3.2 Good reasons to partner

Experience shows that partnering can really add value in emergencies. Benefits include:

• Speed of response-Partners with established operations in an area can get a response running quickly. But ensuring adequate quality is essential too.
• Access and reach-Local partners can sometimes access insecure areas that CARE cannot. But remember that trust is needed if work cannot be monitored easily. Partnering can also be one way to scale-up programmes.
• Technical resource-Partners sometimes have capacity and expertise that CARE does not. But remember, CARE should still be competent to monitor.
• Knowledge/experience-Local agencies often have stronger links with and knowledge of beneficiaries. This can really enhance programme quality. But also consider the context, and whether partiality might be a problem.
• Legitimacy/mandate-Partners might have a stronger mandate or greater legitimacy to conduct certain types of activity, for example, monitoring or advocacy.
• Capacity building-Capacity building might be a valid aim of partnerships in an emergency. But it should be part of a pre-agreed plan to do so.