1. Response Analysis MBRRR Training Session 2.1

2. Response Analysis: Overview Setting the scene Defining response analysis Why response choice matters Situating response analysis in the project cycle Types of response options Identifying response options Group work: Response Analysis Framework

3. Setting the scene Shift from donor-driven to beneficiary-driven assistance Increasing donor flexibility, e.g. FFP/EFSP “Food aid” versus “Food assistance” Wider range of response options in humanitarian crises: – Greater emphasis on cash-based responses – Locally and regionally procured items(LRP) – Transoceanic food aid – Indirect market interventions – More options for livelihood support 3

4. What is Response Analysis? …The analytical process by which the objectives and modality of program response options are determined, and potentially harmful consequences are minimized Evaluates what activities and resource(s) will most effectively address a particular situation Links information (early warning, market information, needs assessment) to appropriate response options Is evidence-based to support decision makers Analyzes the likely impact of alternative responses

5. Three Pillars of Food Security AvailabilityAccessUtilization Examples Possible response option Floods destroy food stocks High food prices; lost income sources Diarrhea due to worms Food aid Cash or vouchers; Vocational training De-worming; clean water sources Impact of wrong response Inflation Decreased prices for producers/ traders Increased malnutrition Why the form of assistance matters

6. Situating Response Analysis in the project cycle Response Analysis follows the Description and Diagnosis phase. Before RA you should be able to describe the: 1.Disaster 2.Affected population 3.Pre-disaster situation 4.Impact of the disaster 5.Immediate and/or recovery needs Description and Diagnosis Response Analysis Project Planning and Design Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation

7. Types of response options Direct ResponsesIndirect Responses Actions with others – e.g. traders, officials – to indirectly benefit affected households Actions that make direct contact with emergency-affected households Examples?

8. Types of response options

9. Identifying Response Options

10. Barrett & Maxwell. 2005. Food Aid After Fifty Years – Recasting Its Role Identifying Response Options

11. Market assessment Non-market factors: – Needs assessment and early warning – The humanitarian operating environment, including government policies and security/access – Intra-household dynamics, habits and preferences – Budget, timeliness, available delivery mechanisms – The implementing agency’s goals, internal capacities and past experiences – Donor resources

12. Factors Shaping Response Options Situational analysis Needs assessments Causal analysis Projection/forecast Feasibility analysis Market assessment Donor resources Organizational capacity Partner agency capacity Government policy Access and security Timeliness Record of past programs M&E records/ Lessons learned Logistics Cost of compliance Influence of large agencies Conditionality/targeting considerations Internal context Organizational considerations Mandate and mission Objectives in field Capacity and skill set Appropriateness considerations Internal comparison of response options External analysis of gaps in response Risk assessment/prevention of unintended consequences Market distortion risks Staff security and safety Recipient community security Risk of theft, diversion, or corruption Reputational/legal risks to agency Do no harm analysis Cost effectiveness Assessment of recipient preferences Evidence of post-distribution dynamics

13. What drives response analysis? Maxwell, D., H. Stobaugh and M. McGlinchy. Response Analysis and Response Choice in Food Security Crises: A “Roadmap.” HPN, 2013.

14. Response Analysis: Activity 1 In groups, read the scenario provided and answer the following questions, using the Response Option Framework: Identify a minimum of three possible response options, including at least one indirect response. List the advantages, disadvantages and feasibility/timing of each. Identify additional info you need to determine the best response.

15. Response Analysis: Activity 2 Read the scenario. Then, in groups, look at the decision tree framework provided to you, and answer the questions that follow. 1.What is the most appropriate form of food assistance? 2.Why did you choose this? 3.What information are you missing? 4.List the key information you’d need to gather during a market assessment in order to make these decisions. 5.Who would you need to meet with or survey to collect this information?

16. Key Messages Agencies have increased options to respond to food security and other humanitarian crises. Response analysis is the analytical process by which the objectives and modality of program response options are determined, and potentially harmful consequences are minimized. Response choice should be evidence-based and informed by early warning information, needs assessment, market information and other relevant information. Selecting the wrong response option can have longer- term negative impacts on beneficiaries and markets.