Anticipatory action in fragile context: Key takeaways from West Africa regional dialogue

Anticipatory action refers to actions taken to reduce the humanitarian impacts of a forecast hazard before it occurs, or before its most acute impacts are felt. The decision to act is based on a forecast, or collective risk analysis, of when, where and how the event will unfold. Learn more at Anticipation Hub.

Anticipatory action is emerging as a transformative approach in climate and conflict risk management, enabling proactive, cost-effective crisis management by addressing predictable hazards before humanitarian needs escalate. This shift from reactive to proactive intervention is not only more dignified for affected communities, but also enables more efficient use of resources, ultimately saving lives and livelihoods.  

DRC is at the forefront of enabling this approach along the displacement continuum, integrating anticipatory action across its programming to support displaced populations in climate-vulnerable and conflict-affected settings. DRC leverages its expertise in displacement and conflict to build robust anticipatory systems, focusing on data-driven solutions like displacement forecasting models using machine learning.

The current DRC Anticipatory Action portfolio includes seven countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Niger, Sudan, Uganda, Yemen. DRC is gradually expanding its Anticipatory Action portfolio further while fostering a collaborative, future-focused risk management approach. 

DRC's Anticipatory Humanitarian Action for Displacement (AHEAD) model is a global initiative dedicated to advancing Anticipatory Action (AA) for conflict-induced displacement. Supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AHEAD focuses on developing national conflict-relevant AA frameworks, ensuring they are inclusive and shaped by multiple stakeholders, alongside in-country pilots.

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