Social cohesion in Eastern Africa

This report examines the state of social cohesion in Eastern Africa. It does not provide an exhaustive examination of social cohesion in all its dimensions nor does it comprehensively investigate the linkages between social cohesion, and economic development. Instead, it provides a selection of data to illustrate the complex nature of social cohesion in this integrating and fast-developing region. To the extent possible, all countries in the Eastern Africa region are included in this analysis. Data limitations, however, mean that in some instances, some countries are explored in more detail than others.

This report has three sections. This first section provides the structure and scope of the report and sets out a working definition of social cohesion. The second section, divided into two parts, presents some of the achievements of the Eastern Africa region in terms of improvements in some basic social indicators. The report then proceeds to provide a social audit of the region that identifies both areas of progress and, crucially, some outstanding challenges. Together, these will provide a general picture of the state of social cohesion in Eastern Africa. Finally, the report briefly reviews some policy implications of this assessment of social cohesion.