Three ways to jumpstart a resilient recovery in countries affected by fragility and conflict
By Samuel Munzele Maimbo and Stefan Emblad
: they are in the crosshairs of a pandemic that has increased poverty, while also still contending with the underlying causes and consequences of conflict.
According to UNOCHA, violent conflicts are at a 30-year high. that up to two thirds of extreme poverty worldwide will be concentrated in fragile settings by 2030. And we are also experiencing the . —especially not for countries and communities that are caught in an unprecedented confluence of challenges.
Our goal must therefore be more bold: a status quo. This requires taking a holistic approach that protects human capital, creates jobs and economic opportunities, tackles climate change, and enhances food security in the most vulnerable countries.
How would this play out on the ground? The World Bank has worked with partners for years to lay the foundation to bolster large scale recoveries through the nternational Development Association (IDA) — the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. Since the beginning of the pandemic, has reached $11.6 billion in commitments to (FCS), of which almost half are grants. Much of this is part of a larger, historic IDA19 commitment of $26 billion to FCS made in December 2019.
These For example, as Somalia and Sudan begin re-engaging with IDA, they are receiving critical resources to seize a historic opportunity of transitioning out of conflict and building resilience.
Today, ahead of a new IDA20 replenishment, our financing and expertise are focused on the immediate response while simultaneously keeping a keen eye on three key themes which are critical for a resilient and inclusive longer-term recovery.
Focus on the most vulnerable populations is critical
—all of which are interconnected and crucial to building resilience. IDA funding supports communities as they address the impacts of COVID-19 while simultaneously building for the future.
To safeguard learning in times of crisis, for example, existing projects have been reworked and scaled up. In Nigeria, IDA’s project has been expanded to include digital self-study packages sent to students through free, and WhatsApp, while in Niger, a $140 million investment is scaling up distance-learning programs. These investments keep educators and children in virtual classrooms and help preserve the human capital of youth to ensure they can seize future economic opportunities and jobs.
Similarly, grants for , filling a critical social welfare gap and immediate dire need, especially in the most food insecure households. This helps avoid both famine, malnutrition and stunting which again contribute to the health and economic prospects of the recipients and the economies into the future. A regional set up after the major Ebola outbreak in West Africa five years ago has now ensured that sub-Saharan Africa is much better prepared in the face of COVID-19.
An additional $2.2 billion IDA investment in refugees and host communities has helped support vulnerable populations, with operations across . , for example, enables the country’s response to COVID-19 by investing in health infrastructure and the recruitment of medical staff, but also provides cash transfers to refugees and host community populations to counter the economic impact of the health crisis.
Our complements essential humanitarian relief with the longer-term development assistance needed to create economic opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and put in place more inclusive policies in host countries to support refugees.
Jobs and economic opportunity can drive stability and social cohesion
Around 23 million more people in FCS fell into extreme poverty in 2020 as a result of COVID-19. And For example, in Burkina Faso the number of internally displaced persons in February 2020 was seven times higher than a year earlier — and one year later, .
, stability, social cohesion and ultimately peace. In low income and fragile markets, the IDA is focused on promoting investment and preserving livelihoods. In , for example, it is helping one of the country’s leading microfinance institutions extend financing to small and medium enterprises and agribusinesses.
IDA invests in both public and private sector pathways to ensure no one is left behind. For example, in Afghanistan—where women’s participation in public life holds the keys for a more inclusive and prosperous future—the TAGHIR (Change) project is , so that they can be full participants in their nation’s development.
Climate change and food insecurity must be addressed
Climate change and climate-related shocks disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable. And , where IDA is .
Eleven of the 12 anticipated acute food insecurity “hotspots” over the next 12 months—Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, and Zimbabwe—are classified as FCS.
However, the fact that all these countries are also served by IDA presents a real opportunity to prevent and mitigate food crises. For example, to support the recovery of livelihoods and infrastructure in flood- and drought-affected areas, while building long-term resilience to COVID-19 and the recent locust outbreak that have threatened food security.
to ensure progress on the longer-term agenda of laying the foundations for peace, stability, and prosperity.