Database with flexible structure Free, open-source software to manage the system,
including multi-user, remote data entry and data querying, reporting and analysis.
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsDisaster Data Portal (as part of the Global Risk Identification Program) - UNDP-CRED-GRIP
GRIP is a multi-stakeholder initiative that directly aligns with the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA)'s Priority Area 2: risk identification, assessment and monitoring.It seeks to develop an improved evidence base for natural disaster risk management by developing common tools and standards, terminology used and analyses historical loss/damage data to help predict future risks and assess vulnerability.
http://www.gripweb.org/grip.php?ido=1000#
GRIP's programme design reflects the information and support needs identified by the risk identification community. Three search tools have been implemented:
1. A text search, enabling the search for specific terms on the portal.
2. A dynamic map-based search tool, offering an intuitive geographical exploration tool.
3. An advance search, allowing a multi-criteria search
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsEmergency Events Database (EM-DAT) - CRED-WHO
Since 1988 the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) has been maintaining an Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT). In 1993 EM-DAT became a principal source of statistics on disasters for the “Disasters Data” section of the newly launched Red Cross World Disasters Report series.
It is an initiative aimed to rationalise decision making for disaster preparedness, as well as providing an objective base for vulnerability assessment and priority setting.
www.emdat.be The database is compiled from various sources including UN, governmental and non-governmental agencies, insurance companies, research institutes and press agencies. CRED has established a method of ranking these sources according to their ability to provide trustworthy and complete data.
For a disaster to be entered into the database, at least one of the following criteria have to be fulfilled:
Ten or more people reported killed Hundred or more people reported affected Declaration of stage of emergency Call for international assistance
Historical data for disaster events occurring since 1900 has been entered onto the database. As of May 2008 EM-DAT contained “essential core data on the occurrence and effects of over 16,000 mass disasters in the world from 1900 to the present”.
The database contains information on the following types of disasters:
Natural disasters:
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Drought; earthquake; epidemic; extreme temperature; flood; insect infestation; slides; volcano; wave/surge; wildfires; windstorms.
Technological disasters: industrial accident; miscellaneous accident; transport accident
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsGeoNetwork Openspace GeoNetwork opensource is a standardized
and decentralized spatial information management environment, designed to enable access to geo-referenced databases, cartographic products and related metadata from a variety of sources.
By using the capacities of the internet, the spatial information exchange and sharing between organizations and their audience is thus enhanced. This approach of geographic information management aims at facilitating a wide community of spatial information users to have easy and timely access to available spatial data and to existing thematic maps that might support informed decision-making.
http://www.fao.org/geonetwork/srv/en/main.home
FAO and WFP, and more recently UNEP, have combined their research and mapping expertise to develop GeoNetwork open source as a common strategy to effectively share their spatial databases including digital maps, satellite images and related statistics.
The three agencies make extensive use of computer-based data visualization tools, known as Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) software, mostly to create maps that combine various layers of information.
GeoNetwork open source provides them with the capacity to access a wide selection of maps and other spatial information stored in different databases around the world through a single entry point.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsGlobal Unique Disaster Identifier (GLIDE number) - Asian Disaster Reduction Centre
GLIDE is a globally common, unique identification scheme for disaster events, and a tool for facilitating the sharing of disaster information archived by organizations around the world.
This idea was shared and promoted by ADRC, CRED, OCHA/ReliefWeb, OCHA/FSCC, ISDR, UNDP, WMO, IFRC, OFDA-USAID, FAO, La Red and the World
http://www.glidenumber.net/glide/public/search/search.jsp
The components of a GLIDE number consist of two letters to identify the disaster type (e.g. EQ - earthquake); the year of the disaster; a six-digit, sequential disaster number; and the three-letter ISO code for country of occurrence. E.g. the GLIDE number for West-India Earthquake in India is: EQ-2001-000033-IND.
Users can pick up the GLIDE number from the homepages of CRED, ReliefWeb and ADRC. ReliefWeb, La Red and ADRC have prepared a specific website http://www.glidenumber.net/ to promote GLIDE.
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Bank.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsIntegrated Regional Information Networks - IRIN
IRIN's principal role is to provide news and analysis about sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia for the humanitarian community.
The networks target decision-makers in relief agencies, host and donor governments, human-rights organisations, humanitarian advocacy groups, academic institutions and the media. At the same time, IRIN strives to ensure that affected communities can also access reliable information, so they can take informed decisions about their future.
http://www.irinnews.org/ IRIN is part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, but its services are editorially independent. Its reports do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations and its agencies, nor its member states.
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, IRIN was founded in 1995 to improve the flow of vital information to those involved in relief efforts in the Great Lakes region following the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
IRIN's area of geographical coverage has increased steadily since then. So too, have the range of subjects covered and the number of services offered.
The core news and analysis service is distributed free of charge to subscribers by e-mail, and via the website www.IRINnews.org. This is now complemented by a range of other multimedia services.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsInternational Disaster Response Laws, Rules and Principles programme (IDRL)
The IDRL legal database is a collection of international and national legal documents(such as treaties, resolutions, laws and regulations) relevant to international disaster response operations.
Its aim is to improve the awareness of existing rules and standards by disasters response actors and governments as well as assist in the development of new regulation and policy, where needed.
http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/IDRL/publication.asp
This database compiles both international and national legal documents and these include:
At the international level:Treaties.Resolutions and declarations of intergovernmental organizations.Exchanges of notes and letters.Memoranda of understanding.Guidelines, model agreements, and other ‘soft’ standards.
At the national level:National disaster response laws, regulations and policies.Relevant portions of national laws concerning visas, customs, NGO registration and other related matters.National administrative regulations.
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Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsJoint Needs Assessment Database System - ECB
A simple, robust tool enabling on-line sharing of rapid assessment data in real time.
http://209.160.33.30/ This prototype tool enables users to:
Enter data either offline or onlineComplete immediate, local analysis of dataUse system of data validationGenerate pre-formatted, aggregated reportsExport data for additional, user-specific analysis
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsMegacities Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Base (MDRM-KB) - Pacific Disaster Centre
The purpose of this Knowledge Base is to share and understand disaster risk management sound practices and systems in place in many of the world's most disaster-prone urban environments.
http://www.pdc.org/emi/emihome.html
The web site is a useful tool and information source for urban decision makers, city planners, residents and others who can contribute to the reduction of risk to urban society, environment, and economy. The web site features a collection of searchable Disaster Risk Management (DRM) City Profiles and Disaster Risk Management Sound Practices as well as a collection of other key references and documents.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsNatural and Environmental Disaster Information Exchange System – NEDIES – European Commission
A European Commission project developed in the framework of the DG Joint Research Centre Institutional Programme "Safety and Emergency Management for Man-Made and Natural Hazards" aimed to support EU policies, mainly those of the Civil Protection and Environmental Emergencies Unit of DG Environment, in the area of prevention, mitigation and management of natural risks and accidents.
http://nedies.jrc.it/index.asp?ID=&idm=33
NEDIES key activities include:
Organisation and scientific coordination of meetings to discuss the management of natural disasters and accidents.
Organisation and scientific coordination of workshops focusing on horizontal issues related to natural disaster and accident management, such us risk communication and dissemination of information.
Preparation of lessons learned reports.
Issuing of guidelines and recommendations to face natural disasters and accidents.
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Online collection and analysis of disaster forms on natural disasters and accidents.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsJoint Research CentreNational Climatic Data Centre (NCDC) Storm Event Database - NOAA
The National Climatic Data Centre is the world's largest active archive of weather data.
This requires the acquisition, quality control, processing, summarization, dissemination, and preservation of a vast array of climatological data generated by the national and international meteorological services.
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/about/whatsnew.html
The Centre, which produces numerous climate publications and responds to requests from all over the world, provides historical perspectives on climate which are vital to studies on global climate change, the greenhouse effect, and other environmental issues. The Centre stores information essential to industry, agriculture, science, agriculture, hydrology, transportation, recreation, and engineering.
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Web link CommentsReuters AlertNet - Emergencies - Country Stat - Reuters Foundation
Reuters AlertNet is a humanitarian news network based around an open access website. It aims to keep relief professionals and the wider public up-to-date on humanitarian crises around the globe.
AlertNet attracts upwards of ten million users a year, has a network of 400 contributing humanitarian organizations and its weekly email digest is received by more than 26,000 readers.
www.alertnet.org AlertNet focuses its resources on covering fast-moving humanitarian emergencies and on the early warning of future emergencies.
During the Rwanda crisis of 1994, the Reuters Foundation became interested in media reports of poor coordination between emergency relief charities on the ground. It surveyed charities on what could be done to remedy this.
The conclusion was that there was a need for a service that would:
Deliver operation-critical information to relief charities worldwide
Encourage relief charities to swap information with one another
Raise awareness of humanitarian emergencies among the general public
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OTHERSTitle/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologies
Health and Nutrition Tracking Service (HNTS)
The Health and Nutrition Tracking Service (HNTS) is an independent interagency initiative launched in late 2007 by the members of the Health and Nutrition Clusters of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).
The HNTS was constituted in October 2007. It is developing mechanisms for the review, analysis, interpretation and validation of critical health and nutrition information in selected humanitarian emergencies.
HNTS includes the review of existing data from a wide variety of on-the-ground sources as well as more formal surveys. It will advise on the use of the resulting analyses for advocacy and programming with funders, UN organizations, and NGOs.
At the global level, the HNTS is focusing on gaps and limitations in existing methodologies for collection of data relevant to humanitarian assessment and how to improve them through its Expert Reference Group and its engagement with existing initiatives. HNTS will identify data gaps in selected priority countries and engage with relevant groups to address these gaps.
At the country level, the opportunities presented by engagement in various countries through the health and nutrition clusters will be used to improve the skills and abilities of in-country partners (e.g. governments, NGOs, community based organizations) to improve the quality data collection, analysis and their interpretation.
It is designed to supplement, and not replace, existing efforts in areas with humanitarian crises.
Web link Contacthttp://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/hnts/Intro/en/index.html
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesInventory of Disaster-Related Education and Training in East and Southern Africa, 2006 OFDA
Inventory of training courses and institutions.
Web link Contacthttp://www.humanitarianinfo.org/iawg-nairobi/Resources/Training%20Inventory%20-%20Africa.doc
Title/name Type of materials and target audience Content outline Format/methodologiesMonitoring and Evaluation to Assess and Use Results (MEASURE) DHS (Demographic and Health Surveys) - USAID
The USAID-funded MEASURE program, which began its second phase in 2003, is designed to provide and promote the use of accurate and timely information on
MEASURE seeks to strengthen the capability of statistical offices in developing countries to collect, analyze, disseminate, and use data to
Key objectives include: Identify and work with potential data users to build demand
and define essential data. Determine the most appropriate data collection approaches
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population, health, and nutrition in developing countries.
The projects offer technical services in data collection, analysis, dissemination, and use
increase understanding of population structure and demographic trends, as well as their implications for development planning and policymaking.
Develop innovative and cost-effective data collection approaches.
Translate data into information for program planning and policymaking.
Disseminate information and improve its use in influencing policy and program planning.
Facilitate the use of data by ensuring inclusion of data users in the planning stages of data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
Build the capacity of data users and producers in all of the above areas.
Design and implement all products and activities within a gender perspective.
Web link Contacthttp://www.measureprogram.org/
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