Paper short abstract:

Programmes for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants in Sierra Leone and Liberia were more effective where a more participatory approach was taken.

Paper long abstract:

Can programmes for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants be made more effective by taking a more participatory approach? These programmes are increasing recognised as having a role play in peacebuilding. But they have often fail to live up to the expectations. Ex-combatants may fail to find work, and women and girls can be overlooked. The need for a more holistic, integrated approach to DDR has long been recognised, but rarely achieved.

This study uses the concept of "participation" from development discourse, to look at reintegration in Sierra Leone and Liberia. A participatory approach allows potential stakeholders to have a say in how interventions are designed and implemented. The study is based on original field work with ex-combatants in both countries (focus groups and a survey), and interviews with a wide range of stakeholders.

It finds that participation (which is only seen to a limited extent) is a useful framework for assessing reintegration programmes. Participatory approaches are associated with better programme outcomes for ex-combatants, in terms of employment, relations with the community, and living conditions. Detailed qualitative data also point to the underlying mechanism through which participation and ownership (or their absence) affect the overall task of peacebuilding.

Participation is seen as helping to rebuild social capital. The wider agenda of peacebuilding, which is ultimately what DDR is supposed to be part of, is supported by a participatory approach to reintegration, and undermined by one in which there is little ownership by those directly involved.