Strength in Numbers: A Review Of NGO Coordination in the Field

During the 1990s ICVA supported NGO coordination in the field in various ways and, on the basis
of that experience, published two resource books: “Meeting needs: NGO Coordination in Practice”,
a series of case studies on examples of NGO coordination, and “NGO Coordination at Field Level:
A Handbook”. While much of the content of those books remains relevant, the humanitarian sector
has changed greatly in the 15 years since they were published and our understanding of NGO
coordination has not developed quickly enough to keep up with those changes.
Commissioned by ICVA in 2010, this review builds on that earlier work, comprising three parts: an
Overview Report introducing some key issues in NGO coordination; a series of Case Studies
providing insight into how NGOs respond to those issues in the field; and a Lessons Learned
bringing together critical points identified in the Case Studies. On the basis of this, the ICVA
Executive Committee decided to develop resources for NGO coordination in 2011, working with
other NGO coordination bodies and consortia to create a broader knowledge base, clearer
guidelines and stronger support frameworks for field-based efforts.