ALNAP Innovations Case Study No. 2 - LEGS

Humanitarian interventions have historically focused on saving lives rather than livelihoods, and key livestock assets can be overlooked in the urgency of response.

The Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) project aims to increase the quality of emergency response by promoting minimum standards for livestock- based interventions. The Standards follow the format of the Sphere handbook, including minimum standards, key indicators and guidance notes. They cover a range of livestock-based interventions - destocking, feed, water, veterinary services and restocking – as well as support and guidance on livelihoods-based needs assessment and identification of appropriate, timely and feasible emergency responses. As with SPHERE, LEGS was developed using a broad consultation process involving practitioners and policy makers from around the world.

LEGS contributes to bridging the gap between disaster response and long-term development by highlighting the importance of saving not just lives but also livelihoods through support to key livelihood assets, both during and after an emergency.