---
title: "5.6 Harmonised Response Packages"
slug: "56-harmonised-response-packages"
updated: 2023-12-07T12:44:20Z
published: 2023-12-07T12:44:20Z
canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/56-harmonised-response-packages"
---

> ## 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.

# 5.6 Harmonised Response Packages

A key function of the FSC and the Coordinator is to ensure cluster members apply a common approach to food security (food, agriculture and livelihoods) assistance and response design. Harmonisation of assistance is critical to ensure **1)** quantity and quality **standards** are respected (including Sphere standards) and **2)** promote **social cohesion** and **avoid creating tension** between communities/community members.

The Coordinator is expected to “steer the coordination of a food security response”. This includes ensuring agreement on a common cluster recommendation on **modality of delivery** given the specific (and thoroughly analysed) context, and **standard response packages** within HRP and/or ad hoc responses. Ideally, this means working with partners to develop guidelines on a standard (harmonised) **food assistance, transfer value** and **agricultural and livelihoods assistance**.

Such guidelines / standards should be developed based on the needs, habits and practices of the vulnerable/targeted population, taking into consideration internationally accepted standards such as Sphere or LEGS. The FSC Coordinator should proactively ensure that cluster members follow the standard food security packages. It is important that new members joining the FSC are sufficiently briefed on this - it is advisable to prepare an FSC factsheet on standardised packages.

Consider that packages shall be reviewed time to time (it could be done on a more regular basis e.g. cash transfer following inflation dynamics). For all food security activities, FSC members should ensure that these:

- Do not harm;
- Are environmentally sensitive;
- Are inclusive, safe, secure working environment;
- Consider seasonality.

Conducting a **needs assessment** is the first step of any response ([*chapter 6*](/cc/docs/chapter-6-overview-of-key-assessments-and-analysis-at-country-level)). This should guide the activities being implemented, the modality and the targeting as well as the duration, and timing of the response and prioritization in case sufficient funds are unavailable (for example prioritization of areas based on IPC phase).

Food Security Cluster

Humanitarian Response Plan

Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards

Integrated Phase Classification