This independent evaluation assesses how Start Network members integrate Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) principles into Start Fund-supported humanitarian projects and funding processes.
Using a mixed-methods approach—including document review, an Accountability Metric, key informant interviews, participatory community research and case studies in Cameroon, Guatemala and Nigeria—it examines participation, information sharing and communication, and complaints and feedback mechanisms across 55 projects. The evaluation compares approaches adopted by local and national NGOs and international NGOs, explores differences between response and anticipatory action projects, and analyses how the Start Fund's rapid funding model influences accountability practices. It identifies strengths, including widespread adoption of complaints and feedback mechanisms, alongside persistent challenges related to meaningful participation, inclusion of marginalised groups, communication, project timeframes and organisational learning.
The report concludes with recommendations to strengthen AAP guidance, reporting, funding processes, learning, localisation and the role of Start Network Hubs in promoting community-centred humanitarian action.
Resource collections
- Accountability to affected populations (AAP)
- ALNAP focus topics
- Coordination
- Cyclones, hurricanes & typhoons
- Evaluating humanitarian action
- IASC Accountability and Inclusion collection
- Learning from crises (Natural hazards)
- Locally led humanitarian action
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
- Monitoring of humanitarian action
- Prioritisation
- SOHS 2026
- Use of evaluation evidence