Early warning, early action: mechanisms for rapid decision making

This report looks at the existing early warning and early actions systems in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, as well as at regional level, and combines the many ideas and examples found during the research process into a single model, or a model sytem. This is with the aim to to bring a paradigm shift in humanitarian action in order to move from the conventional crisis response approach to an early eaction approach in humanitarian-based disaster response.

The report presents the model system, considering both the components of the system, and the environment in which it operates, and provides a benchmark against which progress can be measured, and some indications of the path ahead. This research report also seeks to identify the most important areas for further investment to address substantial gaps. Some of these gaps are in ‘hardware’ which include: proven appropriate responses in water and education; more substantial surge models; different funding arrangements. But some of them are ‘software’, which are: agreements on appropriate indicators and triggers; increased coherence on key issues between development and humanitarian actors; and more effective national ownership and leadership.

The research project was led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in partnership with Oxfam, Save the Children, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).