深度-海外发展研究所-新冠疫情：本地化的含义。阿富汗和巴基斯坦的案例研究（英文）-2021.6-52页_1mb

报告摘要

Summary of "Covid-19: implications for localisation – A case study of Afghanistan and Pakistan"

Core Content

This paper explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the localisation of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It evaluates how the crisis has influenced the shift towards more locally led humanitarian action, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for local and national organisations (LNOs). The study is part of broader research on localisation, conducted by the Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG) in collaboration with the Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG) and GLOW Consultants.

Main Findings

Localisation Progress: The pandemic has accelerated the recognition of LNOs' role in humanitarian response, particularly in reaching vulnerable communities in hard-to-access areas. However, this progress has not been matched by structural changes that would reflect the central role of LNOs in decision-making and leadership.
Funding Inequality: While funding increased during the pandemic, the majority of it still flowed to international organisations (INGOs) and the United Nations (UN), with only a small proportion (6% in Pakistan and 2.3% in Afghanistan) directly reaching LNOs. Larger LNOs had better access to funding and resources, while smaller ones remained under-resourced and dependent on intermediaries.
Remote Working and Digital Inequalities: Remote coordination became essential due to travel restrictions, increasing participation for LNOs. However, digital inequalities, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, limited the effectiveness of online coordination. Local actors also faced challenges in maintaining personal engagement, which is vital for building trust and relationships.
Capacity Building Gaps: LNOs reported inadequate support from international partners in transitioning to a locally led model. Online training initiatives opened up new opportunities for capacity development, but long-term, robust support was lacking.
Leadership and Coordination: Although online platforms allowed greater participation by LNOs in coordination forums, leadership roles remained dominated by international actors. There is a need to expand and formalise the roles of LNOs in decision-making processes.

Key Challenges

Power Imbalances: Despite the increased role of LNOs, power dynamics within the humanitarian sector have not fundamentally changed, with international actors still holding significant influence.
Security and Access: In Afghanistan, the security environment and access challenges have further limited the capacity of LNOs to operate effectively, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Resource Constraints: LNOs often lacked the necessary resources to ensure staff safety and respond to the increased risks associated with the pandemic.

Recommendations

Localisation Priorities: Local actors should be given the space to define and commit to localisation priorities tailored to their specific contexts. This can be facilitated through dedicated working groups within national coordination structures.
Diversified Partnerships: International actors should diversify their partnerships to include more LNOs, especially smaller organisations, to ensure a broader and more inclusive humanitarian response.
Fund Allocation: Donors should allocate a specific proportion of their funds directly to LNOs, such as through Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs), to reduce dependency on international actors and increase flexibility in project design.
Leadership Inclusion: Coordination forums should ensure that LNO representatives are included in leadership roles, either through election or appointment, to promote more equitable decision-making.
Inclusive Coordination: Coordination mechanisms should be multilingual and accessible to encourage full participation from LNOs. The use of digital tools should be continued and expanded where feasible.
Capacity Strengthening: International actors should invest in long-term capacity-building initiatives for LNOs, enabling them to independently manage complex humanitarian projects. This includes training in funding proposal development and support for administrative costs.

Conclusion

The pandemic has created an opportunity for a more locally led humanitarian response in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, the extent to which this will lead to long-term, system-wide change remains uncertain. The study highlights the need for structural and cultural shifts to support a truly localised model, ensuring that LNOs are not only included but also empowered to lead and shape humanitarian action.

Key Information

Authors: Zaki Ullah, Saeed Ullah Khan, Eranda Wijewickrama
Date: June 2021
Institutions: Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG), Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG), GLOW Consultants (Pvt) Limited
Countries Studied: Afghanistan and Pakistan
Methodology: Mixed methods including 50 key informant interviews (KII) and a survey with 120 responses
Funding Trends: In 2020, LNOs received only a small proportion of humanitarian funding in both countries
Impact on Local Actors: Increased recognition and participation, but limited structural change and resource support

Acronyms

LNO: Local and/or national organisation
INGO: International non-governmental organisation
CBPF: Country-Based Pooled Fund
UNOCHA: United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
ACBAR: Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief and Development
WHO: World Health Organization
ACAPS: Asia-Pacific Centre for the Study of Conflict and Peace
HAG: Humanitarian Advisory Group
HPG: Humanitarian Policy Group
PIANGO: Pacific Island Association of NGOs
KII: Key informant interview

Figures and Tables

Figure 1: Trends in humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Figure 2: Level of respect and collaboration with LNOs by type of organisation
Figure 3: Humanitarian funding distribution in 2020 (by organisation type)
Figure 4: Impact of Covid-19 on funding availability by organisation type
Figure 5: Flexibility in funding due to the pandemic by organisation type
Figure 6: Impact of the pandemic on staff capacity
Figure 7: Support for capacity strengthening of LNOs by organisation type
Figure 8: Potential for long-term change in localisation due to the pandemic
Table 1: Details of key informant interviews
Table 2: Details of survey respondents
Table 3: Humanitarian funding needs and contributions
Table 4: Direct funding allocation to LNOs through CBPFs