Tools and Methods for Estimating Populations at Risk from Natural Disasters and Complex Humanitarian Crises

Worldwide, millions of people are displaced annually because of natural or industrial disasters or social upheaval.

Reliable data on the numbers, characteristics, and locations of these populations can bolster humanitarian relief efforts and recovery programs.

Using sound methods for estimating population numbers and characteristics is important for both industrialized and developing nations.

Ensuring that the data are geographically referenced for projection onto maps is essential.

However, good data alone are insufficient. Adequate staff training and strong organizational and political desire to maintain and use the information are also required.

Tools and Methods for Estimating Populations at Risk from Natural Disasters and Complex Humanitarian Crises, reviews the main methods and tools for making estimates of subnational populations and makes several recommendations to improve the collection and the use of population data for emergency response and development. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Populations at Risk: Local to Global Concerns2 Current Status of At-Risk Subnational Population Estimation3 Data Dissonance in Disasters4 The Operational Environment and Institutional Impediments5 Population Data and Crisis Response in Mali, Mozambique, andHaiti6 RecommendationsAppendix A Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and StaffAppendix B Acronyms and AbbreviationsAppendix C GlossaryAppendix D Workshop and Meeting Agendas and AttendeesAppendix E Technical Papers