Study on Vulnerability-based Targeting and Guiding Principles

Targeting is at the core of a quality programme, yet it is rarely discussed or examined through ‘lessons learned’ exercises while facing multiple challenges. To enhance guidance given by ECHO to partners on targeting according to its humanitarian mandate and, where relevant, to stimulate more coherence between different donors and initiatives, ECHO commissioned a study and accompanying guidance note on vulnerability-based targeting.

The report relies on an in-depth review of context specific documents and global evidence on targeting as well as semi-structured discussions with fifty-five key informants across ten countries, regional offices and headquarters. The study looked at ten different contexts to illustrate targeting related practices and learning. It offers a taxonomy of targeting approaches, a review of the barriers and opportunities for vulnerability based targeting as well as some recommendations for ECHO going forward.