Consultation in Afghanistan: A Case Study

Abstract

This case describes the experiences of one consultant working in Afghanistan, for ten weeks. The case is organized around the consultation cycle, and the problems for which consultation was requested. It raises important questions in terms of how consultants from one culture work in another; how multilateral agencies contract for consultant services — a process which usually prevents the consultant and consultee from interacting around the problems prior to the actual consultation; and how one consultation builds upon the previous consultations, albeit by different consultants. Implicit is the recognition of the need for special preparation in consultation for health educators and for working in cross-cultural contexts.