The Real Time Evaluation (RTE) of the humanitarian response in the Horn1 offers a mechanism for system-wide lessons learning on the humanitarian response in the context of the 2005-2006 drought with a rapid and concrete feed back on the ongoing operations. A series of key issues are central to the Terms of Reference (TOR) for this evaluation: ? Status of the preparedness and effectiveness of early warning systems ? Effectiveness of resource mobilisation activities, including the newly established Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) ? Quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the coordination mechanisms, including the new Cluster approach ? Appropriateness of the response in term of timeliness, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency ? Identification of additional in-depth evaluation and research issues To respond to its TOR, the RTE team undertook a review of the extensive documentation on disasters in Somalia, carried out a series of consultations in Nairobi with UN agencies, NGOs and donors and made field visits in Somalia to sites in Bay, Bakol, Middle Juba and Gedo Regions. The main findings and recommendations were presented at the CAP workshop on 30 August 2006