Conflict-sensitive development

Sometimes, well-meaning development programmes can have a negative impact on people's security because they are not based on a good understanding of local conditions.

For example, in Africa, some water provision projects have deepened conflicts between local communities over access to water and thus failed to build prosperity.

The conflict-sensitive approach

Well-designed projects which are sensitive to the local context can have a positive impact on armed violence, address the causes of conflict and contribute to peace.

We believe that sensitivity to conflict needs to be integrated into all development, humanitarian assistance and peace-building projects, from national strategies to local projects.

What we do

We give technical and practical advice to development agencies, governments, donor organisations and civil society to make their work conflict-sensitive and increase the chances of peace and security.

We have developed a variety of resources to do this. Find out about our conflict-sensitive development tools.

Find out more

Read more about our work on conflict-sensitive development in the Africa, Asia and Europe pages.

Read more about conflict-sensitive development on conflictsensitivity.org

Find out how you can support Saferworld

 

Contact: Hesta Groenewald, Team Leader, Conflict and Security team