Anticipatory action readiness: a study on the gap between the build and activation phase of anticipatory action frameworks

Over the past decade, anticipatory action has expanded rapidly in scale, geographic reach and institutional uptake. In 2024, although the total amount of financing released decreased compared to the previous year, there was growth in the total number of activations, as well as in active frameworks and those under development. This growth reflects increased investment and momentum across the sector.

Despite this growth, the 2024 ratio of activations (121) to active frameworks (154) was approximately 0.79 activations per framework. In practice, this means that many frameworks were not triggered during the year; the number of frameworks not activated is even lower than 121, given that some frameworks were triggered more than once. This suggests that there may be a gap between the build and activation phases of anticipatory action frameworks over time.

As the number of frameworks is expected to grow, it becomes increasingly important to ensure their proper maintenance. This includes frequently updating data and forecasting systems, maintaining sufficient operational capacity and keeping protocols updated.

Purpose of the study

To better understand this gap, CARE International is conducting a study on the readiness of anticipatory action frameworks. This will focus on the current state of readiness of anticipatory action frameworks, including the time period between the completion of a framework’s development and its first activation, the practices for maintaining frameworks over time, and the challenges in maintaining the readiness of frameworks in practice.

Furthermore, this study will focus on the:

• overall readiness status of frameworks
• practices for maintaining frameworks over time
• mechanisms that keep frameworks operational and up to date.

How the findings will be used

The study combines an online survey with key informant interviews involving organizations engaged in developing and implementing anticipatory action frameworks across different regions, hazards and contexts. The findings will inform current and future programmes, support decision-making, improve framework design and strengthen their readiness for activation. The results of this study will be shared with the global anticipatory action community via reports, webinars and blog posts.

Contribute to the study by completing the survey

Deadline: Monday, 26 January 2026

Time required: approximately 5 minutes.

Submission guidance: Please complete the survey for one anticipatory action framework only. If you are involved in multiple frameworks, submit a separate response for each.

You can access the survey by clicking here.