In fragile and conflict-affected states, the rules are different, and international aid implementers need to adapt if they want their programs to be effective and achieve results.
That’s why the Asian Development Bank encourages aid groups, nongovernmental organizations, U.N. agencies and private firms to engage FCAS in a different way to avoid major human, social, economic and security costs. It’s not only that traditional approaches can be ineffective — they can also make it harder for these nations to build their capacity and transition to long-term stability.
“We need to pay attention to [fragile and conflict-affected situations] because it can disrupt the entire pattern of [a country’s] development,” Patrick Safran, principal operations coordination specialist for fragile situations at ADB, told Devex, adding that a greater focus on FCAS as early as possible is crucial because it takes about three generations for a country to totally graduate from fragility.