Forced migration has been common in Angola for the last century, and has been experienced in the last 20 years by several million Angolans. This Occasional Paper examines processes of social change in Angola, especially recent forced migration to the peri-urban areas of the large cities, and the resulting weakening of social networks and solidarity. These changes, in their turn, make it difficult for peri-urban residents to organise collective action to resolve common problems.
This paper argues that reconstruction in Angola must include assistance to civil society at grassroots: to the rebuilding of networks of mutual assistance, community organisations and their links with the front-line-service providers of local government. This approach to supporting governance and civil society should emphasise the creation of trust and accountability. Reconstruction is a long-term process but should begin urgently.
Published by: Development Workshop & Action for Rural Development and Environment/Acção para o Desenvolvimento Rural e Ambiente (ADRA).
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