German gov't sets peace-building projects in Caraga

MANILA, Philippines - German and Filipino development workers are cooperating with Region 13 local government units and civil society members in implementing a long-term, integrated program of poverty reduction through peace-building in the Caraga region.

The program supported by the German government aims at addressing the structural causes of the region’s conflicts, most of which have to do with inequitable access to land and overlapping claims of land tenure, resulting in poor economic development and the exploitative depletion of the region’s resources.

“Resource-based conflicts tend to result in unequal economic growth, severe poverty, environmental degradation, weak institutions, and marginalization of entire population groups, particularly the indigenous peoples and women,” according to Holger Zahn, program manager of German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).

Already in progress is one of the program’s core elements – a participatory conflict analysis involving interviews with a wide representation of Caraga stakeholders, many of whom are in the middle of conflict situations. These stakeholders from uplands, agricultural and coastal areas could shed light on the roots and dimensions of various conflicts by sharing their personal or in-depth knowledge. 

According to Zahn, the main advantage of a participatory approach over an externally driven analysis is its potential to achieve genuine dialogue and motivate the stakeholders themselves into taking ownership for conflict transformation. Furthermore, it helps ensure the legitimacy of processes, decisions and peace-building measures to be undertaken, he added.

“The conduct of a participatory conflict analysis is an important part of the overall intervention. By its characteristics and inclusive nature, the participatory analysis will promote empowerment and increase the likelihood for sustainability,” he explained. 

The conflict analysis will gather people’s perceptions and impressions towards a better understanding of the Caraga situation. It will not just be about uncovering the background of Caraga’s prevalent social and political disputes but hearing out proposed solutions, as well. Lessons from previous peace-building initiatives will also be surveyed. 

The participatory conflict analysis will lay the groundwork for a broader development mission in the region. Beginning 2011, the two governments will implement the integrated peace building and poverty reduction program called “Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management” or COSERAM.

“During the interim phase prior to COSERAM, we will draw up and test appropriate conflict transformation strategies and plan specific activities to support the people of Caraga in dealing with resource-based conflicts effectively,” Zahn said. These activities include technical assistance in agro-forestry, coastal management, agriculture and the municipal management of resources such as water, which aim at directly benefitting the local population.