Abstract
The recovery of agriculture after conflict comprises a complex mix of challenges:
those of agricultural development combined with those dealing with the impacts
of conflict. Within this, it would be difficult to come across a development
intervention nowadays that would not describe its activities as ‘sustainable’. Yet
just as there are more – and less – sustainable agricultural approaches in stable
regions, similarly the types of agriculture that are being promoted in post-conflict
situations may also vary widely in terms of their multipurpose effectiveness over
time. This chapter addresses the nature of agricultural approaches in post-conflict
situations as they relate to sustainability of the natural resource base. Taking as its
standpoint that – just as in a non-conflict situation – a more agroecological approach
is essential for sustainability; it questions the extent to which current agricultural
rehabilitation efforts are taking an agroecological approach and identifies the
constraints to this. Two examples are used from post-conflict environments: the
resettlement of detainees in northern Sri Lanka, and the rehabilitation of orchards
in Afghanistan. Some best practise options are identified.
those of agricultural development combined with those dealing with the impacts
of conflict. Within this, it would be difficult to come across a development
intervention nowadays that would not describe its activities as ‘sustainable’. Yet
just as there are more – and less – sustainable agricultural approaches in stable
regions, similarly the types of agriculture that are being promoted in post-conflict
situations may also vary widely in terms of their multipurpose effectiveness over
time. This chapter addresses the nature of agricultural approaches in post-conflict
situations as they relate to sustainability of the natural resource base. Taking as its
standpoint that – just as in a non-conflict situation – a more agroecological approach
is essential for sustainability; it questions the extent to which current agricultural
rehabilitation efforts are taking an agroecological approach and identifies the
constraints to this. Two examples are used from post-conflict environments: the
resettlement of detainees in northern Sri Lanka, and the rehabilitation of orchards
in Afghanistan. Some best practise options are identified.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Challenging Post Conflict Environments: Sustainable Agriculture. |
| Publisher | Ashgate Publishing Ltd |
| Pages | 103-115 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781317168720 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |