What knowledge counts? Local humanitarian knowledge production in protracted conflicts. A Central African Republic case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sound decision-making in protracted conflict isdependent on the quality and the relevance of the information available and the knowledge produced. Despite the fact that gaps in humanitarian knowledge are common, local humanitarian knowledge is rarely taken into consideration and for political, structural and social reasons, not visible and valued. The paper examines if and how the complementarity of different forms of humanitarian knowledge can reduce existing gaps as well as power imbalances embedded in the humanitarian system. Based on a case study of local humanitarian NGOs’ knowledge production in the Central African Republic, the paper identifies the specificities of local humanitarian knowledge constructed through social consensus, using different information flows and responding to various interests, needs and expectations. It argues that a better understanding of the local humanitarian knowledge, its production, and the collaboration through co-production of knowledge will strengthen sense making and relevance of contextualised humanitarian responses.