Needs for capacity sharing in humanitarian responses: qualitative study on experiences of professional and voluntary workforce

Abstract The growing demand for humanitarian response underscores the urgent need for a skilled and adaptable humanitarian workforce. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of experienced professional and volunteer humanitarian workers (HWs) on the essential skill sets required for capacity sharing among populations affected by climate and environment related crises. Using purposive sampling, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted between 2015 and August 2020 with national and international HWs who had worked with flood- and drought-affected communities in Kenya. Thematic analysis of the data revealed five key themes: (1) human- and beneficiary-oriented working methods, (2) coping strategies aligned with ethical norms, (3) essential skills for professional practice, (4) religious and cultural literacy, and (5) effective communication skills. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted educational and training programs for newly recruited HWs, and volunteers engaged in humanitarian assistance in Kenya and elsewhere, particularly in flood- and drought-affected regions.