System error: Issues in humanitarian responses to early warning information for famine

Abstract: Humanitarian responses to famine early warning information are persistently delayed, despite immense improvements in understandings of famine and the quality of early warning systems. Famines are complex, slow-onset disasters that result in a high volume of needs, which are too large to be addressed by any one actor. Famine response entails a multi-faceted approach by a large number of actors. Therefore, to identify issues in famine response, the humanitarian system as a whole should be examined. Systems theory, borrowed from organizational studies, allows for such an analysis. Using Seybolt’s application of systems theory to the humanitarian system, this paper uses the unique approach of applying the theory to humanitarian responses to famine early warning information specifically. By applying systems theory in this original way, the thesis offers new perspectives on a previously studied topic. Issues pertaining to humanitarian responses to famine early warnings were found through a literature review and are sorted according to three variables: exogenous /environmental, structural, and procedural. Once the problems in response are understood, Seybolt’s hypothesis of needed improvements to the system, and their feasibility, are examined. These are: more differentiation among units, increased connectivity, use of collaborative processes, and a shift in decision-making power. In addition to Seybolt’s suggestions, accountability and incentives deficits and the politicization of aid are examined. While most of the examined changes are at least somewhat feasible and would help to improve response times, some are beyond the power of humanitarian actors to change. The work contributes to academic knowledge by offering novel perspectives on systemic issues pertaining to famine response by taking general theory and applying it to the specific topic of famine response.