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Humanitarian field studies

Between 2005 and 2008, Oxfam carried out a program in the tsunami-affected regions of India and Sri Lanka aimed at improving the policies and practices of Oxfam and other aid agencies in the tsunami response, as well as contributing to humanitarian aid effectiveness in future emergencies.

Here is a listing of the major studies and our partners in the tsunami research program.

This participatory action research program was the first of its kind for Oxfam, but it shows how research had the potential to make humanitarian response more effective at saving lives and helping people recover after a disaster.

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Collaboration in Crises
Summary report: Lessons from the Oxfam International tsunami research program
Listening to disaster-affected communities
An executive summary of "Collaboration in Crises"
Reducing vulnerability to HIV before and after disasters
Tsunami research brief: An exploration of how the tsunami and its aftermath led to an increase in vulnerability to HIV in coastal India.
Deepening community engagement
Tsunami research brief: A study of disaster preparedness programs in Sri Lanka that points to the importance of listening carefully to communities.
Lessons in disaster management
Tsunami research brief: An examination of the Sri Lankan government's disaster management policies, which contributed to planning and reform.
Gender justice in disaster response
Tsunami research brief: An examination of good practices and challenges for aid providers in promoting gender equity in India during and after the tsunami.
Sheltering people after disasters
Tsunami research brief: An assessment of shelter conditions in India that led to the release of government funds for repairs.
Improving livelihoods after disasters
Tsunami research brief: Studies of paddy agriculture and the coconut fiber industry in Sri Lanka point to ways aid providers can help improve incomes.
Understanding the Effect of the Tsunami and its Aftermath on Vulnerability to HIV in Coastal India
A tsunami research journal article
Gender Mainstreaming During Disasters
A tsunami research journal article
The Coir Industry in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka
A tsunami research journal article
Disaster Management Policy and Practice
A tsunami research journal article
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Forecasting a better future

Forecasting a better future

The progress of a village in India that participated in a study on rainfall illustrates the value of research in helping farming communities adapt to climate change.

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With goods replaced, tsunami survivors search for well-being

With goods replaced, tsunami survivors search for well-being

One Oxfam research partner explored ways of determining and measuring mental health and well-being after a disaster—a study that gets to the heart of Oxfam's humanitarian mission.

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The perfect knowledge for survival

The perfect knowledge for survival

Focusing first and foremost on villagers' own traditional knowledge, researchers from two Oxfam partners in Sri Lanka, undertook a study aimed at helping communities create effective disaster contingency plans.

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Your neighbor's voice: reducing vulnerability to disasters through community radio

Your neighbor's voice: reducing vulnerability to disasters through community radio

A new research center in India develops pilot programs on risk reduction to complement ongoing development work aimed at reducing poverty.

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There is nothing that cannot be changed

There is nothing that cannot be changed

In the aftermath of the tsunami, some studies focused on issues of particular concern to women.

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Sri Lanka paddy research to improve lives of rice farmers

Sri Lanka paddy research to improve lives of rice farmers

In the aftermath of the tsunami, some studies focused on the issue of how after a disaster an aid agency can help survivors not only restore but improve their incomes.

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Taking it into the heart: reducing disaster risks through song and dance

Taking it into the heart: reducing disaster risks through song and dance

A new center in India develops pilot programs on risk reduction that complement ongoing development work aimed at reducing poverty.

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New ways to cope with flooding along Sri Lankan river

New ways to cope with flooding along Sri Lankan river

In the aftermath of the tsunami, some of Oxfam's research initiatives focused on issues of particular concern to women.

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In retirement, Fernando finds a golden opportunity helping coir workers

In retirement, Fernando finds a golden opportunity helping coir workers

Four years after the tsunami, the women are earning double and in some cases triple what they made before.

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