Article type
Abstract
"Background: Humanitarian crises affect communities and people across the world, causing high levels of mortality or malnutrition, the spread of disease and epidemics and health emergencies, and arresting economic growth. The number of people exposed to natural disasters has doubled, with women and children bearing a disproportionate burden. By the close of 2020, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees recorded 82.4 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide.
Objective: This review evaluates economic interventions, such as livelihood programs, market support, and local development projects, for both affected populations and the host population in humanitarian crises. It analyses their impact on economic well-being, food security, nutrition, and social and health outcomes in conflict-affected areas. Additionally, it identifies success factors and barriers, aligning with funding partners' goals to inform better policies.
Methodology: We identified completed and ongoing studies from the databases and grey literature. The screening was assisted by machine learning, and the records were systematically screened by two authors based on a predefined tool, extracted data, critically appraised, and synthesized findings following established protocols. Middle-range theories were developed and tested to explain how economic development programs work and how the intervention can be designed and adapted to the context. The research team collaborated closely with the funding partner to ensure alignment with their objectives and priorities. This ensures the relevance of the review and its applicability for stakeholders involved in humanitarian response and policy development.
Result: This mixed-method review is the first to evaluate economic interventions in humanitarian/conflict settings, addressing literature gaps on their impact. It emphasizes transitioning from relief to sustainable development, highlighting programs fostering economic independence, dignity, and self-reliance. This review holds direct relevance to affected communities, it assesses interventions improving economic well-being and social outcomes, identifying effective strategies and implementation challenges for informed decision-making.
Conclusion: The review provides insight into the positive effects and complexities of economic interventions, the review also delves into barriers and facilitators for program implementation. Offering a robust evidence base, it guides future program design and policy formulation for a consistent approach to addressing economic needs during crises, directly benefiting affected communities and enhancing intervention effectiveness.
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Objective: This review evaluates economic interventions, such as livelihood programs, market support, and local development projects, for both affected populations and the host population in humanitarian crises. It analyses their impact on economic well-being, food security, nutrition, and social and health outcomes in conflict-affected areas. Additionally, it identifies success factors and barriers, aligning with funding partners' goals to inform better policies.
Methodology: We identified completed and ongoing studies from the databases and grey literature. The screening was assisted by machine learning, and the records were systematically screened by two authors based on a predefined tool, extracted data, critically appraised, and synthesized findings following established protocols. Middle-range theories were developed and tested to explain how economic development programs work and how the intervention can be designed and adapted to the context. The research team collaborated closely with the funding partner to ensure alignment with their objectives and priorities. This ensures the relevance of the review and its applicability for stakeholders involved in humanitarian response and policy development.
Result: This mixed-method review is the first to evaluate economic interventions in humanitarian/conflict settings, addressing literature gaps on their impact. It emphasizes transitioning from relief to sustainable development, highlighting programs fostering economic independence, dignity, and self-reliance. This review holds direct relevance to affected communities, it assesses interventions improving economic well-being and social outcomes, identifying effective strategies and implementation challenges for informed decision-making.
Conclusion: The review provides insight into the positive effects and complexities of economic interventions, the review also delves into barriers and facilitators for program implementation. Offering a robust evidence base, it guides future program design and policy formulation for a consistent approach to addressing economic needs during crises, directly benefiting affected communities and enhancing intervention effectiveness.
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