Fragile States and Post-Conflict Societies:

Moving Towards Development

Violent conflicts quickly reverse economic and social development gains in poor countries. They also create a complex and difficult operating environment for development efforts. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of civil conflicts, with many occurring within rather than between states. At present 80% of the world’s 20 poorest countries have suffered from a major conflict in recent years.

Development can make an important contribution to the prevention of violent conflict and to post-conflict peace-building. However, choosing the right strategy and monitoring the impact of activities on conflict dynamics requires the appropriate tools. Scanteam has experience with:

• Evaluations of multi-billion, multi-donor trust funds for post-conflict and post-disaster situations, including in Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan and Timor-Leste;
• The design and implementation of evaluation of development programmes in conflict-affected environments;
• Conflict assessments and Peace and Conflict Impact Assessments (PCIA) for development agencies and NGOs; and
• Carrying out training courses for personnel from the public and private sectors working in conflict environments, including police, military and NGOs.

Conflict Assessment in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste experienced a breakdown in its governance and security institutions in April-May 2006. The crisis occurred in contrast to the international perceptions of successful transition from conflict to peaceful development. The breakdown raised questions about the impact of international assistance in post-conflict environments.

Scanteam carried out a review, applying for the first time a new methodology proposed by the DAC for such situations. The review assessed the impact of Norwegian and international perceptions and assistance on conflict transformation during the period from independence in 2002 until the crisis in April 2006, making recommendations regarding how international support can be improved here and in other similar circumstances.