Introducing conflict sensitivity into nationally owned strategic development frameworks and donor strategies requires them to be informed by an understanding of the overall context (including economic, social, political trends) and its impact on the development process in the country (for example, the impact of conflict on economic and social structures). This can be derived from a conflict analysis at the national level, preferably undertaken jointly by donors and governments. The analysis should identify the key issues, and establish how actions within and across sectors can address them. The implications for resource allocations – both government expenditure frameworks and donor budgets – should also be determined.

Donors can use the analysis in their assessment of the government’s commitment to poverty reduction (eg via the nationally owned strategic development framework), and in deciding on the nature of their partnership with the government (eg whether to move towards sectoral approaches).

Chapter 2 provides detailed guidance on conflict analysis. In addition to undertaking a separate conflict analysis at the national level, it is also important to ensure that the other assessment and analytical frameworks used by donors and governments, such as poverty analysis and governance assessments, give adequate consideration to conflict issues (see Chapter 2, section 4).