A detailed analysis and breakdown of humanitarian population figures is the most commonly requested information in humanitarian crises and provides the backbone to any humanitarian operation. Humanitarian population figures are not only necessary for planning and supporting appeal documents as part of the emergency response but are also essential for monitoring, evaluation and
contingency. Humanitarian population figures form the basis and reference point of any relief operation aiming to deliver aid according to the population’s needs.
Inconsistent terminology, unclear methodologies and a lack of transparent, coordinated and standardized data gathering frequently result in humanitarian actors operating with different information. Failure to establish and regularly update well-defined population figures not only demonstrates a weak evidence-base but may have a negative impact on resource allocation. When figures are not comparable, understanding the evolution of needs and the response becomes unreliable and may be called into question, ultimately hampering accountability to both the affected population as well as donors.
