Participatory Community Peace and Conflict Assessment - PCPCA - Example: Caraga Region Philippines Assessment (PCPCA)

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Caraga is an administrative region of the Philippines, located in North -Eastern island of Mindanao (compare map). Established as Region XIII in 1996, it is one of the newest regions in the country. The region is composed of four provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur; three cities: Butuan, Surigao and Bislig; seventy municipalities and 1,346 villages. Butuan City is the regional centre. It has a total land area of 1,902,980 hectares or 18,847.2 sq. km. representing about 18 percent of the total land area of Mindanao and roughly 6 percent of the Philippines. The total population of Caraga in 2000 was 2,095,367 with average growth rate of 1.63 percent per year. Approximately 10.5 percent of the population are indigenous people. An ethnically diverse society with long history of social discrimination of indigenous communities and deprivation of economic access, Caraga has a predominantly settler population a significant number of whom have inter-married with indigenous people.

Map 1: Caraga Region, Mindanao, Philippines

Photo 1: Peace- building is a long-term process and it must involve all affected parties

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The region is rich in natural resources and is noted for its wood based economy, its extensive water resources and its rich mineral deposits, good agricultural base and excellent tourism potentials. However, despite its natural resource endowment with a highly varied ecosystem, Caraga is the second poorest region in the country with a 2006 income poverty incidence of 53 percent of the population.  The region is still subject to the effects of an armed struggle by the New Peoples Army (NPA) despite the efforts undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to dismantle it. The NPA was formed in 1969 as the guerrilla wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Overview of the “conflicts” in Mindanao and Caraga Region:

A multi-dimensional set of violent conflicts and conflict dynamics best describes the complexity of the current conflict situation in Mindanao. Contrary to popular belief, there is not just a single “conflict” in Mindanao but there are many. The “conflict” most often referred to in Mindanao is the armed struggle of the Bangsamoro for right to self-determination against the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). Some of the other conflicts on-going in Mindanao are equally important. These include the long-running communist insurgency, lengthy and often-violent clan conflicts (locally referred to as “ridos”), terrorist acts, domestic violence and organized criminality. There is also plenty of potential for new conflicts in the future, most notably, among the Bangsamoro population, between Christians and Bangsamoro, between settlers and Indigenous People (IPs).

Political rivalry between different levels of local government structures, and the control of economic as well as political power through dynastic clans are important stumbling blocks. Natural resource conflicts (e.g. land entitlements, access, use, and exploitation of natural resources) also stem from overlapping mandates of the different line agencies dealing with natural resources and assets and the unclear role assigned to the local government units which have a direct relation to the location of the natural resources and assets and the communities.


The different conflicts and the violent form in which they appear are partly overlapping, interrelated and based upon the same root causes such as social and economic injustice, poor governance, corruption, feudalism, nepotism and incompatible laws. However, the ideological reasons for the struggle vary. The struggle for self-determination is important for parts of the Muslim population, but seems to have no priority for the communist movement and IPs. They struggle more for a general substantial nationwide political reform.

 

Background on Philippine German “Conflict Transformation Mindanao - Preparation of the Caraga Programme”

The poverty situation and the high potential for violence/ violent conflicts in the region were the main reasons why Caraga was chosen as one focus of the development cooperation between the German-Philippine governments. The emphasis of the programme in the focal area is on conflict sensitive resource and asset management. To prepare for the new programmatic approach, a Participatory Community Peace and Conflict Assessment - PCPCA was undertaken. The aim of the assessment was:

  • Gain a more “localised” understanding of the conflict situation;
  • Achieve greater ownership and learning by the conflict parties;
  • Provide important entry points for subsequent peace building actions.


The conflict assessment was undertaken over a three-month period of time, it was guided by 9 professionals (national and international consultants). The in-depth assessment was undertaken in selected areas of Caraga region. The areas were selected on the basis of geographic characteristics and the associated conflicts (e.g. typologies). The typologies selected were coastal areas, lowland areas, and upland areas. 480 persons (stakeholders) participated in the conflict assessment, in total 36 persons (so called reference group members) were selected and trained and they conducted 207 key informant interviews and 33 focus group discussions involving 237 persons. The total cost of the assessment was approximately € 150.000.

The assessment was planned and implemented jointly by the Philippine partner organisations led by National Economic Development Authority – NEDA Caraga Region and the German Development Organizations, principally the GTZ/ CIM, DED/ZfD, KfW, and Forum ZFD. 

Photo 2: Different conflicts involve different stakeholders

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Process approach

Although the following process is described sequentially, in reality the processes were often undertaken in parallel and / or iteratively. 

Figure 1:   Process approach for conducting Participatory Community Peace and Conflict Assessment

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A. Concept Development

Process 1: Elaboration of concept paper

At the outset a short concept paper was elaborated to define the goals and conceptual approach of the conflict assessment. The concept paper was prepared in a participatory manner amongst the partner organisations. From a process point of view the elaboration and agreement on a guiding concept was an important milestone. It served as part of the confidence building process between the different organisations and formed the basis for the operational design of the conflict assessment.

The concept paper provided the theoretical basis for the conflict assessment, it set out how the assessment should be conducted and it described the organisational and contextual framework for the study. Furthermore, the concept paper defined criteria for managing the conflict assessment (including criteria for stopping interventions in the event of a conflict), suggested various methods and tools to be applied and included proposals for time plan, management and communication of the whole process.

In a nutshell, the concept paper provided the guiding framework for the entire Assessment (for a conceptual background compare Participatory Community Peace and Conflict Assessment on www.methodfinder.net).

 

Process 2: Context analysis (determining the depth and breadth of the conflict assessment) 

Caraga’s size is equivalent to Slovenia or Kuwait in terms of area and population. Conducting a participatory conflict assessment over such a large area is logistically and financially challenging. As a result a sample area and sample size of the population had to be taken. In order to select a representative sample size a review or context analysis of the region was necessary. An experienced national consultant well versed in the conflict issues in Mindanao, who also had a good knowledge of the Caraga region, was requested to assist in the selection process by undertaking a context analysis. The context analysis used the results of a number of studies including:

  • Conflict and conflict issues that were defined in two studies undertaken through the support of the German development cooperation in Mindanao and Caraga region specifically (e.g. Caraga Study in 2008 and Context Analysis in 2009);
  • The experiences and lessons-learnt that have been derived from past and present German assisted development programmes working in and on conflicts in Mindanao over the past decade;
  • Conflict issues and recommendations contained in conflict analyses undertaken by other international development organisations (e.g. UNDP).
 

Photo 3: Careful planning is needed to ensure a smooth implementation

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These very broad studies provided a sound basis for understanding the overall conflict lines and the relationships between the local conflicts both within Mindanao and Caraga. Missing was a more in-depth and localized understanding of the conflicts and the peace visions of the local communities in Caraga region. The conflict assessment was to provide precisely this in-depth and localized insight in a manner that it can also be generalised for similar conflicts throughout Caraga region. For the in-depth assessment it was necessary to determine how many sample areas should be selected in the region and how many stakeholders could realistically participate in the process. Using both the secondary data and the concepts and approaches suggested in the concept paper, the following proposals were developed: 

  • Conflict lines or typologies:  An overview of the number and types of conflicts that existed in the region was provided. Similar conflict lines were then clustered into different categories (or typologies). Many of the conflicts could be associated with the geographic locations.
For example, many of the resource-based conflicts are common in the upland areas where the mineral deposits can be found; it is also where the majority of the indigenous people live. 
Important in this selection process was the need to ensure that the samples selected would be representative for the majority of conflicts in the region. The conflict typologies provided the basis for determining the breadth of the conflict assessment (i.e. how many conflict lines should be addressed).
  • Methodology and depth of data collection: The second part of the assessment involved determining how many people should participate in the conflict assessment. To answer this, its was necessary to determine the form and methodology of how the stakeholders would be involved in the Participatory Community Peace and Conflict Assessment. Three key methods were elaborated: key informant interviews, focus group discussions and then integration workshops.
  • Approach for ensuring stakeholder participation: Getting the stakeholders to participate in the conflict assessment was at the centre of the whole approach. This meant that the stakeholders should themselves conduct the assessment. They were to undertake the key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
The proposal made was to organise the stakeholders into groups, termed “Reference Groups – RG”.  For each of the three typologies (e.g. upland, lowland and coastal areas) two samples areas were selected and two reference groups were formed for each area.
  • Structure for gaining decision-makers acceptance: If the results of the conflict assessment were to be representative for the Caraga region, then it would be essential to have the necessary political backing and acceptance by key decision-makers from government, civil society, security forces, etc. The proposal in the concept was to establish a Consultative Group – CG comprising the key stakeholders. Proposals were made as to who should be nominated and participate as CG members. The objective being that the Consultative Group would advise and support the conflict assessment process. The professionals from the project tasked with technically guiding and leading the whole process were organised into so-called Technical Working Group – TWG. It was composed of 9 professionals (international and national project staff and consultants).
Essential is that the TWG members must be competent in being able to implement and supervise a participatory conflict. Ideally they should have profound technical and practical knowledge of conflict transformation and peace building as well as having a deep understanding of community mobilisation, facilitation and empowerment processes.
  • Three-tier structure: Thus, the three-tier organisational structure outlined in the concept paper was completed with the naming of the organisations and persons to be involved. The final structure was composed of six Reference Groups (two per typology), one Consultative Group and one Technical Working Group (compare figure 2).

Figure 2:   Organisational structure of the Participatory Community Peace and Conflict Assessment 

 

B. Planning the implementation process

Process 3: Plan of operations

The results of the context analysis and the proposals contained in the concept paper provided all the necessary information required to operationalise the conflict assessment. A plan of operations was developed in order to detail the personnel, logistical, administrative and financial requirements for the conflict assessment. An example of such a plan is included in the table 1:
 

Table 1: Example of a detailed plan of operations


The following are the key issues that were addressed and detailed in the plan of operations:

  • Personnel planning - formation of the Technical Working Group: A key success factor of the conflict assessment was the ability to harness a wide range of Philippine and German expertise as part of the core Technical Working Group. A total of nine consultant experts were divided into three teams (one team for each typology coastal, lowland and upland). The combination of expertise within the Technical Working Group was a key to the success of the conflict assessment not least because of the plurality of experience and perspectives that was available within each team. The national project experts brought with them specific local area know how and experience of working in a conflict environment in other parts of Mindanao as well as being able to speak the local vernacular. The national experts and consultants brought with them an independent view and specific sectoral conflict expertise (e.g. land conflicts or conflicts involving Indigenous People). The international peace building and conflict transformation experts from the German Development Service-Civil Peace Service (DED-ZFD) and Forum ZFD brought with them the specific training in peace building and conflict transformation know-how needed for the conceptual design and development of methodologies.
  • Internal team communication: The team communication within the TWG was organised in several steps: Initial briefing workshops / kick-off workshops which served to provide all team members with the necessary information and documents on the region and on existing conflicts. The regular weekly meetings on two levels – by typology and inter TWG provided the space for reflection, levelling off, coaching, and for having more checking safeguards against any flaws in the plan. The dialogue stimulated more ideas for the team to achieve common understanding and agreement of options for the undertaking. Conscious effort of TWG in writing the minutes of meetings to provide access to updates and feedback was important to share relevant information with all TWG members.

Photo 4: Participatory team work

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  • Adaptation of data collection methods and tools to local needs and requirements: A time consuming and challenging task was the need for the TWG to design and develop a complete set of documents ranging from questionnaires, interview guidelines, session sheet guidelines, as well as basic training modules guidelines. The target group for the training was mostly the reference group members who were to conduct the interviews and focus group discussions. All of the material had to be developed and adapted to the local conditions (e.g. translation to local language). The following templates were developed:
  • Data quality checklist
  • Implementation design checklist
  • Cluster analysis guide
  • Interview guide
  • Focus Group Discussions (FGD) guidelines
  • Key Informant Interviews (KII) guidelines
  • Tools for FGDs and KIIs
  • Conflict mapping guide
  • Training materials for the Reference Group members
  • Minutes of meetings 
  • Overall management: Apart from the overall steering and management function, which was undertaken by the German project manager, the role of the secretariat was also important. The secretariat was responsible for managing all logistical arrangements such as hotel bookings, organising workshops and seminars, drafting letters of invitation and official letters of request for meetings, ensuring that vehicles for transport are available and also ensuring the proper administration and accounting of the funds required for the conflict assessment. One important task was to organise the necessary security clearance for travelling into conflict-affected areas. For coordination of the day-to-day activities, travel and meeting schedules a large plan of operations was drawn up on pin boards. This was updated on a daily basis to ensure that all logistical and personnel planning was properly coordinated. In addition, email contact, regular mobile phone contact and travel monitoring was undertaken for security and risk management purposes. Whenever the team felt it was necessary the conceptual approach was modified and adapted according to the situation, the reason being that in any conflict setting a flexible approach is necessary. 
  • Financial management: The initial budget made for the whole process was included in the conceptual framework. The main costs items included were:
  • Hiring of local and international experts
  • Logistical costs (vehicles, day allowances, meals, workshops, training)
  • Administrative costs including all material costs
  • Compensation costs for Reference Group members
  • Compensation package for reference group members: It was agreed that the RG members (e.g. stakeholders) who would do the majority of the work as far as data gathering and assessment is concerned needed some form of compensation for their work. Therefore, the minimum basic wage for a rural labourer was set as the amount to be compensated for their efforts. In addition, they also received allowance for travel and accommodation costs if these were incurred. All RG members had agreed to work on the conflict assessment prior to any discussion on a compensation package. This was important to ensure their willingness to participate voluntarily.

 

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Process 4: Detailed identification of thematic and geographical focus of the conflict assessment

Although the main areas where the conflict assessment was to be undertaken was proposed in the context analysis (compare process 2) a final decision needed to be taken by the Consultative Group in close consultation with the Technical Working Group. The TWG members travelled extensively in the three typologies (e.g. uplands, lowlands and coastal areas). These reconnaissance trips were designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the areas and to take up contact with the key conflict stakeholders. The objective of the field visits was to determine the exact geographic focus areas as well as well as to identify potential stakeholders who would participate in the conflict assessment.  

Table 2: Example of indicators to select conflict typologies

 

C. Stakeholder participation

Process 5: Formation of the Consultative Group (CG)

The objective of forming a Consultative Group (CG) was to have an influential group of decision-makers who would provide policy and directional guidance to the TWG and RGs and to use its stature to influence regional and national policy makers and the general public. Its mandate was bound within the objectives of the conflict assessment. The CG met on at least four occasions during the conflict assessment: 

  • First, to get to know the concept and approach of the conflict assessment, to provide advise prior to the conduct of the conflict assessment as well as to get to know the TWG and RGs;
  • Second, to jointly determine with the TWG the selection of the areas to be assessed as well as the process for selecting the Reference Group members. The CG provided valuable advice and guidance on all of these aspects and also confirmed the selection of the conflict assessment areas as well as the composition of the Reference Group members;
  • Third, to get regular updates on the progress of the conflict assessment to provide regular guidance and political support for the whole process;
  • Fourth, to serve as sounding board on the results of the assessment. The CG was also the central body for giving recommendations on the results of the assessment presented at the end of the process by members of the Reference Group. This was key for communicating the results of the assessment to political decision makers and thus connecting the different levels of political decision-making.

The formation of the CG was a key for the political legitimization and guidance of the conflict assessment. As such, it played an advisory and consultative role. To ensure that the group size remained manageable, the number of participants was kept at around 14. The CG represented the upper middle and top level (regional leaders) of the Lederach Pyramid as depicted in figure 3. In order to ensure the participation of regional stakeholders the group comprised the following:

  • Top and upper middle level religious leaders, namely, 3 persons - head of the Catholic archdiocese, bishop or head of the protestant church and spiritual/religious leader from an indigenous group
  • Top and upper middle level military leaders, namely, 2 persons from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police
  • Top and upper middle level political leaders, namely, 2 persons from the Regional Development Council (i.e. two governors)
  • Top and upper middle level business and civic leaders, either from the business sector (i.e. business chambers) as well as prominent civic organizations
  • Representatives of the Philippine political partner organisations and German Development Organisation (GTZ) as well as representatives from the donor community in Caraga, namely 2 persons from the Mindanao International Non-Governmental Organisations (MINGO) Forum. 

Figure 3:   Links between levels of the conflict assessment in relationship to Lederach’s model (compare method)

 

Process 6: Final selection and formation the Reference Groups

The idea of selecting the Reference Groups members was to:

  • Facilitate community involvement in analyzing the conflict situation and to identify potential and locally tested conflict resolution measures;
  • Collect the data on specific conflict contexts and the past conflict resolution attempts;
  • Communicate the status and direction of the joint conflict assessment;
  • Transfer the knowledge to the next level of decision-making and communicate with Consultative Group through the Technical Working Group;
  • Present own views and represent a cross-section of viewpoints and concerns on existing and potential issues affecting the communities/interest groups with regard to the identified conflict lines.


The RGs played the role as conduits for people to express their views and opinions over issues on access and control of resources and other pressing problems in their communities. With the mentoring and accompaniment of the TWG in the field the RGs acquired new skills in gathering primary data and analysis of the issues through the available data. They also learned to manage these in ways that would not create more tensions in the communities.
 

The final selection of the RG members was a complicated process. During the field visits the TWG had interacted with all key stakeholders in the area and jointly elaborated a list of potential RG members. The TWG members assessed the persons during interviews and a peer-review process. The peer review process was substantiated by additional information generated during the interviews. The key information consisted of biographical data and educational background, status in the community, experience in working with NGOs, local governments, donor programs, etc.

The selection criteria agreed upon in the concept paper then provided the basis for undertaking the final selection of the RG members. The final list of RG members who were selected based upon the criteria below was then presented to the CG for confirmation prior to contracts being finalised with each RG member. The following criteria were applied for selecting RG members:

  • The member is a stakeholder and/or affected by the respective conflict typology;
  • The member is timely available to participate in the conflict assessment;
  • The member is willing and able to share her or his perception on the respective conflict line in a consensus oriented manner;
  • The member is functionally literate;
  • Gender balance in RG membership;
  • In good state of health;
  • Willingness to travel;
  • Between 18-60 years of age;
  • At least five years residence in the area;
  • Not an ideological and religious zealot (to avoid debates over dogmatic and preconceived notions at the onset).


Given the heterogeneity and variances in personal and social development settings, attitudes and behaviour, it was important to minimize chances of spoilage and conflicts within the RGs. Addressing this proved to be a challenge during the selection process as it was not always possible to find potential members of the RG willing and able to participate.

 

Process 7: Training of the Reference Group members

With heterogeneity and first-time participation in research and conflict assessment the RG members had to be adequately prepared for the task. This was necessary to build confidence in individual group members, develop trust amongst themselves and ensure ownership of the whole process. Some of the topics trained included:

  • Warming up sessions, socialization and team building
  • Overview of the conflict assessment
  • Conflict assessment tools familiarization with at least one simulated exercise in conflict mapping, analysis and mediation
  • Training (including simulation) for conduct of KIIs and FGDs
  • Data quality checking, analysis and interpretation
  • Do No Harm orientation
  • Gender and cultural sensitivity orientation
  • Physical and data security orientation

D. Data gathering

Process 8: Setting up and ensuring conflict sensitive communication

The conduct of the conflict assessment needed to be communicated to the public. This was to preserve the reputation asset of the development organizations vis-à-vis both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippines National Police (PNP) and with the communist insurgents New Peoples Army (NPA). The conflict sensitive communication approach also served the purpose of helping to avoid any possible misinterpretations amongst the key stakeholders. Three basic rationales existed for formulating the conflict sensitive communications strategy:

  • Need to reach out to the public for learning and influencing behavioural change towards greater participation /co-ownership of the programme;
  • Need to prevent association with the government’s counter-insurgency programme and strategy and emphasize the developmental goal to build relationships and coalitions and promote social and political mobilization towards change;
  • Need to serve as platform for capacity building in strategic communications and to sustain communication systems and practices.


The following basic principles and orientation were adopted:

  • Transparency, clarity, accountability and impartiality. That meant ensuring all processes are transparent, participatory and properly communicated by always saying what you mean and meaning what you say to prevent the need for various stakeholders to decode messages into other meanings
  • Sensitivity to culture, language and gender
  • Providing room for feedback and correctives (i.e. audiences are able to engage the communications provider for comments, suggestions and corrections)
  • Effective internal communication (focused on the political partners and implementation partners as primary audiences) is used as instrument for effective management.
  • Sound external/public communication is used as instrument for building relationships and promoting coalition building and social and political mobilization for change.

 

Process 9: Conducting Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions (Data Gathering)

After the successful training, the RGs developed individual and group action plans, which identified key informants, community preparation activities and schedules for the Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The RG members then started the actual process of data collection. The task of the TWG was to coordinate the process and as well as to provide technical backstopping. The process of data gathering, analysis, assessment, and integration into an overall conflict assessment report is depicted in figure 4 (data collection and analysis 1a and 1b).

Figure 4: Flow diagram on data gathering and information processing

 

E. Data Analysis

Process 10: Data analysis and assessment by the reference groups

The results of the focus group discussions and key informant interviews produced a large amount of information, which had to be analysed and assessed. The Reference Group members undertook the initial data and information analysis with the guidance of the TWG. The data analysis process was further complicated by the fact that the information was often in the local language and had to be translated to English for analysis purposes. The different levels of education of the RG members also meant that the data analysis took longer than had been initially planned. The data analysis process required the skills and competencies of the TWG in order to ensure that the valid and essential data was extracted by the RG members from the wealth of data that had been collected. Not all the data could be analysed in the immediate aftermath of the conflict assessment. Some data analysis had to re-done at a later stage after it had been translated. An important lesson-learnt is that data handling and analysis at the end of the process has to be well thought through prior to undertaking the exercise.

The result of the initial data analysis of the Reference Groups was then shared amongst and between the different Reference Groups. This process was important to verify information and confirm the results of the assessment. The analysed information was subsequently compiled into an initial report for further presentation.

 

Process 11: Gaining overall acceptance of the results

One of the objectives of the overall process was also to provide a platform at which the RG members could present and discuss the findings and recommendations of the conflict assessment with key decision makers. Therefore, the analysed data and information compiled by the RGs was presented and discussed with the consultative group. The CG members in turn could share their impressions, perceptions and recommendations on the presented findings. The CG made some additional comments and proposals to be included in the final report. The whole presentation and discussion process provided an opportunity to share reflections on the results and recommendations of the conflict assessment.

A second important objective of the presentation and discussion was to gain and ensure the necessary political legitimacy of the process and attain political ownership of the results and recommendations. This was achieved through the presentation of the results by the conflict stakeholders themselves (e.g. the Reference Group members) and through the final decision and endorsement of the results by the Consultative Group. 

A third and longer term-objective was to gain acceptance by the reference group members to continue the process that had been initiated through the conflict assessment, meaning to search for solutions for addressing the conflicts.


This is probably one of the most important aspects of the participatory approach, namely that the assessment is really only one element of a whole conflict transformation process. The reference group members and the conflict stakeholders need to continue the process of searching for and implementing measures to resolve the conflicts sustainably.

 

Process 12: Elaboration of conflict assessment report

After presenting the key result and gaining the endorsement of the findings and recommendations by the Consultative Group, the elaboration of the conflict assessment report was undertaken. This not only required a thorough review of the results presented but also necessitated a further review of the wealth of data and information collected. The report followed a basic agreed upon structure. The report provides a very good basis for any future conflict assessment as well as the necessary benchmarks for monitoring and evaluation purposes at a later stage.
 

 

F. Follow-up measures

Process 13: Planning follow-up measures

The conflict assessment as a core process was successful.  As an output, it was delivered on time, following the plan and producing quality results.  As a midterm result, it has initiated a dialogue process and it has engaged the participation of the key stakeholders of Caraga region and also provided a valuable approach for improving the synergies between the key stakeholders in the region. It is important that follow-up measures are undertaken not only to maintain the dynamics that the conflict assessment helped to create but also to address and eventually assist in resolving some of the conflicts.

Measures could include assisting further negotiation, or mediation approaches, developing and implementing joint development activities as part of confidence building measures, and so on. Since not all the data could be analysed due to large volume of text information, it would be important to go through the data again and re-assess it to derive further indications of the conflict situation in the region.

A detailed proposal on who will undertake what as far as follow-up measures is concerned was then completed.  

 

Photo 5: The importance of considering children and youth

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Summary of main challenges: overcome:

  • Capacity of stakeholders: Since the RGs had different levels of capacity, the three day training was not sufficient for many to have the confidence to conduct the KIIs, and more so the FGDs themselves. In some cases, TWG members had to step in and facilitate the process themselves, which was not intended. Some interviews became too long as interviewers did not feel confident to cut off discussions of issues not relevant to the conflict assessment.
Documentation skills also varied and expecting the RGs to not only document but also refrain from injecting their interpretations proved difficult and required constant monitoring by the TWG.
RGs had difficulties in building trust and convincing the stakeholders of the nature, the objectives and the uses of the conflict assessment, especially the “doubting and suspicious” ones. They experienced limited cooperation or hesitance by some to reveal some information for fear of reprisals.
Timely submission of documentation forms was also a challenge. This could likewise be attributed to the varied capacities of the RG member in documenting.
  • Language: Each typology team had at least one member who could not speak and understand the local vernacular. This made translating information from local vernacular to English a tedious and time-consuming process.
Translating and encoding the raw data (from KII and FGD proceedings) could have been partly improved by hiring translators and encoders.
If the process involves working in the local language, adequate resources need to be provided for translation. Especially for the extensive data and information collected through the focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
  • Information handling: The wealth of information that was generated exceeded all expectations and proved hard to handle. Not least because of the fact that much of the information was in the local language and needed to be translated for further handling purposes. There is still a great deal of knowledge to be gleaned from the information that was gathered. This requires further review and analysis of the information. The use of experienced documenters is advisable for fast documentation of the collected data. Moreover, a clear agreement on tools and methods of data analysis could have provided more guidance for the actual analysis phase. A more structured form of data gathering and handling should be developed.
Confidentiality had to be ensured, but this proved challenging in some areas where there was no proper venue to conduct both the KIIs and FGDs. This made it necessary to ensure that the situation in the area after the KII/FGD was monitored to ensure that no conflict discussed during the assessment then created a new conflict or activated a latent one.
  • Need for critical reflection: Sufficient time is needed for the critical reflection processes regarding the use of the data collection tools and overall conflict assessment methodology, especially as far as data analysis and quality assurance is concerned. Critical reflection can be undertaken in form of peer-to-peer reviews. This can help to level off the skills and expertise in diverse. Once the implementation process has started to continuously observe the ongoing dynamics (rumours, security, and manipulation).

 Photo 6: Training the Reference Group members

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  • Time requirements: Undertaking such a complicated conflict assessment within a three-month period of time stretched all the logistical and administrative arrangements to their limits. Although more time would have been better it would also have been difficult to sustain the momentum of the process over a longer period of time.
  • Geography and logistics: Some areas are difficult to reach; they are either in remote or insecure areas requiring extensive security clearance. In some cases the RG and TWG had to hike to the remoter areas, this meant that less time was available for the KII and FGD. A modality has to be developed for travelling to and working in remote and insecure areas and it is important to ensure sufficient time is made available for this process.
  • Private sector involvement: Need to include all viewpoints, including private sector. This is not always possible during the fieldwork and may have to be undertaken separately from the reference group meetings. In some cases the private sector are also not living in the conflict areas and need to be contacted in other towns in Mindanao or even in the capital Manila. This process is impossible for the Reference Group members and it is therefore necessary for the TWG members to undertake such interviews in order to ensure that the private sector is properly represented in the process.
  • Length of commitment of stakeholders: The length of time that the RG members will be expected to participate in the process was too long for some. In some cases landowners were busy with harvesting and could not participate in the process. They were only available as key informants.
  • Clarification of roles, functions and internal communication: Important is to clarify at the outset how the team is to be organised, how the participatory process is to be undertaken and what level of participation will be expected. Also important is to clarify roles and responsibilities and assign clear leadership roles at the start of the process. Communication mechanisms and flows amongst and between the different TWGs should be agreed upon early on and need to be practised and followed by all members. This includes informing each other during the process through short daily reports, thus allowing an exchange of information between the TWG members assigned to the different typologies.

 

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Further suggestions:

  • In view of the considerable strains placed on the teams, it would be advisable to put into place an internal conflict resolution mechanism.
  • The participatory aspect of the conflict assessment already empowered the RG members. This has to be followed-up. This can be in form of capacity development, strengthening their skills in conflict transformation, mediation, negotiation and also undertaking confidence building measures (e.g. livelihoods or poverty reduction measures).
  • The RG members should be given the possibility to connect amongst themselves (inter and intra typology connections) in order to exchange their experiences.
  • As part of the ownership aspect the results of the conflict assessment should be communicated and discussed on community level (popularization) as quickly as possible after completion of the conflict assessment This would also help to promote their cooperation in follow-up processes (e.g. through a road show presenting the results as a first follow-up measure).
  • It is also important that the long-term effects of the conflict assessment continue to be monitored.
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References and Sources Used

BMZ, GTZ, KfW; 2008, Peace and Conflict Assessment (PCA): A methodological framework for the conflict- and peace-oriented alignment of development programmes, GTZ Eschborn, Germany

BMZ, June 2005, Übersektorales Konzept zur Krisenprävention, Konfliktbearbeitung und Friedensförderung in der deutschen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit (Strategy for Peacebuilding) Bonn, Germany

Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, May 2004, Aktionsplan Zivile Krisenprävention, Konfliktlösung und Friedenskonsolidierung, Bonn, Germany

Government of Philippines, 1993, National Unification Commission Report, Six Paths to Peace, Manila, Philippines

Kerstan, Birgit; et al June 2008. Final report on the Fact Finding Study for the Development of the Caraga Region, Commissioned by Government the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany

Paffenholz, Thania, Reychler, Luc, 2007, Aid for Peace: A guide to planning and evaluation for conflict zones; Nomos Verlag Baden-Baden

Quitoriano, Eddie L. 2009 Caraga Participatory Conflict Assessment: The current Context (Contextual Analysis) Draft Report, GTZ Caraga

Quitoriano, Eddie L (ed.); Alquiza, Walter; Anghag, Philip; Cruz, Ember; Dela Tore, Irene; Frohwein, Pia; Hilario, Maricel Paz; Jaeger, Daniel; Riechers, Miriam; 2009, Resource based Conflicts in the Caragar egion, Findings of the Participatory Conflict Analysis, GTZ Caraga

Schall, Nikolaus; Frohwein, Pia, 2009 „It’s all about Change“ Concept paper for a Participatory Conflict Analysis in Caraga Region, GTZ Caraga

Related Methods

Conflict Sensitivity and Risk Management
    http://www.methodfinder.net/method85.html

Conflict Analysis
    http://www.methodfinder.net/method59.html

Do No Harm
    http://www.methodfinder.net/method57.html

Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA)
    http://www.methodfinder.net/method60.html

Territorial Approach for Sustainable Livelihoods
    http://www.methodfinder.net/method89.html