Why We Need to Work More Effectively in Fragile States

Why has aid not reduced poverty in fragile states? Why do donors need to work more effectively in fragile states, and how should they go about this? This policy paper from the Department for International Development (DFID) brings together the latest analysis from DFID and others on how to make development more effective in fragile states. It sets out some objectives and makes commitments about how DFID will work differently in the future.

Fragile states cannot or will not deliver what citizens need to live decent, secure lives. They cannot or will not tackle poverty. They are the most difficult environments in the world and working with them is complex, costly and carries significant risks. As a result, donors have often avoided aiding them or relied on humanitarian responses, which do nothing to address chronic state weakness. An emphasis on rewarding countries with relatively effective governments and stable macroeconomic policies has led to further neglect of fragile states, and aid that has been given has often been delivered badly.