Publication

This paper explores the process of contingency planning in humanitarian organizations. It sets out the key terms and concepts relating to contingency planning, explores the contingency planning process, explains the main models used by humanitarian organizations and presents a new concept of the process that enables a more dynamic approach than previous frameworks. The paper also looks at the practice of contingency planning, examining scenario development, including the techniques used, the types of scenarios that work in different circumstances and the challenges scenario planners face. A number of case studies illustrate these different approaches.