The AMAC project undertakes studies of mine-affected communities with the further aim of exploring opportunities to build on local resources and local competence in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA). The project is based on the conviction that improved assistance to mine-affected communities must start with a deeper understanding of local responses to landmines. Rather than viewing people in mine-affected communities as passive victims, AMAC acknowledges their importance as active subjects. It is imperative for the design of interventions that community capacities are properly understood. The challenge is to find ways in which the social dynamics within which mine-action agencies operate can be integrated positively into the mine-action process.
On the basis of the above convictions, the AMAC project has designed a methodological approach to studying mine-affected communities. The project contends that use of this approach by demining organizations can be of considerable benefit to HMA at the field level. This report examines the central findings of the Manica pilot study, a joint endeavour with Norwegian People's Aid- Mozambique aimed at operationalizing the community study methodological approach designed by AMAC.
