This volume is a collection of papers that examine the prospects for reconstruction in Angola from the community perspective. The papers are based on research carried out in 1996 and 1997 (mainly by Angolan researchers) that examined how rural and peri-urban communities have been affected by war, displacement and the many other changes of the colonial and post-colonial periods. There is also a complementary paper on the historical context for reconstruction.
The papers draw attention to the diversity of Angolan society. They also draw attention to the risks in planning reconstruction interventions without taking into account the experience of different communities, in mechanically applying development models imposed from outside, or reconstituting a former status quo. Despite the extremely difficult circumstances, communities adopted strategies that allowed them to survive many years of turbulence and rapid change. This is a potential for reconstruction. As one of the papers concludes, what is needed now is new thinking about how to realise that potential.
Published by: Development Workshop & Action for Rural Development and Environment/Acção para o Desenvolvimento Rural e Ambiente (ADRA).
Edited by: Paul Robson