Author's School

Brown School

Author's Department

Social Work

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2009

Originally Published In

Trani, J. F., Bakhshi, P., Noor, A. A., & Mashkoor, A. (2009). Lack of a Will or of a Way? Taking a Capability Approach for Analyzing Disability Policy Shortcomings and Ensuring Programme Impact in Afghanistan. European Journal of Development Research, 21(2): 297-319.

Abstract

The present paper attempts to analyse some of the shortcomings that have impeded efforts in the field of disability in Afghanistan. After an overview of recent disability initiatives, this article presents elements that have contributed to the limited impact. The context of a Conflict Affected Fragile State (CAFS) makes particularly intricate the development of state-capacity as well as the delivery of basic services for the population. To overcome identified gaps, it is argued that Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach (CA) constitutes a relevant framework for designing disability policy and implementation. While the definition of human development has evolved considerably over the past decade, the translation of this change often remains at the theoretical level, without any visible impact on the policy-making process and in terms of well-being. We argue that one reason for this gap is the paucity of knowledge, and the insufficient focus placed on enhancing the agency of vulnerable groups. Through the example of the National Disability Survey in Afghanistan (NDSA) the paper discusses the need for scientific based knowledge and the challenges of a research initiative based on the Capability Approach to inform policy design and implementation: design of research tools and methodology for analysing disability issues.

Comments

This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedited version of an article published in European Journal of Development Research. The definitive publisher-authenticated version [ Trani, J.F., Bakhshi, P., Noor, A. A., & Mashkoor, A. (2009). Lack of a Will or of a Way? Taking a Capability Approach for Analyzing Disability Policy Shortcomings and Ensuring Programme Impact in Afghanistan. European Journal of Development Research, 21(2): 297-319. doi: 10.016/j. alter.2009.04.003 ]is avaliable online at: http://www.palgrave-journals.com/ejdr/journal/v21/n2/abs/ejdr20098a.html

Download

Share

COinS