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Coordinated Assessments & ACAPS ( Assessment Capacities Project). Why do we do Assessments?. ?. Why do we do Assessments?. “While a good assessment does not guarantee a good response, poor assessment information almost certainly guarantees a bad one.”. The Question.
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CoordinatedAssessments & ACAPS (AssessmentCapacitiesProject)
Why do we do Assessments? “While a good assessment does not guarantee a good response, poor assessment information almost certainly guarantees a bad one.”
The Question Are we good enough at doing assessments?
Global thinking on needs assessments…. General recognition that current approaches do not provide a coherent picture of humanitarian requirements One of the biggest outstanding challenges to the humanitarian community multi-sector, inter-agency, timely, quality
Better assessments should = better aid • humanitarian aid should be based on evidence • we live in a time where resources are scarce, • we have had collective experience that should mean we do this better • no commonly accepted methodology for assessment exists • Assessments are one of the biggest outstanding challenges
Assessment Framework ACAPS focuses on Assessment Phase 1 & 2
Phases and data volume Increasing detail & representativeness (i.e.complexity) Data collection volume Phase 4 Monitoring Surveillance Impact assessment Representative sampling Community and HH questionnaire 1-3 days 15 days 30 days > 1 month ...after onset
Global developments on needs assessments… Coordinated Assessment Assessments that are planned and carried out in partnership by humanitarian actors, in order to document the impact of a particular crisis and identify the needs of the affected population, with the results shared with the broader humanitarian community. Joint/Common or Harmonized • IASC NATF • Operational Guidance • MIRA
Increasing Coordination A B C D A B C D A B C D Assessment Phase Reporting Phase
Benefits of coordinated approaches to assessments… • Coverage increased • Duplication reduced • Early identification of gaps • Priorities (geographic and sectoral) identified • Shared vision encourages better coordination in response • Provides a more independent view of needs and a stronger evidence base on which to build funding requests • Better use of resources • Less “assessment fatigue” • Utilizes agency/stakeholder strengths weaknesses, capabilities
Coordinated AssessmentsLessons Learned • Preparedness improves the quality and the timeliness • Managing expectations is important • A coordinated approach should begin as soon as possible
Coordinated AssessmentsLessons Learned • Over-focus on primary data collection/under-use of secondary data/pre-crisis data • Nature of the data used shifts over time • Should focus on “good enough” (not perfection) • Identifying how the crisis has changed lives • Tell the story of the assessment
Coordinated Assessment: AnalysisKey Points • Emphasis on data collection often allows little time for analysis • Preparing analysis plan upfront is key • Tell the story of the assessment. • The situation is a continuum; yesterday, today and tomorrow. • Include identification of information gaps
Improving Assessments and Advocating for Coordinated Approaches to Identifying Humanitarian Needs in Bangladesh
Coordinated assessment of prolonged water-logging • Why a coordinated assessment • Buy-in beyond ECB • Methodology • Lessons learned
Assessment objectives: • To provide a shared overview of the situation in all affected areas of the south west • To identify immediate humanitarian needs that were not addressed • To understand recovery needs of affected people
Bangladesh Water-loggingAssessment Timeline 15 days from field to report
Changes in sanitation • Decrease in household latrines • Increase in communal latrines (female) • Increase if open defecation
Shelter Acquiring adequate (short term)shelter was the top immediate shelter priority reported in all living arrangement except collective centers
In 45/63 sites children are not going to school • 62/63 sites reported children attending school BEFORE Education
Nutrition and Young Children In all sites women reported a deterioration in the health of their children Reduction in breast feeding and lack of usual foods reported across all living arrangements
Initial feedback and lessons • Different from previous assessments • Reconsider requirements for good quality information • Well received by government • More preparation • Tools review