ABOUT
PSP REFRACT
REFRACT- Resilience and Fragility in Action is a Policy Supporting Programme (PSP) funded by the ‘Flemish Interuniversity Council’ (VLIRUOS) and the ‘Academie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Superieur’ (ARES). This project is carried out on behalf of the Belgian Directorate for Development cooperation and humanitarian Aid (DGD) and implemented by a consortium of researchers from Belgian and African Universities.
OUR AMBITION
We critically examine the evolving dynamics of fragility and resilience amid escalating crises. By engaging with policymakers and exploring the causes, lived experiences, and impacts of these crises, we want to inform policy responses. Through rigorous analysis and collaborative dialogue, we propose innovative and inclusive strategies that are firmly grounded in the daily realities of affected by these crises, and that strengthen resilience while addressing systemic drivers of fragility.
OUR APPROACH
We advance knowledge and inform policy through research conducted within a structured framework comprising four thematic work packages and two cross-cutting work packages:
Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus:
This work package examines the challenges of implementing the HDP triple nexus in local contexts. It offers actionable recommendations to address these challenges and enhance the integration of humanitarian, development, and peace efforts.
Localisation of Aid:
Focusing on empowering local actors in development interventions and humanitarian responses, this package seeks to clarify the concept of localisation and tackle barriers hindering its effective implementation in fragile contexts, thereby promoting a more inclusive aid agenda.
Civic Space and the "Leave No One Behind" Principle:
This work package explores the difficulties faced by civil society actors operating in fragile, conflict-affected, and increasingly authoritarian environments. It aims to identify approaches that foster resilience and inclusion in shrinking civic spaces.
Political Economy of Conflict and Civil War:
Addressing the evolving dynamics of conflict and fragility, this package investigates the political and economic dimensions of conflicts, civil wars and authoritarian contexts, with the aim to suggest new approaches and adapt existing policy frameworks.
Methodological and Epistemological Challenges:
This cross-cutting package focuses on research methodologies suited to fragile contexts, emphasizing ethical and collaborative practices that respect and incorporate local knowledge and perspectives.
Gender Lab:
It applies intersectional gender analysis to the key societal, political, economic and environmental challenges and contentions studied across all the thematic work packages. It integrates feminist methodologies, participatory approaches, and policy engagement to promote gender equality and social justice in resilience-building efforts in fragile contexts.
WHERE DO WE WORK
Our geographic focus includes the Sahel and the Great Lakes region of Africa, with a particular focus on Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.
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