Counting and Identification of Beneficiary Populations in Emergency Operations (ODI, 1997, 110 p.): 3. Counting and identification: why, by and for whom?: 3.2 Distribution: 3.2.2 Intended programme beneficiaries

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Counting and Identification of Beneficiary Populations in Emergency Operations (ODI, 1997, 110 p.)

3. Counting and identification: why, by and for whom?

3.2 Distribution

		3.2.1 Introduction
		3.2.2 Intended programme beneficiaries
		3.2.3 Formal quantification and distribution
		3.2.4 Registration and distribution
		3.2.5 Distribution methods
		3.2.6 Registration for material assistance

3.2.2 Intended programme beneficiaries

Donors and major international agencies have traditionally seen formal quantification and identification, particularly registration of beneficiaries, as a sine qua non for good distribution. This view is at least partly founded on a common assumption that beneficiaries, local host communities and authorities alike will exaggerate beneficiary numbers, and that registration is the way to avoid this. It is the author’s conclusion that while accurate numbers are undoubtedly a condition for ‘better’ distribution - it helps to calculate inputs and to know who needs what - there are other equally important considerations which tend to be overshadowed by the preoccupation with quantification and registration. For example, if quantification leads to a reduction in assistance, then operation managers must guarantee that the reduction is warranted, and that no individual will suffer as a result: assistance may be reduced on the basis that planning figures appear to have been exaggerated, but the distribution system may be inadequate to ensure that the weak do not experience a disproportionate cut.