Infrastructure, peacebuilding and reconstruction

Theme 5: Country typology and contexts: humanitarian, fragility, conflict, security and crises
Foundation
Page contents

Module topical coverage

  • Infrastructure for stabilisation in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States ​
  • Disaster preparedness ​
  • Infrastructure needs in humanitarian contexts ​
  • Country typologies and infrastructure 

Introduction

Fragile and conflict-affected states (FCS) account for nearly two-thirds of low-income countries. Conflicts can affect the stability of an entire region and hinder progress towards sustainable and inclusive growth. ​

Infrastructure can be instrumental in rebuilding trust, restoring governance and fostering resilience, following conflict. Investment in infrastructure can stimulate economic growth, support public service delivery and create employment opportunities in support of a country’s economic and social stabilisation. ​

This module explores the critical role of infrastructure in post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding. It examines how well-planned, inclusive infrastructure can enhance connectivity, provide access to essential services and products, and promote inclusive development making cities and settlements sustainable and safe.

Key introductory reading

Infrastructure for peacebuilding: The role of infrastructure in tackling the underlying drivers of fragility | UNOPS (2020)
Infrastructure in fragile and conflict-affected states | Public-private partnership Resource Centre (2025)

Further reading

Delivering inclusive growth through infrastructure programming in FCAS: Somalia – Building infrastructure in a 'failed state’ | ICED (2019)
Working differently in fragile and conflict-affected situations | Asian Development Bank (2012)
World Bank blog series: What has the Pacific taught us about building resilient and safe roads? | Burlacu A., Michaels S., Pedroso F. (2024)
World Risk Poll 2021 | Critical infrastructure resilience and perceptions of disaster preparedness | Lloyd’s Register Foundation (2023)
Good practices on disaster resilient infrastructure | Lloyd’s Register Foundation (2024)
Center for International Co-operation: Strategic Planning in Fragile and Conflict Contexts | Jacquand, M., Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2011)
Delivering inclusive growth through infrastructure programming in FCAS: Urban WASH | ICED (2019)

Technical literature

The UK Government’s Approach to Stabilisation | HMG Stabilisation Unit (2019)
RedR Urban Competency Framework: key competencies and accompanying behaviours that all those working in humanitarian response need in order to work effectively in urban settings | RedR (2025)
Case study: Learning needs assessment for infrastructure damage in Ukraine | RedR (2023)
Supporting Infrastructure Development in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States: Learning from Experience | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2016)
5 key steps for building conflict sensitivity into infrastructure programming | ICED (2017)
Economic Development in Fragile and Conflict Affected States: Topic Guide: GSDRC | McIntosh, K. & Buckley, J. (2015)
WASH Manual – Practical Guidance for Refugee Situations | UNHCR (2025)

Learning opportunities

Harvard MOOC on Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

Climate, Environment and Nature Helpdesk

The UK government funded Climate, Environment and Nature (CLEAN) Helpdesk, provides free, on-demand technical assistance to UK government officials working to improve climate, environment and nature mainstreaming across ODA eligible initiatives. Gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) is mainstreamed across all our work. All resources are available in CLEAN resource library. UK Government staff should register for full access to sensitive documents.

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