introduction –> the cluster approach

The cluster approach was introduced as a means to strengthen predictability, response capacity, coordination and accountability by strengthening partnerships in key sectors of humanitarian response, and by formalising the lead role of particular agencies/organisations in each of these sectors. At the time of writing, the approach has been applied in eight chronic humanitarian crises and six sudden-onset emergencies.[1] The IASC, which initiated the cluster approach in December 2005, commissioned this evaluation to determine whether, two years later, the approach has led to any measurable improvements in the capacity, coverage and predictability of humanitarian response.

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[1] Long-term emergencies: CAR, Chad, Colombia, the DRC, Ethiopia, Liberia (transition), Somalia and Uganda. Sudden-onset emergencies: Pakistan (2005 and 2007), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Lebanon, the Philippines and Mozambique.