Based on the assessment of humanitarian needs, situation and response analysis, partners collaborate to develop a response plan. Depending on the context, this will result in one of the following products:

• A Flash Appeal in sudden-onset crises.
• A Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP ) in protracted crises.

Response Analysis

The response analysis is normally undertaken on the heels of the situation analysis, looking at needs vs gaps to inform the response planning (see 6.2 for details on the situation analysis). For a Flash Appeal, this will be a quick process based on available data (see 6.3.2, emergency assessment phase 1 and 2) whereas for an HRP , this is a more thorough process, which builds on outputs of the HNO (9.4.1). 

The ICCG plays a key role in this process. Supported by OCHA, it will review the needs (including causes and driving factors, severity, magnitude, trends and projection) which helps the HCT develop an initial set of strategic objectives as well as initial target populations and locations. The objectives are then refined at ICCG and cluster level through a detailed sectoral analysis of response options. 

Food Security Cluster Level: The FSC will facilitate the response analysis process and the discussion with partners to identify the most appropriate, relevant and feasible ways to address needs in a given operational context. This is highly context specific however, it should align with the popu­lation groups, humanitarian needs, geographic locations and the initial set of strategic and specific objectives agreed at HCT and ICCG level. 

For the Flash Appeal, due to time limitations, this may be a hasty process whereas for the HRP , this is often done over time through cluster workshops (in both cases, consideration should be given to identifying linkages with other sectoral responses and reflecting key cross cutting and protection priorities, see 5.7). The process of identifying and prioritising problems and related actions or strategies must be transparent and inclusive, and the criteria for prioritisation be recorded. This is explained below.