Disaster and conflict risks are compounding, and contexts ranking high on conflict indices are already falling behind in meeting the 2030 global targets. This is an increasing cause of concern to development finance institutions (DFIs) and government donors. Disaster impacts are undermining existing programming, increasing demand for humanitarian assistance and setting back development and peace gains.

Despite the threat of compounding disaster and conflict risks, progress on disaster risk reduction (DRR) in contexts affected by fragility, conflict and violence (FCV) remains slow, and dedicated finance is widely regarded as piecemeal and insufficient.

This report seeks to encourage DFIs and government donors to enhance their financial commitments on DRR in FCV contexts. We set out why action on DRR is necessary in FCV contexts, and provide insight into what leading DFIs and government donors are doing in this space. We highlight some of the internal and external barriers inhibiting greater financial commitment to DRR in FCV contexts, including the disincentives which prevent engagement of Task Team Leaders (TTL) and cross-sectoral collaboration. This is countered by examples of progress, such as establishing champions of the theme, technical up-skilling and programme and investment successes. There are also encouraging signs which point towards a more positive enabling environment for future financial commitments to DRR in FCV contexts.

The report concludes by laying out a set of concrete opportunities for enhancing interest and ultimately political support and financial commitments for this nascent yet pivotal global topic.

Report by the Overseas Development Institute