Donor Approaches to Risk in Fragile and Conflict Affected States. Case Study: Nepal
Abstract
The study is based on extensive background reading, interviews carried out in Kathmandu during the week of 18 March 2013, and subsequent discussions by email and telephone. The interviews were mainly directed at multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, but also included discussions with NGOs. With many aid agencies operating over a long period of time, Nepal offers a wealth of experience on development in conflict-affected areas and on peacebuilding. Many reviews have been carried out of specific initiatives and of the wider context.
The main risks that are identified reflect the current post-conflict context, characterised by unstable politics and low-level unrest rather than overt war. Management of ongoing security risks is still necessary, although the wider challenges encountered when trying to support the ongoing peace process through development work emerged through interviews as a still greater concern.
This case study is divided into two parts. The first part discusses broad donor responses to risk in Nepal. This includes a profile of main types of risk confronting donors in Nepal, analysis of how these risks are reflected in donor programming, and explanations of these responses to risk. The second and more substantial part discusses practical approaches to risk management observed in Nepal. Four approaches are highlighted in this case study including: (1) grounding strategy in an improved understanding of contextual risks, (2) conflict sensitive programming, (3) use of specialised services for risk management, and (4) use of country systems.
Citation
Burke, A. Donor Approaches to Risk in Fragile and Conflict Affected States. Case Study: Nepal. The Policy Practice Ltd, Brighton, UK (2013) 35 pp.
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