New Directions in Community Development and Conflict Resolution: Towards peace-building in Northern Ireland and South Africa

This book provides new research based insights on peace-building through community development and conflict resolution strategies in Northern Ireland and South Africa. The complex, critical challenges confronting countries in post- settlement contexts are examined within a conceptual framework that reinforces the linkages between community development & conflict resolution practices. New directions emerge from an analysis of the experiences of a significant number of community based NGO representatives and other stake-holders working in the field. Importantly this book offers several lessons to scholars, development practitioners and those involved in peace-building and reconstruction. Key insights relate to how NGOs carry out the following peace-building tasks: meeting social/human needs; facilitating people- centered approaches; promoting human rights and non- violence; building a democratic culture; promoting public participation in policy formulation and monitoring government. Thus, the NGO sector as part of a robust civil society, has made a meaningful contribution towards peace-building.

Constance O'Brien graduated with a PhD from Bradford University, UK. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Development at the University of Cape Town,South Africa where she teaches research,community development & conflict resolution.Professional engagement with conflict-ridden communities informs her teaching and research.