Measuring Commitment to Best Practice
HRI
METHODOLOGY
The methodology developed by DARA for the HRI combines quantitative and qualitative data. In order to provide high quality information, the Index integrates data from reference institutions, as well as over 1,000 surveys and interviews with the main actors of humanitarian action.
The goal is to provide high quality information from analysis of data provided by reference institutions, as well as from questionnaires and interviews with the main actors of humanitarian action.
The Data
To obtain the quantitative data, several sources of information were consulted, such as DAC databases, OCHA’s FTS (Financial Tracking Service), ECHO’s point system, other relevant databases and information published by the donors.
The qualitative data are derived from three types of interviews. First, the donors were consulted in order in order to validate the quantitative data obtained from the data sources. Second, specific questionnaires were given to the headquarters of implementing organisations. Finally, a team of experts from DARA visited eight countries that have suffered a representative humanitarian crisis in 2006. When selecting the humanitarian emergencies, the following criteria were taken into account: the magnitude and type of emergency, geographic representation, the presence of the donors and the amount of funding allocated.
A team of experts from DARA studied the crises that affected Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Haiti, Lebanon, Niger, Pakistan, and Sudan. Prior to these visits, a pilot study was conducted in Mozambique in the month of April to evaluate the actions taken in this country as a result of the floods and Cyclone Flavio in February 2007.
The basic tool used to collect information in the field was a questionnaire that revealed the opinions of professionals from implementing humanitarian organizations – NGO’s, agencies of the United Nations system and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – regarding the commitment of the donors from which they receive funding in reference to the 23 Principles of Good Humanitarian Donorship. In total, more than 1,000 questionnaires were completed.
Methodology of the HRI (Video)
The methodology used to create the HRI combines qualitative and quantitative data which provide meaningful information about the effectiveness of donors´ actions. Augusto López-Claros, Project Director, explains the unique methodological features of the Index.
HRI Survey Process (Video)
A team of experts from DARA studied eight humanitarian crises of varying characteristics. More than 1,000 questionnaires were completed by the main actors of humanitarian aid. John Watt, Survey Manager, explains how the process creating the surveys was organized.