Feedback Loops and Facilitation: Catalyzing Transformational Multi-Stakeholder Refugee Response Partnerships

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This article deals with a-case-study, Alianza Shire, a multi -stakeholder public and private partnership to provide energy in northern Ethiopia refugee camps. The research is linked to SDG7 and SDG 17 in the frame of the agenda 2030.

The topic is relevant and suits in sustainability goals. Hence, I consider it has the potential to be published in the journal. Nevertheless, in my belief, there are some aspects that should be answered in a revised version of the manuscript.

• 4.l.182-183. “Access to energy in refugee camps provides an illustrative example of the new trend of the de-materialization of refugee aid”. But what are the consequences of these de-materialization aids for refugee population? The positive effects are mentioned as well in p.2. l.88-92 and in p.12. l.535-543. But, when living conditions in the camps are being enhancing by electricity provision, is it making the inhabitants of the camps permanently dependent on them? Is a real relocation of these refugees to countries or a return to their territories (provided that the problems of those who have escaped are solved) being planned?

In my opinion, it is needed a brief description of the living conditions in the Ethiopian refugee camps. Where the refugees come from? Are they families or solely people? What are they running away from and what are their life expectations? What is the average length of stay?

• In the article, it is not clear why Alianza Shire, Spain´s multi-stakeholder partnership for humanitarian action, has chosen the refugee camps in Ethiopia and not any other in the world (e.g. in Greece, Turkey, México...). In the scoping section (p.8, l. 357-379), it is made clear that AECID is the actor with the greatest potential for producing synergetic values. Therefore, it is suggested that perhaps the camps in northern Ethiopia are a fundamental line of action for AECID. Why has AECID or Alianza Shire chosen Ethiopia's refugee camps and not others? Does it have any political implications?
• In addition to the obstacles of working in multi-stakeholder partnerships detailed and come over in p.14. l.677-.., Have authors encountered any political or administrative obstacles with the Ethiopian national government or the local/regional governments in the areas where the refugee camps are located? This response and its explanation could be included in: Are there actors that are particularly suited to the role of facilitation in multi-stakeholder refugee response partnerships?

It is curious that local authorities are not involved or cooperated in the partnership with Alianza Shine (in the development aid it is called as the appropriation principle). So, which is the relationship with Ethiopian national/local authorities?

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Topic

The topic is current and interesting to the reader.

 

Introduction

The introduction provides a framework for the study.

It could highlight the theoretical stream followed in the research, namely its theoretical depth, in addition to the reference of preliminary studies.

 

Literature review

The structure of section 2.3 can be explained. This facilitates the reader's understanding.

 

Methodology

The section explains to the reader the methodology adopted in the study.

Four research questions are identified.

The treatment of qualitative data could be referred to.

 

Results

It would help the reader to highlight the answers to the research questions.

 

There is a results discussion section.

The conclusions are in line with the study.

The bibliography is current.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

In my opinion, this is well documented, interesting research.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you very much for your revision and comments.

Yours sincerely,

Jaime Moreno-Serna.