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The
question raised the interesting apposition of contradictory
terms, "sustainable" and "conflict"; any
answer must be built around this.
Conflict
occurs at different intensities, ranging from all- absorbing
total war to situations characterised by the disruption of
normal authority and services by short, unpredictable outbursts
of violence or other deregulation. It is assumed that the
question relates to external intervention in local situations
in which conflict intensity permits external agents to intervene
beyond simply the emergency transfers of assets to individuals.
Elites,
and often individual members of elites, normally retain and
display a greater range and command of assets than other locals.
This difference applies generally, even when the conflict
arises from a hostility to an elite. Planned external intervention
will therefore have to reflect on:
a)
Framing the intervention in the context of the existing and
persisting relationship of elites with the general population.
b) The ability and capacity of elites to assist in the transfer
of new, externally provided assets.
c) Commitment to supporting the re-emergent relationship between
elites and the population resulting from access to such resources.
The
introduction of new assets creates new bases for negociation
betwen elites and the population, they will generate new livelihood
opportunities. The transfer of new assets into a conflict
situation may, in itself, be supportive of elites. However,
wider access to assets by the population will require transferring
the means necessary to do so, often in the form of subsidised
income-generating schemes.
Such
income schemes may not, initially, be sustainable nor amenable
to rigorous planning criteria. Initiatives arising from conflict
situations have proven economic and technical viability over
time. Examples include reconstruction, rehabilitation and
upgrading of infrastructure and services, and re-investment
in production, added-value (processsing etc.) and marketing.
Nonetheless, some income-generating activities may derive
from, and sustain, the prevailing situation of conflict, directly
or indirectly. As aid is a broad instrument - close local
management and monitoring often permits targeting a major
portion in support of planned objectives.
Supporting
" local provision of basic services" in the population
may present an initial strategic entry point for donor support.
If successful, local initiatives will be replicated. As the
sector burgeons, rationalisation and regulation generally
occurs. Market opportunities for individual small operators
will shrink as cost-efficiency and coverage capacity become
important. Small providors turn to niche opportunities, or
invest in other sectors.
It's
is beyond the scope of the discussion above to comment on
donor reaction to any emergent livelihood requirements. Resources
are commited in relation to a general, external perception
of the factions in conflict, and the efficacity of operators
providing emergengy, SL or other services in the population.
Good
luck.
Gareth
E. Davies
permanent contact
Clos des Rocailles 6
B-1410 Waterloo
Belgium
Tel/fax (+32.2) 384.6473
email: gedavies@usa.net
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