What Drives Program Choice in Food Security Crises? Examining the “Response Analysis” Question

SummaryOver the past decade, the analysis of food security crises has improved, and a wider range of responses is available. But the question remains: is improved analysis driving program response choices in food security interventions? This research considers the “response analysis” question in the Horn of Africa and documents the role of evidence and other factors influencing program choice. Based on interviews with donor, agency, and government staff, this paper briefly notes existing tools, proposes a “road map” for response analysis, explores the way in which donor resources have changed, and outlines major factors that constrain or shape response choice.