Challenges in managing housing needs in post conflict housing reconstruction

Post conflict housing reconstruction plays a vital role in establishing the development and peace in conflict affected countries. Despite the importance, the success of post conflict housing reconstruction is hindered by a number of problems. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the inconsideration of housing needs in post conflict housing reconstruction has directly or indirectly given rise for most of these issues. On the other hand, the countries emerging from conflicts have different characteristics that pose many challenges in addressing housing needs post conflict housing reconstruction. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand how the housing needs can be effectively addressed in post conflict housing reconstruction. Within this context, the main study, on which this paper is based on, aims to explore the management of housing needs in post conflict housing reconstruction. As Sri Lanka's long lasted conflict came to an end in 2009, Sri Lanka provides a sound basis for this study. Therefore this study is centered in Sri Lanka. As part of this main study, this paper focuses on exploring the challenges in managing housing needs. The study adopted grounded theory approach to collect and analyze the data. Thirty seven in-depth interviews were conducted with policy makers, practitioners, academics and housing beneficiaries in Sri Lanka. Primary data were verified through a documents review. The paper reveals that the management of housing needs in post conflict housing reconstruction is mainly challenged by the socio economic profile of conflict affected people, conflict sensitive issues, donors' requirements, limited availability of finance, weakened government administration, extent of housing and infrastructure damage, attitudes of affected people, land related issues and shortage of labour and materials. These findings are useful for policy makers to understand the challenges in managing housing needs in post conflict housing reconstruction and to develop strategies in response to these challenges.