The cluster approach organizes the coordination of a humanitarian response along thematic, technical sectors, each led by a UN agency. This model has improved information-sharing, clarified accountability relationships between humanitarian actors and provided technical leadership resulting in streamlined standards and coordinated programming and funding, and reduced duplication of effort. However, certain shortcomings have also been highlighted.
In light of growing complexities, the protracted nature of crises and given the increased focus on localisation, the HDP nexus, and a constantly changing context, which includes new technologies and the increased use of multipurpose cash (i.e. Grand Bargain commitments), there has been a growing interest in area-based approaches among humanitarian actors in recent years. Organizing coordination based on geography rather than technical sector has the potential to address needs in a more holistic way, with a focus on multi-sectoral and integrated responses, and to improve the participation of affected communities.
This approach can be appropriate if the population in an affected area face complex, inter-related and multisectoral needs and where it can help to build a deeper understanding of the affected populations’ holistic needs and complex contexts, whilst also building on existing community capacity, governance structures, markets and service delivery mechanisms. Within a defined area, humanitarian (and development) actors can provide assistance that is multisectoral and multidisciplinary, and design and implement assistance through participatory engagement with affected communities and leaders. An area-based model can provide a useful framework to promote joint leadership of coordination efforts with local authorities whenever feasible.
Area-based organisation exists in several countries and often co-exist with the cluster approach (for example in Chad). Although most common in interventions in urban areas, its applicability is highly context specific.
Examples of FSC Activities: In Nigeria, the ongoing FSC pilot (see 10.2.3) aims to shift field-level coordination from ‘sector coordination’ to ‘area-based, objective-focused coordination’ and to establish an area-based programming approach (based on food security graduation plans for vulnerable households and community). The Nigeria FSC is working hand in hand with local ministries to fill a coordination gap by strengthening and re-organizing existing capacity at Local governmental, Ward and community level. This area-based coordination at field level complements the cluster system at national or sub national level. Contact the GST for more information.
In Yemen, an Integrated Famine Risk Reduction (IFRR) strategy was implemented with an area-based approach. This included coordinated assistance / integrated programming with WASH, Nutrition, Health, and Food Security & Agriculture Clusters contributing to a IFRR standard minimum package at household, community and health facility levels in the identified priority districts. See more, also on lessons learned and best practices, in the Integrated Famine Risk Reduction: An Inter-Cluster Strategy to Prevent Famine in Yemen: A Case Study prepared jointly by the clusters (2020).
Support: Contact the GST for further guidance.
Resources:
- See more on ongoing discussions around area-based coordination models at the Center for Global Development here.
- Videos: Inclusive Coordination: Building an Area-Based Humanitarian Coordination Model, (Center for Global Development, 2021) and Area-based Approach in Humanitarian Response and Recovery (Catholic Relief Services/Caritas Internationalis, 2020).
- Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster (CCPM) and Shelter Cluster have produced significant material on area-based approaches in urban settings. See more here: Area-based Approach WG (Global CCPM) and Area-based Approaches in Urban Settings Compendium of Case Studies (Shelter Cluster, 2019).