Nahr al-Bared crisis and local responses of aid: a focus on needs assessment during emergencies

Abstract

This study describes the process and dynamics of aid during the Nahr al-Bared crisis in 2007. It seeks to explore how previous experiences of relief were capitalized on and used as part of routinized relief procedure in 2007. Based on several interviews conducted, the study provides a general description of the crisis, the problems and challenges faced and the local expertise and skills used during the crisis. The second section focuses specifically on the issue of needs assessment and information consolidation, with the action of sharing playing a vital role in aid. Data sharing was routinized and refined during the conflict to facilitate an efficient and accountable flow of aid and relief for the needed communities. Data consolidation and sharing during emergencies and crises are crucial for ensuring a process of transparency and coordination between different local and global humanitarian organizations.