Explaining how unexploded ordnance clearance enhances livelihoods in the Lao PDR

Area of Science:

• Humanitarian aid
• Socioeconomic recovery
• Post-conflict development

Background:

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance hinder post-conflict livelihood rebuilding.
• Mine action is crucial for returning contaminated land to productive use.
• Limited understanding exists on how mine action impacts livelihoods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the mechanisms and contextual factors of mine action's contribution to livelihoods.
• To refine program theory and identify areas for improved outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Realist evaluation in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
• Interpretive case study design.
• Interviews with program staff (N=37) and beneficiaries (N=38), plus 18 focus groups.

Main Results:

• Two key mechanisms identified: communication (pre/post-clearance) and land clearance delivery.
• Program effectiveness linked to communication and cleared land availability.

Conclusions:

• Realist evaluation refined program theory, emphasizing self-efficacy, task-efficacy, and community communication.
• Contextual factors significantly influence outcomes, suggesting a need to revise expected results.