Evaluation of the European Union's humanitarian interventions in disaster preparedness

This report presents the results of the evaluation of the EU’s humanitarian interventions in disaster preparedness. The scope included preparedness-related activities funded globally from 2015 to 2020 and addressed both targeted preparedness activities and mainstreaming of preparedness. The methodology integrated data collection in four countries and a global eSurvey.

The evaluation found that DG ECHO support to preparedness was highly relevant and made tangible contributions, leaving target groups better able to cope with disasters. DG ECHO has targeted communities and increasingly involved national governments, showing that a systems approach – acceptance that community-level preparedness is most effective when supported by national governments – is taking hold. Other key achievements found were the promotion of a stronger corporate culture of risk awareness in DG ECHO humanitarian programming, and a more limited and strategic focus on preparedness in DG ECHO’s activities. Lack of corporate confidence in preparedness, as well as insufficient understanding of the concept and an institutional environment not fully conducive to greater investment in preparedness, remain significant barriers to greater progress. Recommendations include establishing a clearer DG ECHO position on the importance of disaster preparedness, a stronger commitment to tracking preparedness and accounting, and the development of clearer terminology and guidance documents.