Critical Analysis of Humanitarian Development Nexus Indicators

Pedro Enrique ARRIAZA ALDANA

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Humanitarian assistance provision over the last fifteen years has increased dramatically in the developing world, both in volume and duration. This trend has given rise to the global need for linking humanitarian assistance projects with development programs, while keeping focus on both achieving Sustainable Development Goals and reducing risk and vulnerabilities in targeted populations. While this approach has been in the Development field for decades, there have been limited efforts to obtain quantifiable and measurable data on the results of these projects. This research project aims to critically analyze different efforts by international organizations to measure results of Humanitarian Development Nexus projects through composite indicators. The framework for the critical analysis is based on handbooks on the creation of composite indicators, by international organizations, mainly the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), among others. While presenting some limitations in consistency and robustness of methodologies, many organizations are fitting into the narrative through the composite indicators, filling an important gap in the evaluation of the nexus, covering cross-cutting sectors and working towards contextualization in the different humanitarian and development setups.

Abstract:

Humanitarian assistance provision over the last fifteen years has increased dramatically in the developing world, both in volume and duration. This trend has given rise to the global need for linking humanitarian assistance projects with development programs, while keeping focus on both achieving Sustainable Development Goals and reducing risk and vulnerabilities in targeted populations. While this approach has been in the Development field for decades, there have been limited efforts to obtain quantifiable and measurable data on the results of these projects. This research project aims to critically analyze different efforts by international organizations to measure results of Humanitarian Development Nexus projects through composite indicators. The framework for the critical analysis is based on handbooks on the creation of composite indicators, by international organizations, mainly the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), among others. While presenting some limitations in consistency and robustness of methodologies, many organizations are fitting into the narrative through the composite indicators, filling an important gap in the evaluation of the nexus, covering cross-cutting sectors and working towards contextualization in the different humanitarian and development setups.

Keywords

Composite indicators, Humanitarian Development Nexus, Relevance, Consistency, Applicability

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 5. 2019

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. Maria Sassi

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Geography / International Development Studies