| Publication |
2010.
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| Summary/Abstract |
Based on fieldwork and using two case studies from contemporary Lebanon, this article critically appraises indigenous responses to under-development and post-war reconstruction. Indigenous initiatives and methods have become popular among international organisations and international non-governmental organisations in development and reconstruction activities. There is a danger, however, in over-romanticising these approaches. While they hold advantages, they also hold potential risks, especially in the context of a deeply divided society. The article draws on the Waad initiative in Beirut's southern suburbs and the activities of the Future Movement in Tripoli to assess the usefulness of indigenous responses to reconstruction. After outlining the cases, four issues are discussed: the politicisation of indigenous assistance in deeply divided societies; the extent to which indigenous approaches to reconstruction can be participatory; the extent to which internationally-supported indigenous assistance can be usefully labelled as 'indigenous'; and the ability of non-state social actors to reinforce or undermine the state. Although drawing on Lebanese examples, it is hoped that the issues raised have relevance to other cases (especially in deeply divided societies) and connect with policy debates on the desirability of indigenous responses to reconstruction and development challenges.
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