Clues in the Labyrinth

Yesterday’s blogosphere storm of criticism on the MSF video hit a soft spot in the humanitarian aid crowd. MSF wanted to change the way they’re showing what they’re doing. Some links to where the discussion took place: Osocio, The Road to the Horizon, Duckrabbit, Aidwatch and Aidthoughts.

MSF was aware of the change in portaying their work and asked for feedback, which they dealt with through engaging in the blogosphere. I myself largely agree with the criticism that MSF has crossed a line towards cheap tearjerking, but I especially like the point made in Aidthoughts that this is not the way we should talk about crisis zones.

Although I am critical towards the video, as far as I am concerned the real criticism should not target MSF alone, but also those who decide to donate to MSF because of cynical videos like these. After all, listeners and senders tune in to each other.

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Not too long ago I asked Fatmira if I was allowed tell her story. She told me I could, provided I present it anonymously. Fatmira is not her real name, the organisations mentioned do not exist. The tale, however, is real.

After the international military intervention, Fatmira worked for DST for several years. As the engaged person she is, she rapidly climbed the internal organizational ladder to become manager of the department for peace initiatives. But, after some good years the inevitable happened: DST left the country and the local staff was destined look for another job.

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The Do No Harm approach (DNH) was designed in the 1990s as a tool for designing, evaluating and re-designing aid and development cooperation programs in a conflict context. The approach has been designed on the basis of the experience of many NGOs in the field. Here I want to give a quick and practical overview on how it works and what questions to ask. For a more thorough approach be sure to check out Mary B. Anderson’s older publication, but nonetheless useful Do No Harm. How Aid can Support Peace – Or War and the wealth of information at the Collaborative of Development Action’s (CDA) website: www.cdainc.com. CDA has been the key player in getting this tool developed, published and implemented.

Society impacts are central, not project results

DNH is a tool looking at a project’s impact in society. Not by looking solely at the beneficiaries of a program but more looking at the wider societal impact of a program of project, especially in (post-)conflict regions.

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