Closing the loop: Effective feedback mechanisms in humanitarian contexts

Panel chair: Dayna Brown, CDA
 

1. Feedback and complaints: useful and relevant for affected populations? Lessons from Niger
   
   Presenter: Luz Gomez Saavedra , Humanitarian Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer Thematic and methodological development Unit (UDTM), Oxfam Intermon
   
   This presentation discussed the fact that feedback and complaints response mechanisms (CRM) are part of a minimum set of information needed to assess the quality of an intervention – including in the context of sudden onset / emergency response. A recent Oxfam action-research explores these issues and shares some emerging findings from work conducted in Niger.
    

2. The role of feedback mechanisms in improving accountability to affected population: Experience, lessons and successes in WV in Sudan 

   Presenter: Luphathe Nyathi, Accountability, M&E Advisor, World Vision Sudan

   The presentation discussed how establishing and using a feedback mechanism can become a component of improving accountability to affected population complementing other elements such as information provision, communication and consultation with aid recipients. The presentation will outline the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned by World Vision Sudan in designing and adapting a feedback mechanism to work within a food assistance programme in South Darfur.
    

3. ALNAP-CDA research findings on effective feedback mechanisms and guidance for practitioners

   Presenter: Isabella Jean, CDA, and Francesca Bonino, ALNAP

   The presenters discussed which features should be prioritised when designing, setting up and maintaining a feedback mechanism. The newly-released ALNAP-CDA guidance on effective feedback mechanisms for crisis-affected populations includes a discussion on formal and informal approaches to feedback handling; and analysing and using feedback
   information for day-to-day project and programme-level adjustments, as well as for broader, strategic issues and programme re-design. The presenters shared highlights from case study visits to South Darfur, Pakistan and Haiti and how these have informed the practitioners’
   guidance.