Local economic development in post-crisis situations : operational guide

The traditional response of the development community to crises has usually been to provide emergency assistance within the shortest possible time. Along with other UN agencies, the ILO has now recognized the need for a more holistic and coordinated approach. Recovery not only concerns the provision of basic welfare and services and the rebuilding of infrastructure, but is also a task that involves and has implications for the wider political, institutional and economic environment. It involves social and economic policy-makers, town planners and experts in land use, land reform and administrative decentralization. In many cases, it will be necessary to promote more inclusive mechanisms for decision-making, introducing participatory methodologies for the first time. It may also be necessary to provide assistance towards the reform of administrative structures.