Ending extreme poverty in fragile contexts, Review of multiple projects and/or actions, Getting to Zero: A USAID discussion serie.

2.1.7 Institution and capacity strengthening on IE

Recommendation: 7. In capacity strengthening planning on IE issues in fragile states include focus on:

• Sensitivity to historical animosities
• Civil society supporting efforts to influence positive change.
• Build confidence combined with longer term structural reform based on careful analysis of the drivers of conflict
• Integrate democracy, human rights and governance principles and practices into development approaches

Reference: USAID, 2014, Ending extreme poverty in fragile contexts, Review of multiple projects and/or actions, Getting to Zero: A USAID discussion series, USAID, Washington DC.

Evidence sample: a review of many programs on ending extreme poverty in fragile states indicates among the good practices, the need to focus on building confidence in institutions – which requires capacity development and sensitivity to historical animosities and marginalisation – as well as building resilience in areas of chronic vulnerability In countries lacking a credible governmental partner, work must continue to focus on civil society supporting their efforts to influence positive change. The key is rapid action to rebuild confidence combined with longer term structural reform based on careful analysis of the drivers of conflict. It is also essential to integrate democracy, human rights and governance principles and practices into our development approaches.