Why Lean is better suited for Conflict Zone Aid

In a paper titled Conflict Aid Goes ‘Lean’, Whitney Shinkle argues that conventional, top-down approaches to conflict intervention and post-conflict aid have largely failed due to their rigid planning and implementation in highly volatile environments.

The article advocates for the adoption of “lean” or iterative methodologies, drawing inspiration from the business world, which emphasize small-scale pilot tests, rapid adaptation based on feedback, and a willingness to “fail fast.”

She explains some limitations of traditional Conflict Aid approaches:

• Extensive upfront planning and rigid implementation timelines.
• Short-term mitigation plans rather than addressing long-term root causes.
• Programs designed and implemented primarily by external actors with limited understanding of local contexts.

The author contends that this flexible, experimental approach is better suited to the unpredictable realities of conflict zones, allowing for locally driven solutions and more sustainable outcomes.

She suggests some key principles to Lean implementation

• Small Teams for Testing: Initiate new programs with small teams to test designs and evaluate effectiveness.
• Continuous End-User Input: Actively solicit feedback from beneficiaries throughout program implementation, not just from donors.
• Leverage Local Resources: Prioritize incorporating existing local resources and systems before introducing external ones.

The article uses the example of Bancroft Global Development’s work in Somalia with AMISOM to illustrate the application of these principles.

Because of our commitment to experimentation and iterative problem solving, Bancroft and its partners were able to streamline, redirect, or expand the deployment of personnel and resources in real time as facts on the ground changed. Crucially, we were able to complete many such adjustments over the span of days or weeks rather than months or years.

In summary, she advocates for embracing experimentation, continuous feedback, and a greater tolerance for failure. The article also calls on donors to adapt their funding practices to support this more flexible and adaptive way of working.

You can read the full article at https://www.leansixsigmaforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Conflict_Aid_Goes_Lean_SSIR.pdf