Focus Areas

In DAHLIA we focus on addressing information and communication gaps in humanitarian response and transition processes. We evaluate communication and information flows, identifying gaps and relevant solutions. Our aim is to contribute to improving linkages within the aid elements (humanitarian, relief and development), and to ensure meaningful two way communication that would place affected populations at the centre of aid efforts.

DAHLIA recognises that the aid system is overloaded with information that is not necessarily accessible. As agencies struggle to improve their monitoring and reporting systems and provide more data, there is an additional need for developing a system to gather the most important information that is needed at a centralized level. We consider efforts that focus on data collection and data synchronization. We aim to develop a tool for the humanitarian sector that helps visualize and analyse all data in one place and develop comprehensive real time dashboards.

We envisage a system that could synchronize all data from IASC agencies, add data from open sources and external factors, needs assessments and response capacities, and generate visual explanations of assessments and the response. The idea is to both streamline data collection and use information in a more relevant way, understanding and optimizing performance with the additional overview of measurable and visual facts.

Our activities are structured around three inter-related pillars:

Addressing
information and communication gaps
Developing new tools for the humanitarian sector


Follow-up on evaluations:

Evaluations improve response by providing information about what works, what doesn’t, and why. Dahlia strives to follow-up on evaluation recommendations in order to help enrich practice and hold organisations accountable for results. In this spirit, the Humanitarian Track Five project assesses progress in implementing key recommendations with a view to improving response.



Communication in aid:

DAHLIA believes that the strategic use of two-way communications is central to effective humanitarian aid and development efforts. Information flows, two-way communication and communication for development processes should be integrated since the very first stage of the humanitarian response and be properly evaluated over time.



Bridging gaps in response:

Despite many attempts and efforts, many of the problems related to the transition from humanitarian to development assistance remain unresolved. Dahlia proposes to address the transition gap reassessing the strategic and operational role of key actors involved in coordination across different crises.