UNDERSTANDING THE MIRA APPROACH

July 2012

The MIRA: Main Objectives• Identify strategic humanitarian priorities• Consider the views of beneficiaries – a cross

sectoral approach • Inform funding decisions - CERF, Flash Appeal. • Guide in-depth sectoral assessments - not to

replace them!• Provide “good enough” data on time.

Methodologically sound, realistically feasible.

What are the main components of the MIRA?

The MIRA Process• Initiate the MIRA• Collect, collate and analyze secondary data

and initial primary data• Collect primary data to fill information gaps

using agreed upon data collection tool (Community Level Assessment)

• Conduct joint analysis and determine strategic humanitarian priorities

• Prepare and disseminate the MIRA Report

What types of information are required following a sudden onset crisis?

The MIRA Framework • Know what you need to know…– Outlines broad information requirements –

impact, response, access and gaps. – Aligns information needs from different sectors

and structures reporting • Know how you will find the answers…– Helps identify information sources – primary and

secondary – Supports collation of secondary and primary data – Supports identification of information gaps

What are the main challenges in collecting data after a sudden onset crisis?

Reviewing & Analyzing Secondary Data• Limited resources in the first two weeks (physical access,

time and human/financial resources)• A lot of information is already available: “secondary data”

– neither better nor worse than primary data - simply different– The source of the data is not as important as its quality and its

relevance for the purpose• The systematic and continuous collation and analysis of

secondary data is essential– Pre-disaster information to understand pre-existing

vulnerabilities– Post-disaster information to understand current crisis– Past lessons learned

What are the challenges related to undertaking a field investigation after a sudden onset crisis?

Collecting Primary Data: the “CLA”• Limited resources mean that a limited number of

locations can be assessed– Number of assessors is limited– Logistical support is limited – Time is limited

• Privilege the quality of the assessment relative to the size of the assessment– Qualitative information– Assessors/Emergency Specialists (vs. enumerators)

• Integrate the perspectives of affected people– Identification of key concerns– Ranking of key concerns

What are the challenges to analysis and reporting in a joint assessment?

Analysis & Reporting• The MIRA Framework can be used to analyse the

information and identify humanitarian priorities• A facilitated discussion brings together key participants

– Ensure a common understanding of the scope of the analysis– Focus on priority geographies, priority affected, and needs– Focus on eight “themes” of the MIRA Framework

• Two types of reports…– Preliminary Scenario Definition within 72 hours – MIRA Report within 2 weeks

• Based on the MIRA, the HCT can develop a joint strategic plan, mobilize resources and monitor the situation and response