Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Lack of a Will or of a Way? Taking a Capability Approach for Analysing Disability Policy Shortcomings and Ensuring Programme Impact in Afghanistan

  • Original Article
  • Published:
The European Journal of Development Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present paper attempts to analyse some of the shortcomings that have impeded efforts in the field of disability policy in Afghanistan. After an overview of recent disability initiatives, this paper attempts to explain why they have had a limited impact. The context of a Conflict-Affected Fragile State makes the development of state capacity to deliver basic services for the population particularly difficult. To help overcome these shortcomings, it is argued that Amartya Sen's Capability Approach constitutes a relevant framework for designing disability policy and implementation. Although the definition of human development has evolved considerably over the past decade, the transition from theory to action has been disappointing. Through the example of the National Disability Survey in Afghanistan we argue that one reason for this is the paucity of knowledge and the insufficient focus placed on enhancing the agency of vulnerable groups.

Abstract

Cet article constitue une tentative d’analyse de certains manquements qui ont ralenti les efforts menés dans le champ du handicap en Afghanistan. Apres le passage en revue des initiatives récentes, l’article présente les éléments qui ont contribué à limiter leur impact. Le développement des services publics de base est particulièrement difficile dans les Etats fragiles. Afin de surmonter les insuffisances identifiées, les auteurs estiment que l’approche par les capabilités de Amartya Sen offre un cadre d’analyse approprié pour définir une politique du handicap et la mettre en œuvre. Bien que la définition du développement humain ait beaucoup évolué au cours de la dernière décennie, sa traduction dans les faits demeure insuffisante, sans aucun effet visible sur le processus d’élaboration des politiques publiques ni même en terme de bien-être. En s’appuyant sur l’exemple de l’enquête nationale sur le handicap en Afghanistan, les auteurs débattent du besoin de connaissances scientifiques ainsi que des défis posés par un travail de recherche fondé sur l’approche par les capabilités pour définir et mettre en œuvre une politique publique du handicap.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allan, N. (2003) Rethinking governance in Afghanistan. Journal of International Affairs 56 (1): 195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amin, G. (2008) Consolidate Format for Physical Rehabilitation Data. Statistical Summary. Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Public Health.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amundson, R. (2000) Against normal function. Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences 31: 33–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakhshi, P., Dubois, J.L. and Trani, J.F. (2004) Enhancing security and social sustainability: Strengthening capability: The case of persons with disabilities in Afghanistan. Paper presented at the 4th International Conference on the Capability Approach: Enhancing Human Security, University of Pavia; 5–7 September, Pavia.

  • Bakhshi, P., Trani, J.F. and Rolland, C. (2006) Conducting Surveys on Disability a Comprehensive Toolkit. Lyon, France: Handicap International.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnes, C. (1991) Disabled People in Britain and Discrimination. London: Hurst.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnes, C. (1997) A Legacy of Oppression: A History of Disability in Western Culture. In: L. Barton and M. Oliver (eds.) Disability Studies: Past Present and Future. Leeds, UK: The Disability Press, pp. 3–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beresford, P. (1996) Poverty and disabled people: Challenging dominant debates and policy. Disability & Society 11: 553–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burchardt, T. (2004) Capabilities and disability: The capabilities framework and the social model of disability. Disability and Society 19 (7): 735–775.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, J. (2002) A critical appraisal of participatory methods in development research. International Journal of Social Research Methodology 5 (1): 19–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coleridge, P. (1998) Development, Cultural Values and Disability: The Example of Afghanistan. In: M. Stones (ed.) Disability and Development. Leeds, UK: The Disability Press, pp. 149–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coleridge, P. (2002) Community Based Rehabilitation in a Complex Emergency: Study of Afghanistan. In: M. Thomas and M.J. Thomas (eds.) Selected Readings in CBR – Series 2: Disability and Rehabilitation Issues in South Asia. Bangalore, India: National Printing Press, pp. 35–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Civic Voluntary Group. (2003) Survey results on access to education for disabled in Kabul. Submitted to the Italian Cooperation Educational Sector.

  • DFID. (2000) Disability, Poverty and Development. London: DFID, http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/disability.pdf, accessed 12 June 2008.

  • Donini, A. (2007) Local perceptions of assistance to Afghanistan. International Peacekeeping 14 (1): 158–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas, M. (1966) Purity and Danger. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, J.L. and Rousseau, S. (2001) Reinforcing Household's Capability as a Way to Reduce Vulnerability and Prevent Poverty in Equitable Terms. Paper presented at the 1st Conference on the Capability Approach, Justice and Poverty: Examining Sen's Capability Approach; 5–7 June, Cambridge University, Cambridge.

  • Elwan, A. (1999) Poverty and Disability: A Survey of the Literature. Washington DC: The World Bank Social Protection Unit, Human Development Network. Social Protection Discussion Paper, http://www.worldbank.org/sp, accessed 28 January 2008.

  • Erb, S. and Harriss-White, B. (2004) Disability and Incapacity. In: B. Harriss-White and S. Janakarajan (eds.) Rural India Facing the 21st Century. Essays on Long Term Village Change and Recent Development Policy in South India. London: Anthem Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fay, B. (1987) Critical Social Science: Liberation and its Limits. Cambridge: Polity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Filmer, D. (2008) Disability, poverty, and schooling in developing countries: Results from 14 household surveys. World Bank Economic Review 22 (1): 141–163.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelstein, V. (1981) To Deny or not to Deny Disability. In: A. Brechin, P. Liddiard and J. Swain (eds.) Handicap in a Social World. Sevenoaks, UK: Hodder and Stoughton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freire, P. (1970) Cultural Action for Freedom. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Educational Review.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodhand, J. (2002) Aiding violence or building peace? The role of international aid in Afghanistan. Third World Quarterly 23 (5): 837–859.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, P. (1966) A Critical Condition. In: P. Hunt (ed.) Stigma: the Experience of Disability. London: Geoffrey Chapman, pp. 145–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Committee of the Red Cross. (2007) ICRC Annual Report. Kabul, ICRC.

  • Italian Cooperation. (2003) The Comprehensive National Disability Policy in Afghanistan, submitted to Minister of Martyrs and Disabled Kabul, Afghanistan: Italian Cooperation.

  • Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2007) Household Survey, Preliminary Results. Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Public Health, http://www.worldbank.org.af/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/AFGHANISTANEXTN/0,,contentMDK:21317727~menuPK:305990~pagePK:2865066~piPK:2865079~theSitePK:305985,00.html, accessed 20 May 2007.

  • Kabeer, N. (1994) Reversed Realities: Gender Hierarchies in Development Thought. London: Verso.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabeer, N. (1999) Resources, agency, achievements: Reflections on the measurement of women's empowerment. Development and Change 30: 435–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krefting, D. and Krefting, L. (1999) Comprehensive Disabled Afghan Programme Evaluation Report. Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kristiansson, B. (1990) Report on Rehabilitation Services in Kabul. Peshawar: UNDCA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lang, R. (2001) Understanding Disability from a South Indian Perspective. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Disability Studies; 20–23 June, Winniped, Manitoba, http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lc-ccr/lccstaff/raymond-lang/understanding_disability_in_india.pdf, accessed 20 May 2008.

  • Lenoir, R. (1974) Les Exclus: Un Francais sur Dix. Paris: Editions du Seuil.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopes Cardozo, B. et al (2004) Mental health, social functioning, and disability in post-war Afghanistan. Journal of American Medical Association 292: 575–584.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lwanga-Ntale, C. and McClean, K. (2004) The face of chronic poverty in Uganda from the poor's perspective: Constraints and opportunities. Journal of Human Development 5 (2): 177–194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marks, D. (1999) Disability: Controversial Debates and Psychosocial Perspectives. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miles, M. (1990) Disability and Afghan reconstruction: Some policy issues. Disability, Handicap and Society 5 (3): 257–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, M. (2002a) Formal and informal disability resources for Afghan reconstruction. World Quarterly 23: 945–959.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, M. (2002b) Epilepsy in the Afghan village, http://www.disabilityworld.org/01-03_02/arts/afghan.shtml, accessed 10 April 2007.

  • Miles, S. (1999) Strengthening Disability and Development Work. BOND Discussion Paper.

  • Ministry of Education. (2007) Cost effective schools construction. Policy guidelines and technical specifications for school construction, http://www.moe.gov.af/TypicalSchools/PDF%20BoQ/PDF%20School%20Standards%20and%20cost%20Effective/Policy%20Guidelines.pdf, accessed 13 April 2008.

  • Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled. (2007) Ministry strategy for the Afghanistan national development strategy (with focus on prioritization), draft document, http://www.acbar.org/ministry%20strategies/MoLSAMD%20-%20English.pdf, accessed 13 April 2008.

  • Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled and United Nations Development Programme. (2005) National Program for Action on Disability. Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled and United Nations Development Programme.

  • Ministry of Public Health. (2003) A Basic Package of Health Services for Afghanistan. Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Public Health.

  • Ministry of Public Health. (2004) Afghanistan Health Statistics. Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Public Health.

  • Ministry of Public Health. (2005a) A National Health Policy 2005–2009 and National Health Strategy 2005–2006. Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Public Health.

  • Ministry of Public Health. (2005b) Basic Package of Health Services Revised. Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Public Health.

  • Mitra, S. (2003) The Capability Approach of Disability. Paper presented at the Third Conference on the Capability Approach, From Sustainable Development to Sustainable Freedom; 7–9 September, University of Pavia, Pavia.

  • Montgomery, J.D. and Rondinelli, D.A. (eds.) (2004) Beyond Reconstruction in Afghanistan, Lessons from Development Experience. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, R. (1987) The Body Silent. New York: Henry Dolt.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nussbaum, M. (2007) Frontiers of Justice: Disability, Nationality, Species Membership. Cambridge: Belknap Harvard.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, M. (1996) Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice. Basingstoke, UK: Macmillan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Pfeiffer, D. (2001) The Conceptualisation of Disability. In: B.M. Altman and S.N. Barnatt (eds.) Exploring Theories and Expanding Methodologies: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go, Vol. 2. Oxford: Elsevier Jai, pp. 29–52.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Quinn, G., Degener, T. and Bruce, A. (2002) Human Rights and Disability: The Current Use and Future Potential of United Nations Human Rights Instruments in the Context of Disability, United Nations. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. New York: United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rathnam, M., Lang, R. and Reha, M. (2003) Comprehensive Disabled Afghans’ Programme – CDAP External Evaluation Mission Report. Kabul, Afghanistan: UNDP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodgers, G., Gore, C. and Figueiredo, J.B. (eds.) (1995) Social Exclusion: Rhetoric, Reality, Responses. Geneva, Switzerland: International Institute for Labour Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swedish Committee for Afghanistan. (2007) Annual Donor Report. Stockholm: SCA.

  • Seddon, D., Lang, R. and Daines, V. (2001) Mainstreaming Disability Issues into Development Studies – In Theory and Practice. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Disability Studies; 20–23 June, Winniped, http://www.ee.umanitoba.ca/∼kinsner/sds2001/proceed/pdocs/htms/27.HTML, accessed 21 April 2007.

  • Sen, A. (1985a) Commodities and Capabilities. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sen, A. (1985b) Well-being, agency and freedom: The Dewey lectures. Journal of Philosophy 82 (4): 169–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sen, A. (1995) Inequality Re-Examined. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Sen, A. (1999) Development as Freedom. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sen, A. (2000) Social Exclusion: Concept, Application and Scrutiny, Social Development Papers 1. Manila, Philippines: Asian Development Bank.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sen, A. (2002) Why health equity? Health Economics 11: 659–666.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shakespeare, T. (2001) The Social Model of Disability: An Outdated Methodology? In: B.M. Altman and S.N. Barnatt (eds.) Exploring Theories and Expanding Methodologies: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go. Oxford: Elsevier Jai, pp. 9–28.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Shakespeare, T. (1994) Cultural representations of disabled people: Dustbins for disavowal. Disability and Society 9 (3): 283–301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stockton, N.J. (2002) The failure of international humanitarian action in Afghanistan. Global Governance 8 (3): 265–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tadjbakhsh, S. and Schoiswohl, M. (2008) Playing with fire? The international community's democratization experiment in Afghanistan. International Peacekeeping 15 (2): 252–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Terzi, L. (2005) A capability perspective on impairment, disability and special educational needs: Towards social justice in education. Theory and Research in Education 3 (2): 197–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thakkar, M., Cerveau, T. and Davin, E. (2004) Afghan Perception on Disabilities, a Research Project on the Perceptions and Practices Regarding Disability in Afghanistan, to Inform a Communication Strategy, Study Carried Out by ALTAI Consulting for UNICEF. Kabul, Afghanistan: UNOPS, UNDP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trani, J.F. (2004) A New Structure in the Government of Afghanistan for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: The National Disability Commission. Report to the Minister of Martyrs and Disabled, Kabul.

  • Trani, J.F. and Bakhshi, P. (2007) Vulnerability and Basic Capabilities Deprivation: A Gender Analysis of Disability, Vulnerability and Empowerment in Afghanistan. Paper presented at the Conference on the Capability Approach, ‘Ideas Changing History’; 17–20 September, New School, New York.

  • Trani, J.F. and Bakhshi, P. (2008) Challenges for assessing disability prevalence: The case of Afghanistan. ALTER, Revue européenne de recherche sur le handicap 2: 44–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trani, J.F., Bakhshi, P. and Dubois, J.L. (2006) Understanding Vulnerability of Afghans with Disability Livelihoods, Employment, Income. Lyon, France: Handicap International.

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Development Programme. (2004) National Program for Action on Disability, the Expected Outcome. Kabul, Afghanistan: United Nations Development Programme.

  • United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Operation Programme Services. (1999) Comprehensive disabled Afghan's program: Integrating disabled and marginalized people in Afghanistan. Journal of Mine Action 3 (3), http://maic.imu.edu/journal/3.3/profiles/cdap.htm, accessed 21 April.

  • VanLeit, B. (2008) Using the ICF to address needs of people with disabilities in international development: Cambodian case study. Disability & Rehabilitation 30 (12): 991–998.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ventevogel, P., Nassery, R., Azimi, S. and Faiz, H. (2006) Psychiatry in Afghanistan, country profile. International Psychiatry Bulletin of the Board of International Affairs of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 3 (2): 36–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2001) International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

  • Yeo, R. and Moore, K. (2003) Including disabled people in poverty reduction work: ‘Nothing about us, without us’. World Development 31 (3): 571–590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge European Commission, UNOPS/UNDP UNMAS (Volunteer Trust Fund), Ambassade de France en Afghanistan, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Handicap International for funding the National Disability Survey in Afghanistan research project. They are also grateful to Anu Bakhshi, Ray Lang, Nicki Bailey and Nora Groce as well as two anonymous reviewers for useful comments on drafts of this paper and to the 5130 families of Afghanistan who kindly receive interviewers and answer their questions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, University College London.,

    Jean F Trani & Parul Bakhshi

  2. Emergency Medicine Associates, Prince William Health Systems.,

    Ayan A Noor

  3. Ministry of Public Health, Wazir Akbar Khan Mena.,

    Ashraf Mashkoor

Authors
  1. Jean F Trani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Parul Bakhshi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ayan A Noor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ashraf Mashkoor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jean F Trani.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Trani, J., Bakhshi, P., Noor, A. et al. Lack of a Will or of a Way? Taking a Capability Approach for Analysing Disability Policy Shortcomings and Ensuring Programme Impact in Afghanistan. Eur J Dev Res 21, 297–319 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1057/ejdr.2009.8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/ejdr.2009.8

Keywords

Search

Navigation