Setting up local participatory projects in a crisis setting, being it due to natural disasters or conflict, presents a specific set of challenges. Understanding the intricate context will help the project to tailor strategies that mitigate risks and leverage opportunities. It establishes a contextual foundation that bridges broader urban objectives with local needs and challenges. By evaluating these emergency situations, the project can identify strategic opportunities and ensure interventions are well-integrated within the larger urban fabric: 

• Informal settlements
• Refugee camps
• Migrant or internally displaced populations
• Natural disasters and climate emergencies
• Conflict and post-war reconstruction
• Disease outbreaks

Some of the adaptation and additions in some of the specific crisis contexts evolves around:

• Context focus: it addresses post-displacement urban integration, social cohesion between IDPs and host communities (not only urban planning for inclusivity, but crisis recovery)
• Target groups expanded: it focuses more on intersectionality within displacement: considering vulnerabilities linked to conflict, trauma, and displacement, not only gender and age which is also one of the main emphasis we integrated in the new her city guide edition.
• Objective differences: as in her city the crisis version also aims at durable solutions: inclusive urban spaces but with specific focus on sustainable urban reintegration of displaced persons + build resilience after crises.
• Methodological changes: the crisis version builds on the her city toolbox by selecting relevant activities and steps, editing some, and adding new steps specific to the crisis context. Everything is reorganized to best fit the situation. Additionally, new crisis-response tools are introduced, such as ‘community evaluation meetings, action plans for reintegration, and humanitarian coordination. Uses Build Back Better principles in infrastructure planning. The methodology also introduces exploratory conversations and active observation walks, with a focus on vulnerability, displacement trauma, and gender-specific needs.
• Language and framing: in continuity with the previous point there is a stronger emphasis on resilience, vulnerability, protection, rights of displaced persons.
• Integration with law/policy: in the her city guide is referring more to general global frameworks (SDGs) and in the crisis edition it’s Mozambique-specific laws (PEGDI, Kampala Convention) with a broader aim (national resilience and durable solutions scaling, not only local urban upgrades)