Human Capital Investments and Social Cohesion in the DRC

For youth in fragile and conflict-affected settings, navigating towards improved outcomes may be hindered by both real and perceived limitations in available opportunities, as well as by the psychosocial consequences of growing up amidst insecurity and conflict. These dynamics can contribute to continued conflict cycles. With partners in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, this project will test pilot interventions targeted at youth from an area where many armed group recruits originate. While the interventions are designed to address and mitigate the effects of insecurity, the researchers will also seek to understand the extent to which such interventions may aid in preventing future conflict and to shed light on the possible underlying mechanisms.