What methods may be used in impact evaluations of humanitarian assistance?

From:: Department for International Development
Published: 1 January 2014

Country:: Philippines, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Congo (Democratic Republic) and Kyrgyzstan
Document Type:: Working Paper
Theme:: Humanitarian Disasters and Emergencies
Authors:: Iversen, V., Brück, T., Aladysheva, A., Ghorpade, Y. and Puri, J.

Abstract

Since 2005, more than US$90 billion has been spent on humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian crises are complex situations where demand for aid very often exceeds supply. The humanitarian assistance community has long asked for better evidence on how aid money can be spent more effectively. This paper explores the methodological options and challenges associated with collecting and generating high-quality evidence needed to answer important questions on the impact of humanitarian assistance. These questions include whether assistance is reaching the target populations and at the right time, whether it is bringing about desired changes in their lives and whether it is being delivered in effective doses and ways, with manageable costs. The paper also uses case studies to discuss methods for undertaking impact evaluations to address these concerns in a range of humanitarian contexts, from unanticipated natural disaster-related emergencies to protracted crises.

Citation

Puri, J.; Aladysheva, A.; Iversen, V.; Ghorpade, Y.; Brück, T. What methods may be used in impact evaluations of humanitarian assistance? International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), New Delhi, India (2014) xi + 78 pp. [3ie Working Paper 22]