Business engagement in humanitarian response and disaster risk management

Author(s): Hoxtell, Wade; Norz, Maximilian; Teicke, Kristina
Number of pages: 74 p.

This study differentiates the benefits and risks of different models of engagement between humanitarian organizations and companies in the fields of disaster risk management and humanitarian response. Its aim is to offer a methodology for the European Commission Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) to consider when designing a policy towards engaging with the private sector in this field.

This study was conducted for the European Commission Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG ECHO). It is based on a review of available literature, reports of relevant humanitarian organizations and interviews with selected experts and practitioners. Civil protection issues are addressed wherever possible, but due to the scarcity of well-documented good practice, the major focus of this study is private sector engagement in humanitarian response and disaster risk management. The resulting analysis does, however, draw implications with regard to civil protection within the European Union, given that the framework conditions for both areas – humanitarian aid and civil protection – are similar.

The study is structured as follows: Chapter 2 provides some context on business engagement in humanitarian response and disaster risk management. Chapter 3 maps both commercial relationships and non-commercial partnerships between humanitarian organizations and companies in the humanitarian and disaster risk management sectors. It also provides a typology of different engagement models that identifies risks and benefits of each. Chapter 4 maps the policies of selected donors and implementing agencies with respect to partnerships with, and direct commercial engagement of, private sector partners in their humanitarian response and disaster risk management work. Chapter 5 concludes this study by providing ideas for DG ECHO moving forward.