This rapid report reviews the literature on faith-based development organisations (FBOs) and their role in conflict resolution and anti-corruption. In both areas the literature suggests that religious actors could play a decisive role, but that this has not been realised.
The evidence on FBOs and conflict resolution is moderately robust. Nearly all literature provides case study examples, or interviews with NGO workers, but there is almost no comparative work and no comprehensive literature reviews or systematic reviews. Section 2 provides an overview of FBO attributes which contribute to conflict resolution, then presents examples of the roles FBOs have played, which include: Early warning; Emergency relief and support; Observers; Information and data collecting; Advocacy; Education and teaching; Convening dialogues; Mediation; and Healing. The report does not include examples of where FBOs have disrupted conflict resolution processes.
There is no body of evidence specifically on FBOs and corruption. There is some work on religion, religious values and corruption, but not on how faith-based development organisations work on corruption issues. Section 3 first reviews FBOs’ work on anti-corruption, then looks at corruption within FBOs.
The report concludes with a list of selected FBOs which are mentioned often in the literature.
