Programming in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries: Programme policy guidelines

Overview

There is no single prescriptive approach to working in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. The underlying causes of problems and the dynamics of such contexts are too complex and unpredictable for that. There is a great diversity of underlying causes, actors, needs, opportunities, and responses. Staff are faced with immense challenges and work under greater limitations of resources, in relation to the size of the need, than in other programmes. There is nonetheless room to improve the quality and impact of our programming. We can be imaginative, robust, realistic, and at the same time agile and responsive to changing circumstances. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to programme managers and decision makers, with guidance on designing and delivering programmes in countries where conflict and fragility are significant factors in poverty and suffering.