Localization and Regionalization in Displacement Contexts (LRDC)

The Localization and Regionalization in Displacement Contexts (LRDC) project aims to generate empirical evidence on how a partnership-based approach in displacement settings can be effectively implemented across different contexts, working with partners in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana.

Project Lead:
Jana Kuhnt
Charles Martin-Shields

Project Team:
Susan Ekoh
Rose Jaji

Financing:
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Time frame:
2026 - 2029 / ongoing

Co-operation Partner:

  • Jigjiga University (Ethiopia)
  • Maseno University (Kenya)
  • University of Ghana (Ghana)
  • University of Lagos (Nigeria)

Project description

Development cooperation is facing a period of recalibration and contraction. Government, multilateral, and non-governmental actors are under growing pressure to rethink their strategies, focus areas, and partnerships in order to deliver more effective and efficient programming, often with the challenge of doing so with fewer financial resources. In times where international norms and agreements are becoming harder to uphold, locally driven, often bottom-up processes, as well as regional perspectives, provide important avenues for development cooperation to continue supporting displaced populations. The Localization and Regionalization in Displacement Contexts (LRDC) project aims to generate empirical evidence on how a partnership-based approach in displacement settings can be effectively implemented across different contexts, working with partners in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana. In particular, the project will systematically evaluate the potential of localization and regionalization approaches as strategies to put partnership-based development cooperation highlighted in the BMZ Reform Plan into practice in displacement contexts.