The aim of this paper is to provide a review of current literature as a foundation for informing practice and policy of humanitarian actors. Given the emerging nature of this topic, there is also a focus on identifying gaps in documentation and sector knowledge for further research.

The research questions this paper seeks to address are:

1. What are area-based approaches to urban humanitarian crises?

2. Why are area-based approaches being adopted?

3. What are the positive and negative consequences of adopting area-based approaches?

4. How can area-based approaches be improved? 

Full document
http://pubs.iied.org/pdfs/10742IIED.pdf