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Measuring Achievements of Private Sector Development in Conflict-Affected Environments
Indicators should be tailored to the identified conflict risks and linked to project activities and expected
outcomes. They must be informed by the conflict assessment, as different conflicts will have different
observable effects. 37 Indicators can act as early warning signs of conflict and enable programme staff to
understand the long-term effects of the programme and manage it accordingly.
At the activity level, simple indicators can serve as early warning systems of the conflict. For example,
the SEED programme in Somalia used the following indicators:
Boycott of programme meetings by invited parties
Unofficial meetings with a negative agenda convened locally to discuss the programme
Reluctance by state officials, interest groups, or programme clients to participate in programme
interventions
Complaints from state officials or community leaders of non-involvement/non-recognition
Segregation of certain organized interest groups/individuals in community mobilization
processes
Lack of participation by stakeholders in project interventions
Threats to staff/partners
Expression of grievances or discontent around resource distribution
Use of political, social or economic influence to interfere with programme interventions
For more indicator examples and details on their use, see the full case study of the SEED programme on
the DCED website.
The close monitoring of such indicators – as well as vigilant observation by programme staff of
unexpected or unusual behaviours – can provide early warning to a project of potential dangers.
Nevertheless, recognize that a project can never anticipate all potential sources of conflict and your
conflict indicators will therefore never be comprehensive. Remain vigilant for other sources of conflict
that are not captured by your indicators.
At the output and outcome level, indicators should be defined that are relevant to the conflict and the
programme. Examples are given in the table below.
Table 3:
Defining Indicators to Test Conflict-Relevant Risks
Box from the
Results Chain
Jobs created
Risk
Project resources are seen to (or
actually do) favour some groups over
others
Conflict-Sensitive PSD Indicator
Beneficiaries’ perceptions of fairness of job
distribution.
Percentage of individuals in project area who
a) Are aware of the beneficiary targeting
criteria.
b) Believe that the targeting criteria are fair.
37 Conflict-Sensitive Approaches to Development, Humanitarian Assistance and Peace Building Resource Pack,
2004.
Practical Guidelines for Implementing the DCED Standard. Version 2, July 2013
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