Fragile states

Service delivery

A key donor concern is ensuring the quality, sustainability and accessibility of basic services, particularly for the poor. This is particularly hard in fragile states as the state is unlikely to be an effective service provider and the private sector may well be entirely absent. Using NGOs for service delivery is a possibility, but bypassing the state is problematic in geographical areas where it is important to build state capacity.

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Where is a good place to start?

Berry, C., Forder, A., Sultan, S. and Moreno-Torres, M., 2004, 'Approaches to Improving the Delivery of Social Services in Difficult Environments' PRDE team working paper 3, UK Department for International Development (DFID).
What are the challenges faced by external actors in supporting service delivery in difficult environments (SDDE)? This working paper from the UK Department of International Development asks what type of approaches, and under what conditions, improve human development outcomes and build pro-poor government-led systems in fragile states. It argues that the international community should emphasise service delivery as a key entry point to further development in countries that are unable and/or unwilling to reduce poverty.
Full text available online

Service delivery case studies

The following collection of case studies provides useful insights into the realities of delivering services in fragile states.

Berry, C. and Igboemeka, n.d. 'Service Provision in Difficult Environments: Issues Arising from DFID Support to Health Sector Interventions in Burma, Afghanistan and Nepal', Department for International Development, London
What are the key ways in which the International Community can overcome “difficult partnerships” with states? How can the design and implementation of sectoral policies have the maximum positive impact on poor people? What forms and channels of aid exist to allow the involvement of the international community without aggravating social and political divisions? This DFID paper uses three DFID-funded health sector interventions to answer these questions.
Full text available online

Carlson, C., de Lamalle, JP., Fustukian, S. et al, n.d., 'Improving the Delivery of Health and Education Services in Difficult Environments: Lessons from Case Studies', DFID Health Systems Resource Centre, London
How can service delivery interventions be improved in difficult environments? This report by the United Kingdom Government's Department for International Development (DFID) analyses the situation in a range of so-called 'difficult environments'. It argues that, while it is commonly acknowledged that poverty alleviation requires more aid, better trade and progress on debt relief, there is little information on the most effective aid instruments and channels in supporting pro-poor basic social services. It makes recommendations for changes in the way aid is delivered.
Full text available online

Dijkzeul, D., 2005, 'Models for Service Delivery in Conflict-affected Environments: Drawing Lessons from the Experience of the Ushirika/GBV Partnership Programmes in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo', International Rescue Committee
How can service delivery be effective in conflict-affected environments? This report for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), UK analyses the Ushirika/GBV partnership programmes in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It compares the IRC approach with five other organisations working in the country.
Full text available online

Berry, C. et al., 2004, 'Service Delivery in Difficult Environments: The Case of Nepal', Nepal Country Office and Policy Division, Department for International Development, London
What are the challenges for service delivery in difficult environments? What lessons can be learnt from the conflict areas of Nepal? How effective are different strategies for delivering services to the poor and the vulnerable? This collaborative report from the DFID Nepal Office, Asia Policy Regional Policy Unit and DFID Policy Division (PD), describes the different approaches development agencies have used to support service delivery in Nepal and highlights key areas for future support.
Full text available online

Moreno-Torres, M., 2005, 'Service Delivery in a Difficult Environment: the Child-friendly Community Initiative in Sudan', Department for International Development, London
The UNICEF-sponsored Child-Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) represents an integrated, multi-sectoral and community-driven approach for the delivery of basic services to poor and vulnerable people in Sudan. What are the main achievements of CFCI? How does it differ from other donor interventions aiming to enhance service delivery? Compiled for the Department for International Development, this case study examines the effectiveness of the CFCI approach in Sudan and attempts to draw lessons for donors on service delivery in other fragile states.
Full text available online

Social funds

Several donors are now exploring the use of social funds in difficult environments as a way of providing aid to improve service delivery. For more on this, please see the 'Enhancing aid effectiveness' page of this guide

What other resources are available on the GSDRC?

For more general resources on this topic, please see the GSDRC's topic guides to Civil Service Reform and Service Delivery. The Service Delivery guide has a specific page on service delivery in challenging environments.

Use the site search at the top of this page if you wish to look for wider resources on fragile states and service delivery.

Additional information resources

Eldis has recently launched an online resource guides to education in fragile states and health service delivery in difficult environments.

UNRISD's Public Sector Reform and Crisis-Ridden States programme explores the impact of civil service reform on service delivery in fragile states.

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