Building on growing evidence that acting prior to the onset of predictable shocks is significantly faster, more dignified, and more cost effective than traditional humanitarian response, UN OCHA has been facilitating the setup of multiple anticipatory action frameworks, including this one in Malawi. This report offers lessons on the process of developing the trigger for the Malawi AA Framework and captures lessons on how AA pilots are being designed and implemented in real time.

This report looks at key lessons from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) first anticipatory action (AA) pilot for drought in Somalia, designed and endorsed in 2019. The framework triggered in June 2020 based on projected food insecurity due to covid-19, locusts and flooding.

Alongside the Airbel Research and Innovation Lab at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) we provide key lessons for how effective crisis response can be financed and triggered, useful across a broad range of organizations that engage in crisis response. This work is a first step towards developing a practical and pragmatic blueprint for how organisations can systematically re-orient their resources and processes towards a state of readiness for future crises. You can also read our ‘Exploring triggers’ blog.

This study analysed international financial flows to nine countries (Kenya, Lesotho, Peru, Mozambique, Haiti, Vanuatu, Nepal, Indonesia, and DRC) for the 18 months after recent crises (drought, flood, cyclone, earthquake, and epidemic) to understand funding timelines and other features.