FAQs
What about slow-onset and chronic emergencies?
EMMA was designed specifically for sudden-onset emergencies. Parts of EMMA can be used in other contexts, but such application cannot be correctly called an EMMA. The non sudden-onset emergency context to which EMMA is most readily adapted is for emergency preparation. Please visit the EMMA for emergency preparation page for more detail.
When should an EMMA be started?
EMMA is designed to be used for sudden-onset emergencies. The sooner an EMMA is started and completed, the better. Since EMMA is a ‘rough and ready’ snapshot, it’s accuracy, utility and value diminish as time passes from a sudden-onset emergency. A general rul of thumb is to begin the EMMA within two weeks of a sudden-onset emergency and to publish the results (or at least give a briefing to stakeholders) within three to four weeks.
How long should the EMMA process take?
The length of an EMMA in the field depends on a number of factors, most notably: number of EMMAs being conducted, geographic area to be covered, access and resources. Ideally, the entire EMMA process from arrival in-country to the publication of the report(s) should take two weeks.
How much does an EMMA cost?
The cost of an EMMA varies widely. In the past, EMMAs have been conducted for as little as a few thousand US Dollars.
Who can lead an EMMA?
EMMAs can be led by those who have received EMMA training. The ideal EMMA leader should have:
- Market analysis or market development experience: A goal of the EMMA toolkit and training is to enable those without market-oriented skills successfully participate in or lead an EMMA. However, experience with markets and value-chain analysis is very valuable for the EMMA leadership position. Market skills are especially useful for choosing the key analytical questions, guiding data collection and during the market and response analyses steps.
- Team leadership experience: The ability to manage people in the fluid and stressful post sudden-onset emergency environment is critical. Even for a small EMMA team, the leader needs to be able to explain complex concepts, get team members and stakeholders on board with the concepts of EMMA, narrow down the fieldwork, develop questionnaires and data collection methodologies, deal with challenging operational issues, delegate duties, rely on the judgment and opinions of other and provide strong leadership.
- Analytical, timely decision-making skills. The EMMA leader must be able to make quick decisions, be able to confidently and definitively decide when things are ‘good enough, and be able to dispose of irrelevant information.
What resources are available to help me with an EMMA process?
The EMMA Toolkit is the central resource for EMMA practitioners. Technical support is also offered via the FAQs and “Ask the Expert” function on this website. Additionally, there is a growing global community of EMMA-trained humanitarians to whom one may be connected by contacting the administrators of the EMMA website and D-Groups forum.
Where can I get an EMMA toolkit?
The EMMA toolkit can be purchased in electronic and book form online. Please visit the EMMA Toolkit page on this website.
How can I get EMMA training?
EMMA trainings are offered regularly in different places around the world. For a list of upcoming EMMA trainings, please visit the future training page.
