given that a third of the world s poor live in fragile states it is essential to consider whether and how processes of empowerment and propoor growth might differ in fragile contexts and how donors might support these processes there is therefore a need to carefully analyse the specific weaknesses and failings of each fragile state and society in order to provide appropriate support societies where conflict and deprivation have weakened people s physical and intellectual capabilities eg low levels of education skills poor health etc societies where conflict and deprivation have weakened cooperation and collective action and there may be significant levels of mistrust between groups