The aim of this project is to investigate the impacts of Covid-19 responses on conflict dynamics in fragile and conflict affected regions, to document examples of conflict sensitive Covid-19 responses that have the potential to contribute to peacebuilding rather than accentuating conflict, and to collate lessons learned to inform practice, policy and decision-making in northern Kenya, as well as in other contexts and during future crises.
Specifically, the project team will collect data on Covid-19 responses and conflict dynamics in northern Kenya by working in collaboration with the Pastoralists Alliance for Resilience and Adaptation in Northern Rangelands (PARAN Alliance). PARAN Alliance members will participate in an initial interview to reflect on how responses to the pandemic have impacted conflict dynamics and then asked to complete weekly diary entries over a period of eight months providing updates on the Covid-19 response and conflict dynamics where they work. IMPACT will use the data generated to produce new guidance for local county governments on conflict-sensitive responses to future crises and disseminate project findings through policy briefs and webinars targeting international policymakers and practitioners working in the area of conflict and humanitarian response.