Programmes in Chronically Vulnerable Areas: Challenges and Lessons Learned

In the ‘chronically vulnerable areas ’ (CVAs) of East Africa a smooth linear transition away from emergency programming towards rehabilitation and long‐term development is difficult, if not impossible. This makes uncritical application of the ‘relief‐to‐development ’ continuum to programming unhelpful at best, and perhaps counter‐productive. This paper is the result of CARE’s efforts to review its own programmes – and those of some of its sister agencies – in chronically vulnerable areas in the East Africa region, to derive important lessons learned and to identify areas where improvements are needed. The paper focuses on strategic considerations and decision‐making in relation to entry, programme design and strategies for transition and exit.