1. Responding to slow-onset crises Transforming Surge Capacity Project Dr Glenn O’Neil 28 March 2017

2. Slow-onset crises – review of surge practices
This report is part of a tracking mechanism of humanitarian surge response
Focuses on surge response of 11 operational agencies that are part of the Project
Survey of 7 agencies and interviews with 5 field staff involved in slow-onset crises supplemented by desk research - other actors
Report is a rapid review and does not aim to cover all surge response to slow-onset crises

3. Key definitions
Surge capacity: Ability of an organisation to rapidly and effectively increase [the sum of] its available resources in a specific geographic location in order to meet increased demand to stabilise or alleviate suffering in any given population. Slow-onset crises take a long time to produce emergency conditions and do not emerge from a single, distinct event. Types of crises can be both man-made and natural and include drought, famine, disease outbreak, economic insecurity, food insecurity, pollution and environmental degradation.

4. Will increase… Slow and inappropriate responses / tools
Findings - Context
Will increase…
Slow and inappropriate responses / tools
Gradually to new tools and mechanisms
Key factors: funding, timing, politics & integration

5. Africa Middle East Asia Pacific Western Europe Eastern Europe
Findings – Deployment and response
All agencies have deployed surge resources to respond to slow-onset crises
Country-led
Linked to programmes and existing partners
Active in mainly coordination, food security, WASH
Africa Middle East Asia Pacific Western Europe Eastern Europe

6. Findings – Deployment and response – 3 examples
India - Andhra Pradesh
-2013 drought -Christian Aid with local partners - WASH / livelihoods - 2 staff from New Delhi & Bangladesh supported
Zimbabwe
- El Niño-related drought
- ActionAid piloted cash project - In-country staff mobilised
Papua New Guinea
- El Niño-related drought 2015/6 - CARE active in response
- Combined international and national team - Assessment and funding - integrated into programmes

7. Findings – Key challenges
Funding
Timing
Access
Perception internally
Collaboration Internally & externally
Staff
skill-sets

8. Recommendations Deployment and response for agencies:
How to develop early-warning approaches and triggers
Better use of existing tools and assessments – buy-in internally/externally
Build awareness of surge for slow-onset crises
Make available initial funding for slow-onset crises
Donors - recognise need for funding for slow-onset crises

9. Recommendations (cont.)
Staff and set-up for agencies:
Ensure surge training for staff in countries prone to slow-onset crises
Ensure key staff develop skill-set needed for slow-onset responses
Collaboration for agencies:
Encourage dialogue between emergency and development sectors
Develop further contacts with governments and donor to facilitate their slow-onset responses
Encourage participation in new initiatives to respond to slow-onset crises, e.g. Start Network’s Drought Financing Facility

10. Thank you Questions?
More about the Transforming Surge Capacity Project >>
Download the report >> (pdf)
Authors contact: