Academics doing participatory disaster research: how participatory is it?

Abstract

Participatory methods in disaster research and disaster risk reduction are increasingly used by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and academics. The three key principles of participatory research are: (a) empowering the powerless, (b) instigating changes at policy level, and (c) generating sustainable solutions that match with local communities' needs. Yet, academic research is inherently extractive and local people are generally not involved in the research project design and objectives, nor in the assessment of the research outcomes. Reflecting upon fieldwork done with disaster-affected communities, this article analyses the difficulties and limitations faced during the participatory process and challenges the capacity of participatory research, when carried out in an academic context, to generate these three key principles. It is concluded that there is need for more accountability of academics towards local communities, and greater involvement of the participants within the data collection and analysis process.