Abstract:
The study examined the contribution of UNDP in improving national security in South Sudan and was guided by the following objectives; to examine the contributions UNDP in improving national security, to investigate the challenges UNDP faces while engaging in the process of improving national security, to find out strategies adopted by UNDP to address challenges to national security.
The study design was descriptive. The study Population was 90 across sectional divide of national security and UNDP , it composed of actual sample size of 84 respondents; purposive sampling was used and these strategies fitted data collection tools such as interview guide and focus group discussion guide.
The findings of the study revealed that UNDP is fully understood by the respondents and therefore its participation in national security is very important since it has made significant contributions such as providing entrepreneurship skill, fostering inclusion, provides loan, engaged in small arms and light weapons control research, strengthening local government capacity, access to justice and supports human right poverty reduction. UNDP faces challenges of protracted civil war, loss of institutional memory, shooting and looting, poor infrastructures and conflict disruption. Possible mechanisms to address these challenges and fasten SSR as Inclusivity, Democracy and participation, supports national dialogue, and community security.
It therefore, recommended that, UNDP in South Sudan should continue to operate in spite of the current crisis and will continue to build the capacity of key institutions of the state and communities to deliver development and to help find solutions to reduce poverty and inadequate respect to rule of law. By focusing on early recovery and long-term sustainable development, It hope to minimize the impact of the crisis, restore livelihoods and support the creation of an enabling environment for the South Sudanese people to sustainably improve their standard of living, and live in dignity, free from fear.
