Disaster Vulnerability of Farmers from Flood Damage in District Charsadda

Abstract

This research examines the association between community organization and disaster vulnerability in three flood-affected Village Councils (VCs) in Charsadda district, namely Nawan Killi, Faqir Abad, and Chak Utmanzaie. Using a proportional allocation approach, 353 households were randomly selected from a total of 4,270 in the sampling frame. Data was collected through interviews, with the study's conceptual framework featuring one independent variable (Community organization) and one dependent variable (Disaster vulnerability), both measured on a three-level Likert Scale. The analysis, employing chi-square tests, revealed significant associations. Disaster vulnerability demonstrated a highly significant relationship with community organization during flood seasons (p=0.000), facilitation of social organization by NGOs, democratic election of disaster management committees, representation of all vulnerable groups in committees, and inclusion of various castes and sects in community organizations. Furthermore, disaster vulnerability exhibited a highly significant correlation with decisions made by disaster management committees, incorporating suggestions from vulnerable groups, prioritizing vulnerability groups, informing community members of committee decisions, and having women represented in committees. The study's findings underscore the importance of establishing and updating community participation guidelines for disaster management, ensuring active involvement of all stakeholders in planning and executing disaster management initiatives, promoting awareness and capacity building in participatory disaster management approaches, and fostering partnerships with NGOs, donors, and government agencies to secure financial and technical support.