Response Analysis

MBRRR TrainingSession 2.1

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

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

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

Three Pillars of Food Security

Availability Access Utilization

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

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. Disaster2. Affected population3. Pre-disaster situation4. Impact of the disaster5. Immediate and/or recovery needs

Description and Diagnosis

Response Analysis

Project Planning and Design

Project Implementation

Monitoring and Evaluation

Types of response options

Direct Responses Indirect Responses

Actions with others – e.g. traders, officials – to indirectly benefit affected households

Actions that make direct contact with emergency-affected households

Examples? Examples?

Types of response options

Identifying Response Options

Barrett & Maxwell. 2005. Food Aid After Fifty Years – Recasting Its Role

Identifying Response Options

Identifying Response Options

• 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

Factors Shaping Response OptionsSituational 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

What drives response analysis?

Maxwell, D. , H. Stobaugh and M. McGlinchy. Response Analysis and Response Choice in Food Security Crises: A “Roadmap.” HPN, 2013.

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.

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?

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.