The Owl and the Dove

Local non-governmental organisations in conflict-torn countries find themselves in rapidly changing circumstances. This calls for flexibility and the capacity to learn. Locally appropriate ways to deal with conflict are needed but difficult to find. Peacebuilders (the dove) face various constraints as they develop and share their knowledge (the owl). Based on research carried out mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, and the Philippines, The Owl and the Dove maps these elements in order to find out how peace workers can become more effective learners. It pays attention to exchanges with donor organisations, knowledge institutions and networks.The book makes concrete recommendations for capacity building, organisational learning, research, and networking, so that these activities may help overcome structural inequalities and constraints, strengthen the learning capacity of peacebuilders, and improve the global knowledge base for better peace policy and practice.