Oxfam America

Humanitarian Field Studies

In the wake of the tsunami disaster of December 2004, Oxfam launched a program to study a set of social, economic, and health issues that are critical to the recovery of tsunami survivors. Working with partners in universities and institutes in the region, the agency has undertaken research on issues affecting the hard-hit coastal areas of southern India and Sri Lanka, with the goal of strengthening humanitarian programs for this and future emergencies.

What Oxfam is Doing

Our goals for the humanitarian field studies are to strengthen not only Oxfam's programs and policies, but also those of the wider humanitarian aid community, and to improve accountability to those we aim to help. more »


Feature Stories

Research in action
Research in action
In the tsunami-affected region, Oxfam's humanitarian field studies have been catalysts for change.
Research that could save lives: HIV and the tsunami disaster
Research that could save lives: HIV and the tsunami disaster
An Oxfam-supported study reveals how and why vulnerability to HIV increased in the aftermath of the tsunami.
Taking Steps Toward Gender Equity
Taking Steps Toward Gender Equity
In Tamil Nadu, India, Oxfam study finds approaches that work.
Research in Action

Research in Action »

In the tsunami-affected region, Oxfam’s humanitarian field studies have been catalysts for change. Read more about our action research program.

Research Summaries