This study explores how National Disaster Management Authorities (NDMAs) and other state actors learn and improve their humanitarian response activities. The study finds that NDMAs generate knowledge through a variety of methods including evaluations, AARs and formal and informal reflection. However, many lack the resources to consistently apply these methods. Among its recommendations is that international organisations and regional institutions should increase their collaboration with NDMAs.
The study finds that NDMAs generate knowledge through a variety of methods including evaluations, AARs and formal and informal reflection. However, many lack the resources to consistently apply these methods, and thus valuable knowledge is often not systematically captured, analysed or shared beyond the NDMA. In addition:
- Some NDMAs do conduct capacity assessments and establish capacity development plans to identify and address gaps in knowledge.
- Online repositories are increasingly being used to organise information which can then be accessed and used by others
- Formal processes of guided reflection are also used as opportunities to share lessons learned with other government ministries and departments. They were considered by NDMA participants in the study as important for strengthening understanding of and support for disaster management.
- NDMAs are increasingly both generating and sharing knowledge through mock exercises or simulations, which can strengthen trust between participants and allow them to take risks and learn in a safe environment.
- Lessons can also be shared by NDMAs through the development of disaster policies and guidelines.
- NDMA performance is highly variable and often constrained by a lack of resources; only the better-resourced NDMAs are able to establish a systematic approach to organisational learning.
As a government agency, an NDMA must compete for influence and resources with other government units and is subject to short-term political planning horizons and frequent staff rotations, all of which can compromise organisational learning. However, increasing global awareness of disasters provides new opportunities for NDMAs to promote policy and practice change, compete for resources, strengthen their learning and improve their effectiveness.
Many of the weaknesses that hamper NDMA learning also exist in humanitarian organisations. But collaboration can help harness additional resources and strengthen shared practice, which can lead to more effective joint responses. Although the international humanitarian system has struggled to coordinate effectively with NDMAs, efforts to address this weakness are gaining momentum. Recommendations for international organisations and regional institutions include the following:
- Strengthen links with NDMAs and facilitate closer working relationships in order to demonstrate a practical commitment to collaboration
- Prioritise a pilot joint evaluation, with a view to promoting further such efforts in the future
- Consider and fund capacity development and partnership with government as a long-term strategy.
