Relief Applications

DRC - MEAL Toolbox For Anticipatory Action

After two pilot projects on displacement triggered by drought and conflict, the Danish Refugee Council needed to formalise and share its anticipatory action approach internally. We developed a MEAL Toolbox tailored to its needs, with a manual, an indicator repository, a framework, a lessons learned management chart and an early action plan template, to help measure the impact of anticipatory action projects.

Client
Danish Refugee Council
When
Nov–Dec 2023
Team
2 people
Services
Info management & MEAL, Training
Technologies
Microsoft Word, Excel
Industry
Humanitarian aid, Displacement
SDGs
1. No poverty, 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 6. Clean water and sanitation
Client website
drc.ngo

Recognizing the strategic importance of proactive measures in humanitarian operations, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) embarked on two pilot projects addressing displacement triggered by drought and conflict. Following the successful implementation of these pilots, the DRC identified a need to formalize and disseminate their approach internally. In response to this challenge, Relief Applications developed an Anticipatory Action Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Toolbox tailored to the specific needs of the DRC. This comprehensive toolkit aimed to enhance the organization's capacity by providing standardized guidelines and tools for assessing and documenting the impact of their anticipatory action initiatives.

The MEAL Toolbox comprised essential components such as an Anticipatory Action MEAL Manual, Indicator Repository, Anticipatory Action MEAL Framework, Lessons Learned Management Chart, and Early Action Plan Template. These resources were designed to facilitate efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting, improving the organization's ability to measure outcomes and enhance accountability.

By addressing these critical needs, Relief Applications contributed to the DRC's mission of effectively responding to displacement crises triggered by various factors. This project underscores our commitment to supporting humanitarian organizations in their efforts to alleviate suffering and promote resilience in vulnerable communities.

The challenge

  • Measure the impact of AA projects
  • Disseminate Anticipatory Action guidelines internally

What we did

  • Development of an Indicators Repository
  • Development of the Anticipatory Action MEAL Manual

The support in developing the MEAL Toolbox went above and beyond the expectations I had going into the project. With a bit more internal work this will hopefully become a cornerstone for measuring and expanding the use of anticipatory action in DRC

Alexander Kjaerum, Global Advisor - Senior Analyst - DRC
MEAL Toolbox For Anticipatory Action, Danish Refugee Council: screen 1 MEAL Toolbox For Anticipatory Action, Danish Refugee Council: screen 2

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