Problematic Ideological Humanitarianism: Generating More Resilient Markets but More Fragile Beneficiaries

ABSTRACT This paper discusses circumstances under which post-conflict humanitarian-development interventions may post success despite exacerbating population’s vulnerability. It concerns Mercy Corps’ (MC) Revitalisation of Agricultural Incomes and New Markets (RAIN) project in Lamwo District, Northern Uganda. MC identified market access as key component of community resilience measuring it through technical feedback processes. In its own terms, RAIN has proved successful, and the market became robust. However, a less narrow evaluation revealed RAIN’s negative impact including diminished food security, increased child malnutrition, domestic and gender-based violence. On any rational understanding of resilience, interventions appeared to compromise rather than enhance population’s resilience.