--- title: "10.4.2 Other Models of Decentralised Coordination – Area-Based Coordination" slug: "1042-other-models-of-decentralised-coordination-area-based-coordination" updated: 2023-12-07T06:10:35Z published: 2023-12-07T06:10:35Z canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/1042-other-models-of-decentralised-coordination-area-based-coordination" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://handbook.fscluster.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # 10.4.2 Other Models of Decentralised Coordination – Area-Based Coordination 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. **Definition of Area-Based Coordination**An area-based (sometimes also referred to as ‘settlement-based’) approach generally refers to coordination of a humanitarian response organised at the local level **based on geography** rather than thematic technical sectors thus **defining an area**, rather than a sector or target group, **as a primary entry point for coordination and response**. 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**. **What to be aware of as a FSC Coordinator?** Discussions on alternative decentralised coordination models are still ongoing and no official IASC guidance on, for example, area-based coordination is available (as of end 2022). Although humanitarian and development agencies apply the area-based approach in some countries where the role of clusters is refocused on their comparative advantage i.e. providing technical oversight, this is not currently the norm. **Examples of FSC Activities:** In Nigeria, the ongoing FSC pilot ([*see 10.2.3*](/cc/docs/1023-the-fsc-and-the-nexus-strengthening-hdpn-coordination)) 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](https://fscluster.org/nigeria) 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](https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/integrated-famine-risk-reduction-inter-cluster-strategy-prevent-famine-yemen-case-study): 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](https://www.cgdev.org/project/rethinking-reform-toward-demand-driven-humanitarian-action). - Videos:  [Inclusive Coordination: Building an Area-Based Humanitarian Coordination Model](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epvfsIe1bIU), (Center for Global Development, 2021) and [Area-based Approach in Humanitarian Response and Recovery](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vEP_mYpXr8) (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](https://cccmcluster.org/global/Area-based-Approach-Working-Group) (Global CCPM) and [Area-based Approaches in Urban Settings](https://reliefweb.int/report/world/area-based-approaches-urban-settings-compendium-case-studies-may-2019-edition) Compendium of Case Studies (Shelter Cluster, 2019). Inter-Agency Standing Committee Food Security Cluster Global Support Team (gFSC) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Cluster Coordination Performance Monitoring