Updated Return on Investment for preparedness to respond study

This report presents updated findings from WFP’s Return on Investment (ROI) for Preparedness study, demonstrating the value of pre-shock investments in strengthening emergency response. In a context of increasingly complex, protracted and resource-constrained crises, preparedness is identified as a critical driver of faster, more efficient, and more effective humanitarian action.

Based on an analysis of 19 preparedness activities across six investment categories, the study shows that investments consistently generate strong returns across contexts. On average, every US$1 invested yields US$3.40 in response cost savings and reduces emergency response lead times by 25 days, enabling assistance to reach affected populations significantly earlier.