Abstract
This research explored the basic issue of what preparedness means and entails to people in Fako Division, Cameroon—a place threated by many hazards and that has experienced many disasters. Findings from the analysis of the 33 interviews conducted in this study indicate that preparedness is a dynamic state of readiness that is dependent on context, a social process, and a process of completing activities to save lives and minimize the effects of disasters. In addition, the research determined that Cameroonians view a wholly prepared person as someone who would: (1) have knowledge about hazards and what to do about them; (2) engage others, including their families and neighbors, in discussions about activities related to hazards; and (3) participate in activities to minimize loss from hazards, sustain themselves in the face of hazards, and flee from hazards. The findings from the interview data synchronize to a large extent with what is implied, but not clearly stated, in the existing research literature. The article addresses this synchrony, posits a definition of preparedness, and identifies the theoretical components of preparedness.
Highlights
Cameroon is located on the west coast of central Africa
This article reports the results of an individual and household preparedness (IHP) study that focused on Fako Division in the Southwest Region of Cameroon
Over 75% of the participants (N = 25) did not offer a direct answer or could not clearly articulate what it meant for IHs to be prepared for a disaster
Summary
Cameroon is located on the west coast of central Africa. This article reports the results of an individual and household preparedness (IHP) study that focused on Fako Division in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Residents within communities across Cameroon are vulnerable to hazards and associated events (Bang and Few 2012; Tongwa et al 2012; Kometa 2012; Bang 2013; Ndille and Belle 2014). Cameroon has a diverse array of vulnerabilities that can be classified as social-economic, physical, environmental (Bang 2013, 2014), infrastructural, and political (Balgah et al 2015). Only a mediocre effort has been, and is being, made to address these vulnerabilities at the national level (Njome et al 2010; Tongwa et al 2012; Bang 2014; Ndille and Belle 2014)
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