One invaluable tool for assessing contexts and issues to inform programming is the Conflict Tree. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of the Conflict Tree, its components, and how it can empower decision-makers and analysts. We will also provide visual aids in the form of five images to enhance your understanding of this powerful analytical tool.

The Conflict Tree: An Overview

At its core, the Conflict Tree is a visual representation of a complex problem or issue. It enables stakeholders to dissect and understand the various elements involved in a conflict or situation. Think of it as a sophisticated decision-making flowchart that provides a comprehensive view of the problem.

The Trunk/ Stem:

At the core of a conflict analysis is the identification of the issue that is being explored. For community processes, a consensus must first be reached on which issue is going to be explored (note that during the exploration process, other issues might crop up as causes or effects or even potential intervention strategies). To come up with a consensus of the issue to be indicated at the trunk (refer to the image above to see where the trunk is), a facilitator can help the group reach a consensus through the following steps

a.      Brainstorming: this is the initial step. Get as many members f the group to share in a paper (or verbally but capture their ideas on a paper/ card, one idea per card, and a person can have multiple ideas) of the issues facing their communities.

b.      Put all the cards/ ideas on a surface where everyone else can see. The surface could be a wall, pinboard or on the floor.

c.       Have all the participants look at ideas and see which ones are similar, which ideas could be put under one umbrella, etc. This process is called grouping/ clustering of the ideas.

d.      Now that you have fewer ideas (as some may have been swallowed or merged with others), have the group prioritize which of the presented ideas they want to start exploring; it could be the most pressing issue for them or one that seems to hold (in one way or another) the ideas too.

e.      Now pick that idea/ issue and put at the trunk for consequent steps.

Branches of Conflict:

On a natural tree, branches, leaves, fruits and flowers comprise the visible parts of the tree, usually by which people can identify what kind of a tree/ plant that is. When using a conflict tree, branches, leaves, fruits, and flowers may be visualized as the visible signs/ indicators or effects of the issue (what was indicated at the stem/ trunk). They represent different dimensions of the issue. These branches can represent specific causes, actors, or contributing factors

The Root Cause:

The natural roots of any plant or tree are usually the invisible parts, but whose role is key in the well-being of the tree. In processing an issue, the roots represent the root causes or the primary factors driving the conflict. These could be personal, structural/ systemis, cultural etc. that could be easily identified or so much at the core that serious discussions can only reveal. Identifying this root cause is crucial, as it informs the entire analysis.

Stakeholders and Actors:

Conflict Trees consider the individuals, organizations, or groups involved in the issue. Each actor’s role and interests are documented, allowing for a deeper understanding of their motivations and influence.

External Factors:

External influences, such as economic conditions, political dynamics, or environmental factors, can significantly impact conflicts. Including these factors in the analysis provides a holistic perspective.

Image 3: Analyzing Stakeholders and Actors

Effects and Consequences:

The branches of the tree extend further to outline the consequences of the conflict. This includes both short-term and long-term effects, helping analysts anticipate potential outcomes.

Alternative Scenarios:

To make informed decisions, it’s essential to explore various scenarios. Conflict Trees allow for the creation of alternative paths, each illustrating a different trajectory based on different actions taken.

Programming and Interventions:

Ultimately, the Conflict Tree guides programming and interventions. It helps decision-makers identify strategic entry points for addressing the conflict and achieving positive change.

Conclusion

In an ever-evolving world filled with complex challenges, the Conflict Tree is a powerful tool for assessing contexts and issues to inform programming. By visually mapping out the root causes, stakeholders, consequences, and potential interventions, decision-makers can make informed choices and implement effective solutions. Whether you’re working on community development, conflict resolution, or policy formulation, integrating the Conflict Tree into your analytical toolkit can be a game-changer. Embrace this structured approach to unravel complex issues, and watch your programming efforts yield more impactful results