Realizing “Human Security” in Africa: Issues and Prospects of Applying “Human Security” Approach to Japan's Aid to Africa

Abstract

The paper discusses ways and means of better incorporating “human security” approach in Japanese ODA programs in the context of African developmental settings. The uniqueness of “Human Security” approach lies in its strong focus on securing welfare of human beings and especially that of those who are less secure and protected, regardless of by which state they are governed; an anti-thesis to conventional “state security” way of thinking. This approach has requested adjustment of Japanese ODA strategy in one notable way: justification of direct support to beneficiary population when and where the agent - the state - is believed to be incapable of fulfilling its duties and obligations. Long list of African “failed” states might justify this approach, but here it is important to realize that the lack of human security in Africa is a phenomenon which is deeply rooted in the nature of state and state-society relations in Africa; thus requiring more than providing direct support to those who in need and strengthening social services of the state.
This way of diagnosing state-society relations in Africa would require deepening of understanding of human security approach in Africa. The paper admits importance of approaching vulnerable group of population when and where they are less protected, and justify direct support bypassing state structure and channels as shortterm means, but at the same time warns the risk of such approach, leading to further negligence and weakening of state in Africa, which might work detrimental to enhancement of human security in Africa in the longer term.