Country: North Kivu, DRC
Sector: Livelihoods, Conflict Recovery
Background:
An international NGO sought to evaluate the socio-economic recovery of conflict-affected households in North Kivu, focusing on livelihoods, market participation, and access to services. The goal was to design long-term reintegration programs for returnees and host communities.
Approach:
Using a mix of household surveys, focus groups, and market mapping tools, we profiled 900 households in conflict-prone zones. We assessed income recovery, food security, coping strategies, and asset rebuilding.
Special attention was given to female-headed households, demobilized youth, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Findings:
Over 70% of respondents had no stable income source. Subsistence farming had resumed but yields were 38% lower than pre-conflict averages. Markets were disrupted, and access to microcredit remained limited. Social cohesion indicators were low, with persistent tensions over land.
