risk of greater mortality as a result of drought; HRD beneficiaries are therefore also called emergency beneficiaries.

The collection of LIAS data has been impacted by changing ownership of the data collection process and capacity constraints with respect to the implementation of the HEA methodology. In particular, between 2008 and 2011, LIAS data were collected systematically in all _woredas_ . However, in 2011, the USAIDfunded LIU project closed, leading to changing ownership of the data collection process. While the LIU continued to be located within DRMFSS until 2015, data collection after 2011 has been less systematic, with LIAS data collected in some _woredas_ between 2011 and 2015 and not in others. A key constraint impeding the collection of LIAS data after 2011 has been a shortage of qualified technical staff. Moreover, a lack of familiarity with the HEA methodology among seasonal assessment teams has led to the increasing use of checklists and decreasing use of the HEA methodology in the determination of beneficiary numbers (for an overview of available LIAS data, refer to Annex 1). As of 2015, the use of LIAS data has been discontinued, as it was recognized that LIAS baseline data are outdated for the highlands regions.

The HEA methodology and LIAS tool have formed key inputs into the seasonal needs assessment process. Moreover, as LIAS data are collected in June and November respectively, which is approximately mid-way through the _meher_ and _belg_ harvest seasons, LIAS data may provide an early indication of drought conditions, allowing for a timely drought response. In the absence of the LIAS tool / HEA method, seasonal needs assessments are based mainly on checklists, leading to a less systematic and transparent data collection process. Recognizing the need for a renewed use of LIAS data, USAID has issued an RFP during 2015 to update LIAS baselines for the highlands regions. Work on updating baselines will be conducted during 2016, with a view to obtaining updated baselines for all regions in Ethiopia.

# IV.3 Complementarities between the LEAP and LIAS tools

The LEAP and LIAS tools complement each other in enabling a successful drought response. In particular, the two tools have a different focus, with the LEAP tool focused mainly on the impacts of a drought shock as measured by WRSI on HRD numbers, and the LIAS tool focused on assessing the implications of a range of variables – including market access and prices – on livelihood strategies. Each tool sheds light on the question of food security within Ethiopia from a different angle, with the LEAP tool providing a dynamic, macro-level assessment of drought risk, and the LIAS tool providing a detailed bottom-up view. It has therefore been proposed that LEAP and LIAS data should be integrated to a greater extent. For instance, LIAS data can be used within LEAP, as follows<sup>50</sup> :

- (i) To check planting dates and the length of crop cycles within LEAP;

- (ii) To determine where certain crops are grown and to adjust LEAP accordingly;

- (iii) To identify the areas where drought is likely to have the most severe impacts on livelihoods based on LIAS data on households’ dependence on self-grown crops for food;

- (iv) To support the development of a LEAP pastoral index based on LIAS data for pastoral areas.

> 50 Hoefsloot et al. 2013.

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