A framework for NGO-led post-disaster reconstruction programs in the indigenous community: A case study of the 2009 Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan

Abstract

Non-governmental organization-led post-disaster reconstruction programs have been providing ample financial and human resources for disaster reconstruction. However, despite lengthy discussions about NGO-led post-disaster reconstruction programs, there is a lack of research on the different decision-making practices of various NGOs in the indigenous context. This study is based on extensive field research conducted in two communities affected by the 2009 Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan, where the distinct roles of three large-scale NGOs are investigated. Additionally, NGO–government and NGO–community relationships during the implementation of post-disaster reconstruction programs are closely examined. The result show that for the NGO–government relationship, NGOs fill the gaps left by the government. However, NGOs with great experiences in post-disaster reconstruction might dominate the decision-making process. Regarding the NGO–community relationship, flexible solutions proposed by NGOs might help to solve the challenges of post-disaster reconstruction programs implemented in the communities. However, the implementing methods varied tremendously based on the NGOs' underpinning ideology and mutual trust with the communities. Similarly, the research also states that though communities generally trusted the NGOs' ability to conduct the post-disaster reconstruction programs, the NGOs’ ideology on post-disaster reconstruction programs and relationship with communities were crucial to the communities. Eventually, a framework for NGO-led indigenous-based post-disaster reconstruction programs, introducing four stages, is proposed. These stages include: (i) preparedness, (ii) initiation, (iii) planning and construction, and (iv) monitoring and livelihood restoration.