Background
In August 2007 pilot countries were identified where SDC DRR Guidelines were to be systematically integrated into development and humanitarian programmes during the pilot phase 2008 - 2009. These countries are: Bangladesh, Georgia, Mali, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Peru and Tajikistan. Except for Mali and Mongolia, targeted DRR programmes are implemented in all other countries. At the end of the pilot phase, effectiveness assessments were implemented in all seven countries (plus Bolivia linked to Peru and Armenia linked to Georgia) to evaluate SDC contribution in DRR.

Methodology
The assessment of the effectiveness in the seven pilot countries has been implemented by DRR experts on site. The effectiveness of the whole programme and of individual projects was analysed using the methods of cost-benefit analysis and impact pathway in regard to four impact domains:

(i) awareness building;
(ii) capacity development;
(iii) policy development;
(iv) particular risk reduction.

The main sources of information were site visits and interviews with implementing partners and beneficiaries.

In addition to the evaluation of the targeted DRR programmes, the mainstreaming process in the seven country offices has been assessed as well. The Tearfund methodology with six key areas (policy, strategy, geographical planning, Project Cycle Management, external relations, institutional capacities) was used .

Results
The effectiveness assessment of SDC’s commitment in DRR has demonstrated that Swiss efforts in this field are highly welcomed by the local partners. The respective regions or countries experienced recurrent disaster losses or show high potential for catastrophic events. The assessments also revealed that activities in this field are complex: one the one hand responsible agencies manifest a clear demand for DRR; on the other hand, however, it remains challenging and needs a long-term engagement to convince people about the usefulness of preventive measures (as long as there are not direct incentives). In this respect SDC has to focus more on the so-called side-effects of DRR which are, for example, improved livelihood, better energy supply or any other direct benefit.

As SDC is running both development cooperation and humanitarian projects, the organization has the adequate capacities and experience to engage efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction, a model transversal field bridging development and humanitarian aid.

The report "Effectiveness of SDC's Commitments in Disaster Risk Reduction" (full version for internal use) can be downloaded from the library.

The report "Disaster Risk Reduction in International Cooperation: Switzerland‘s Contribution to the Protection of Lives and Livelihoods" (public short version) can be downloaded here: