Attachments
Why are effective feedback mechanisms important in humanitarian settings? For one thing, they can help close the gaps between accountability rhetoric and practice. Currently, however, there is a need for evidence on what works, and doesn't in different contexts.
Current research
ALNAP and CDA Collaborative Learning Projects are carrying out reseach on feedback mechanisms in a variety of humanitarian emergency settings. We want to document what works, and why, when using beneficiary feedback mechanisms; to capture learning from field staff; and to include beneficiaries’ voices into these ongoing discussions. This research would not be possible without the dedication, openess and staggering support received from host organisations.
What next?
We are now working the data analysis from the first two field visits (to Sudan and Pakistan), and planning for the third and final field visit. The final research output will be comprised of:
- a short practitioner-oriented guidance document supported by:
- three country case studies and
- a synthesis of emerging themes and findings from those case studies.
This method paper will be an annex – together with a literature review – to this final output, in order to make our research processes as transparent as possible, and to give others the opportunity to draw from, and use this research design and methodology.
Hearing from other agencies and network members
We are aware that there is a lot of interest in improving aspects of feedback mechanisms, including elements related to participation, communication and engagement of crisis affected population in humanitarian response. We are keen to invite agencies currently working, or planning to work, on any issue related to feedback mechanisms to contact us to share learning and emerging findings, and to explore possible collaborations in the future.
The guidance will be widely available through the ALNAP website in mid-2013.