Assessing the Operationalisation of Triple Nexus in Protracted Crisis; A Case Study of South Sudan (2017-2022)

Many communities have been thrust into humanitarian crises as the number and complexity of conflicts have increased. Despite the supply of humanitarian aid, conditions worsen, and conflicts recur. As a result, the United Nations, and its partners, including NGOs, civil society, and local or national government actors, have been compelled to employ new approaches to offer long-term solutions - the triple nexus. It specifically refers to efforts in the humanitarian, development, and peace sectors to collaborate to better satisfy people's needs, minimize risks and vulnerabilities, and strive toward building resilience. This study sought to assess the operationalization of the triple nexus with a key focus on South Sudan from 2017 to 2022. It did so through three major objectives. First, identify ways for the triple nexus actors to collaborate and to assess the impact of such collaboration at the headquarter and field levels; second to examine how the triple nexus strategy contributes to the attainment of the SDGs, and thirdly to investigate the challenges associated with implementing the triple nexus. This research was anchored on two fundamental theories: the Theory of Change and Collaboration. The study utilized a qualitative approach with a case study research design. The researcher employed a purposeful non-random sampling strategy. Besides, interviews open-ended questionnaires and document analysis were used as data collection tools. Using thematic analysis codes and significant themes were identified and analyzed in depth. The research revealed that there are various levels of collaboration among the triple nexus players. However, if not properly harnessed, collaboration can have a detrimental impact on HDP operationalization by creating role duplication and overlap, resulting in a lack of synergy. The study discovered that the triple nexus is a feasible instrument for achieving the SDGs. In this case, achieving one goal leads to achieving others or improving essentially all goals, which is known as "bundle action." Moreover, the research revealed several challenges that arise, including financial deficits, a lack of consistent definitions of terminology, and the politicization of humanitarian aid, to name a few. The study concluded with several recommendations for the triple nexus actors in general and the South Sudanese actors in particular. It also made recommendations for further research.