Cost-effectiveness Analysis: A Useful Tool for the Assessment and Evaluation of Relief Operations?

This document examines cost-effectiveness analysis, i.e. the process of aid delivery rather than the outcome, as a potentially valuable tool for the evaluation of relief operations. Its main aims are:

- Review perceptions of cost-effectiveness analysis among relief agency personnel
- Define terms involved and explore use of cost-effectiveness analysis in related fields
- Identify activities and situations where cost-effectiveness is most viable and useful
- Identify difficulties of using cost-effectiveness as criteria in assessments and evaluations
- Steps to facilitate greater use of cost-effectiveness or related forms of financial analysis

The report draws heavily on 'The Joint Evaluation of Emergency Assistance to Rwanda' from 1996 and the study 'Humanitarian Aid
and Effects', assessing activities of agencies involved in the provision of emergency aid and protection assistance using the criteria of appropriateness, cost-effectiveness, coverage, coherence, connectedness and impact.