Answer To: Written task will enable students to assimilate knowledge by commenting on an evaluation of a...
Soumi answered on May 16 2021
Running Head: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND HEALTH 1
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND HEALTH 2
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF BEHAVIOURAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
SEMESTER 1, 2019
PUBH641: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND HEALTH
ASSESSMENT TASK 2: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF A HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONEVALUATION REPORT
(HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN THE PACIFIC: AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSE TO CYCLONE PAM)
Table of Contents
Stated Purpose and Rationale for the Evaluation 3
Methodology used in Evaluation 4
Underlying Values and Principles 5
Collection of Data and Appropriateness for Evaluation 7
Involvement of NGOs/other organisation in Evaluation and their Capacity 8
Criteria used to Evaluate Actions and Achievements 9
Difference in Approach from suggested International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (or another) framework and related concern 10
Featuring of health in the evaluation 11
Appropriateness of Findings and analysing its evidence base 11
References 12
Stated Purpose and Rationale for the Evaluation
The sole purpose of the evaluation conducted in the report “humanitarian assistance in the Pacific: an evaluation of the effectiveness of Australia’s response to cyclone pam” is to review the Australia’s response towards the cyclone to identify how DFAT can better support the Pacific countries to prepare for the emergencies. This evaluation aims to develop the better approach to develop respond and recovery of Pacific countries from rapid-onset emergencies (DFAT, 2017).
Pacific region is very much vulnerable to the natural disasters, which affect the human condition of the people in the region. Australia remains the biggest donor or helper of the region. The purpose of the evaluation is done with the aim to identify the effective role of the Australia in the region and to find out the policy outcome of the humanitarian response along with the necessary suggestions and recommendation, which can improve the working in the area.
The aim of the evaluation is to assess the working of local leadership and ownership of humanitarian preparedness and response. The analysis of transcending of humanitarian development divide is done. There is investigation of investment in preparedness and shifting from reactive management of crisis to pro-active management of risk is done. The role of women and girls are recognised as the agents of the change. The report evaluates whether disabled and youths are included in decision-making for the groups.
The report analyses the improving efficiency of humanitarian action by investing in the local actors and cash-based programs. This report critically evaluates the implementing of humanitarian actions and necessary changes, which are conducted to prepare the pacific region in handling the natural disasters and limit their humanitarian crisis. This report analyses the strength of the humanitarian assistance given to the region (DFAT, 2017).
The evaluation explored some specific area of enquiry such as Australian response towards the cyclone Pam that includes strategy that guides the response; the partners selected the scale and composition of funding. It analyses the achievement gained with the help of Australian assistance and any specific value-added services. The effectiveness of Australian aid is evaluated, which include responses aligned with needs and priorities of Vanuatu government. The efficiency of Australian aid is checked, and coordination and connectedness are evaluated. It also analyses the improvement of the services (DFAT, 2017).
Methodology used in Evaluation
The methodology, which is used for the evaluation of the humanitarian program is the qualitative approach. The structure is laid down to evaluate the report. This structure includes document review, focus group discussion and stakeholders interview. The primary as well as secondary research is conducted to find out the actual situation (DFAT, 2017). For the reviewing of documents, the team formed for evaluation undergo over 115 documents from the multiple sources. These sources are academic literature, reports, grey literature, case studies, DFAT evaluating documents and reports, appeals, partnering strategies documents, evaluation from report of international organizations and DFAT internal documentation like Annex two-bibliography.
To conduct the stakeholders interview, the style of chosen interview is semi structured. Around 39 people from Australian government which are key representatives for the program are selected. 30 people from Vanuatu government are asked to participate in the interview, staff which implement the program are also selected. Around 55 of implementing staff, and ten people from private area of the pacific region are selected. The other five people are stakeholders from Australia and pacific region which have direct or indirect influence on the program are selected.
There are proper set of questions are developed for the evaluation of the humanitarian program. These questions are developed on basis of earlier studies conducted in the related field. These questions have scope for flexibility to explore the specific, enquires related to the stakeholders. A team member took the detailed notes during each interview and these interviews were audio recorded for later assessment (DFAT, 2017). For the purpose of the focus group discussion, people from the communities of affected islands of Efate, Tanna and Erromango were invited to participate in focus group discussions, which were structured around the guide. These people include men, women and youth.
Critical perspective on the appropriateness of assistance provided was obtained from fourteen group of beneficiaries. The focus group discussion guide was supplemented with the exercises designed to gain the broad participation. In one such exercise, all participants were given pebbles and asked to place it in the middle of the group and then express their views on the specific...