Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction Research Articles

How Can Practitioners Support Citizen Volunteers in Disaster Risk Reduction? Insight from “Good and Ready” in Aotearoa New Zealand

Global and national policy frameworks emphasize the importance of people’s participation and volunteers’ role in disaster risk reduction. While research has extensively focused on volunteers in disaster response and recovery, less attention has been paid on how organizations involved in disaster risk management can support volunteers in leading and coordinating community-based disaster risk reduction. In 2019, the New Zealand Red Cross piloted the Good and Ready initiative in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, with the objective to empower local people in resilience building with a focus on volunteers and community participation. This research examined the positive and negative outcomes of Good and Ready and investigated volunteers’ experiences in the disaster resilience initiative. It involved the codesign of a questionnaire-based survey using participatory methods with Good and Ready volunteers, the dissemination of the survey to gather volunteers’ viewpoints, and a focus group discussion with participatory activities with Red Cross volunteers. The findings highlight that a key challenge lies in finding a balance between a program that provides flexibility to address contextual issues and fosters communities’ ownership, versus a prescriptive and standardized approach that leaves little room for creativity and self-initiative. It pinpoints that supporting volunteers with technical training is critical but that soft skills training such as coordinating, communicating, or facilitating activities at the local level are needed. It concludes that the sustainability of Good and Ready requires understanding and meeting volunteers’ motivations and expectations and that enhancing partnerships with local emergency management agencies would strengthen the program.

Disaster Risk Reduction Literacy Through Participatory Mapping of Tsunami Disaster in Bobanehena

Halmahera Island in North Maluku consists of active faults that cause frequent tectonic earthquakes. In addition to earthquakes, tsunamis can also occur. Bobanehena village is one of the villages located on the coast of Jailolo sub-district and could be at great risk of a tsunami if an earthquake strikes Halmahera Island. The problems addressed are first, the limited capacity of individuals, households and communities in facing and dealing with tsunami disasters. Second, there is no tsunami evacuation route in Bobanehena Village based on participatory mapping. The method in this service is the Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) approach which involves the community to be actively involved in disaster management. Participatory mapping of evacuation routes was carried out by Forum Group Discussion (FGD) and assessment of disaster capacity was carried out by submitting pre-test and post-test questionnaires conducted during the activity. The results of the service were a participatory map of the tsunami evacuation route plan and increased community capacity regarding tsunami disasters in Bobanehena Village.

Decolonizing Climate Change Adaptations from Indigenous Perspectives: Learning Reflections from Munda Indigenous Communities, Coastal Areas in Bangladesh

This study explores the imperative need for decolonizing climate change adaptation strategies by focusing on Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Focusing on the Munda Indigenous communities residing in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, the research offers critical insights into the intricate relationship between Indigenous wisdom and sustainable climate adaptation. By engaging with the Munda Indigenous people and their traditions, this study explores how traditional ecological knowledge and practices can inform and enhance contemporary climate adaptation efforts. Following the decolonial theoretical research framework, this research used participatory research methods and collaboration with the Munda Indigenous community. In this study, we shared our learning reflections to uncover unique approaches to climate resilience, including traditional community-based disaster risk reduction and cultural practices that foster social cohesion. These insights challenge the prevailing Western-centric climate adaptation paradigms, emphasizing recognizing and valuing Indigenous voices in climate discourse. The research underscores the significance of empowering Indigenous communities as key stakeholders in climate adaptation policy and decision-making. It calls for shifting from top-down, colonial approaches towards more inclusive, culturally sensitive strategies. The Munda Indigenous communities’ experiences offer valuable lessons that can inform broader efforts to address climate change, fostering resilience and harmonious coexistence between people and their environment. This study advocates for integrating Indigenous knowledge, practices, and worldviews into climate adaptation frameworks to create more effective, equitable, and sustainable solutions for the challenges posed by climate change.

Sustainability of Knowledge and practice regarding disasters among people living in flood-prone areas of Nepal

The main objective of this study is to examine the sustainability of knowledge and practice regarding disasters among people living in flood-prone areas of Nepal. Data for this survey were collected through a cross-sectional research design using a quantitative method. CARE Nepal and Handicap International implemented a community-based disaster risk reduction VISTAR project in Nepal’s Kailali, Dadeldhura, Kanchanpur, and Dang districts. The study used the baseline, end-line, and mainly post-project sustainability (PPS) survey data for detailed analysis. The study was conducted in four rural municipalities/municipalities of the Sudurpashchim Province. Univariate, Bivariate, and multivariate analyses (binary logistic regression) were applied to examine the sustainability of knowledge and practice regarding disasters among people living in flood prone areas of Nepal. It was observed that slightly over two-thirds of the respondents (67.5%) were female, while nearly one-third (32.5%) of them were male. More than one-fourth (27.5%) of the respondents were from the 25-34 age group, followed by one-fourth (25.1%) from the 35-44 age group. Knowledge of various types of disasters had increased for all types in the end-line (24.5 in the baseline to 32.9 in the end line) and showed sustainability in the PPS study (44.08) on average. Only less than a fourth (24%) of respondents reported the Household (HH) level plan requirement to mitigate the effect of disaster. Multivariate analysis found that respondents whose caste/ethnicity was Dalit (aOR= 1.3, 95% CI=0.7 2.23) and Janjati (aOR= 1.37, 95% CI=0.7 – 2.67) were more likely to know about the requirement of the HH level plan to mitigate the effect of a disaster than Brahmin/Chettri. Likewise, respondents whose primary source of income was small business/service were 3 times (aOR= 3.58, 95% CI= 1.46- 8.81) more likely to know about the requirement of the HH level plan to, mitigate the effect of a disaster than those whose source of income was agriculture. Knowledge of the type of disaster and the need for a household-level plan to mitigate disaster is very low. Thus, programs that advocate the importance of following disaster mitigation measures at the community and household level should be targeted to motivate people to be self-equipped to tackle possible disaster incidents.

Monchique’s Innovation Laboratory—A Space for Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing to Foster Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction

BRIDGE (bridging science and local communities for wildfire risk reduction) is an action–research project developing a community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) process which is being fostered through a collaborative innovation laboratory (InnoLab). BRIDGE integrates different forms of knowledge and action, linking science and local communities to reduce their vulnerability and to enhance strategies for forest fire risk reduction. Applied in Monchique, a forest-fire-prone municipality in Portugal, the InnoLab creates a space for dialogue and knowledge sharing between multiple actors that, directly or indirectly, manage forest territories. BRIDGE attempts to facilitate social learning about forest fire risks, strengthen collaborative networks and enhance adaptive capacities (socially and institutionally) for forest fire prevention. This paper shares results of the InnoLab activities, which include (i) school community activities on wildfire risk perception; (ii) participatory mapping of Monchique’s vulnerabilities and risks; (iii) participatory sessions to create the community visioning for Monchique’s territory, to define priorities and capacities to be improved, and to identify functions and responsibilities to act upon; and (iv) workshop on CBDRR strategies for action. Lessons are shared on how InnoLab can represent an innovative participatory approach to promote CBDRR processes in forest-fire-prone territories by both contributing to the recognition of local knowledge systems and encouraging the active role of forest communities through strengthened local networks for a more lasting commitment to forest fire risk reduction policy.

Disaster Resilient Village Program: Manifestation of Community-Based Disaster Risk Management and Reduction Policy

The potential and risk of disasters in Indonesia over the last two decades have become a major challenge for this country. Dynamic natural activities, global climate change, and rapid urbanization have increased vulnerability to various types of natural and man-made disasters. Although this risk cannot be completely avoided, mitigation efforts, risk management and community empowerment have been carried out to reduce its impact. The Disaster Resilient Village Program is one of the Indonesian government's important efforts to reduce disaster risk and increase community resilience. Although there are still challenges and obstacles that must be overcome, this program has provided significant benefits in preparing communities to face the threat of disaster.

Modelling Interrelationships of the Factors Impeding Community Engagement in Risk-Sensitive Urban Planning: Evidence from Sri Lanka

During the last two decades, global disasters have impacted over 5.2 billion people, with economic losses exceeding USD 2.97 trillion. This underscores the critical need for inclusive risk-sensitive urban planning (RSUP) that integrates community insights. Community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) has demonstrated a potential reduction of up to 40% in mortality rates during disasters and cost savings in disaster response and recovery. However, research has shown that only 20% felt they are involved in decisions related to neighborhood planning, despite communities’ lived experience in surviving local hazards. This highlights a gap where practitioners dominate the development of mitigation and development plans, sidelining local perspectives. Using Sri Lanka as a case study, this study investigated the barriers to effective community participation in the decision-making of RSUP and thereby developed an interpretive logic model to establish an understanding of why they occur and how each barrier is interlinked. The data gathered from a sample of 44 experts and community representatives revealed 19 factors that impede community inclusion in the decision-making of RSUP in Sri Lanka. The Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) analysis adopted identified that the absence of legal provisions for inclusive development, political dynamics, and corruption are the most significant barriers. The Matrix Impact of Cross Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) further revealed that fewer financial provisions and the absence of an institutional framework for community engagement are the linking barriers to the other 17 barriers. This study not only extends the theoretical debate on barriers to community engagement for risk-responsive and equitable development but also helps urban planners, disaster management practitioners, and strategy policymakers focus on critical areas that need major reforms.

Activities and roles of mosques in Japan after the recent major earthquakes: A comprehensive study

As minority groups, foreign nationals are considered vulnerable because of cultural, linguistic, and religious differences; however, some may work as critical stakeholders in disaster risk reduction (DRR). In Japan, some mosque communities (mainly composed of foreign nationals) were engaged in relief activities immediately after disasters; however, these reports were scattered and did not clarify long-term activities. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the activities and roles of mosques located in areas affected by recent natural hazard-related disasters in the short (that is, response) and long term (that is, recovery and mitigation). We targeted three mosques located in areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan. We conducted a literature review and interviewed mosque administrators. The results showed that all mosques worked as distribution centers in the short term, receiving relief supplies from Muslims all over Japan and distributing them to affected people. The relief goods included halal foods that fit foreign minorities, but these goods were distributed not only to them but also to other people regardless of religion and nationality. Some mosques also functioned as evacuation shelters, soup kitchens, and accommodations for volunteers. Support for affected people was further facilitated by intermediaries (such as private organizations and key local individuals) between the mosques and local communities or governments. In contrast to the short term, we did not find prominent recovery and mitigation activities by the mosques. These comprehensive findings contribute to the promotion of inclusive and community-based DRR activities.

Preface

The 5th International Conference on Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Mitigation, ICEEDM 2022, was held on 28th-29th September 2022. The 5th ICEEDM in Gadjah Mada University was profoundly enjoying the collaboration with the joint-organizing committee with the Indonesian Earthquake Engineering Association (AARGI), International Association for Earthquake Engineering (IAEE), Japan Association for Earthquake Engineering (JAEE), Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesian Islamic University, and Atmajaya University. The conference was supported by a scientific committee from four countries and twelve keynote speakers from five countries, i.e., Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA.The 5th ICEEDM 2022 was held to provide an opportunity to share experiences and disseminate the latest research and development results related to earthquake engineering, which will be very useful for increasing knowledge and disaster mitigation policies. It is hoped that this conference will benefit all parties to minimize the risk of earthquake hazards in Indonesia and worldwide.The 5th ICEEDM 2022 proceeding contains papers written by academics, professionals, researchers, and students from Indonesia and Japan. Various research works related to the conference theme were presented during the conference. A total of 41 full papers accepted upon review for the proceeding publication are categorized into the following topics: A. Structural Engineering, including; Structural Earthquake Engineering, Structural Dynamics, Performance-Based Design and Evaluation, Structural Assessment and Retrofit, Seismic Devices and Applications, Non-engineered Buildings, Experimental & Numerical Modelling B. Geotechnical Engineering, including; Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Soil-Structure Interaction C. Seismological Engineering, including; Seismic Micro-zonation, Case Histories in Recent Earthquakes, D. Disaster Mitigation, including; Seismic Hazard and Tsunami Disaster Mitigation, Early Warning System, Post Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction, Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction & Management

Cultural Adaptation of Sedulur Sikep: Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy in Baturejo Village

Background: Integration of various knowledge in response to various things that interfere with their existence both geographically, economically, socially maintaining livelihood assets, encouraging changes in the context of life of the Sedulur Sikep community. The perspective of political ecology in the context of disasters due to development impacts is responded by collaboration built as a network with academics, non-governmental organizations, legal aid institutions and the media. Aim: This study generally aims to analyze the cultural adaptation carried out by the Sedulur Sikep community in Baturejo Village. Method: This study combines habitus theory and cultural adaptation with the Sustainable Livelihood Framework approach to understand aspects and characteristics of Sedulur Sikep life in rural Baturejo. Community-based disaster risk reduction carried out by Sedulur Sikep was investigated qualitatively using the Participatory Rural Appraisal method to see with various variables, namely: potential and access to resources, vulnerability and capacity, processes and involvement in the Kendeng Care Community network, and see the extent of global/market influence on Sedulur Sikep's vulnerability. Data was obtained through interviews and observations. Inductive writing method that is done descriptively. Findings: The management of knowledge contained in social values in Sedulur Sikep to maintain the balance of living order with nature is the response capacity of Sedulur Sikep in maintaining livelihood assets and mainstreaming community-based disaster risk reduction in the nature of prevention and mitigation.

Rural residents’ participation in community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR): the role of moral self-identity, perceived responsibility and face consciousness

Community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) is an important tool that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to mitigate disaster risks in their neighborhoods. Residents’ participation in CBDRR, such as attending training programs and developing emergency plans differs from private adaptation strategies as it is characterized as observable and altruistic. To better understand the motivations for public participation in CBDRR, this study examines the role of moral self-identity, perceived responsibility, and face consciousness on three types of participation intentions, by employing data from rural residents in China (N = 479) and utilizing a mediation-moderation model. The results reveal that: moral self-identity plays a crucial role in enhancing residents’ participation intentions in CBDRR; perceived responsibility mediates this relationship; face consciousness moderates the effect of perceived responsibility on participation intentions. Finally, the moderation effect is stronger in the lower level of CBDRR action. These findings offer important insights into mobilizing public participation in CBDRR.

Desa Tangguh Bencana di Desa Widarapayung Wetan, Kecamatan Binangun, Kabupaten Cilacap (Pengembangan Desa Tangguh Bencana Berbasis Masyarakat Desa)

Research on Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction in Widarapayung Wetan Village is motivated by the geographical location of Widarapayung Wetan Village which is directly adjacent to the Indian Ocean in the south which contains the Indo-Australian plate. . The method used in this research is qualitative with descriptive method. Data collection techniques used are in-depth interviews and documentation studies. Aspects examined in this study are efforts to identify threats, efforts to reduce vulnerabilities and efforts to increase capacity. The results of the study indicate that disaster risk reduction efforts have been carried out by the people of Widarapayung Wetan Village. However, the efforts made have not been maximized due to several factors, especially the lack of active disaster organizations in the village of Widarapayung Wetan, namely the Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBAT) in disaster risk reduction efforts. Aspects of threat recognition carried out by the Widarapayung Wetan village community include socialization, disaster risk analysis. Aspects of reducing vulnerability are carried out through planting hard trunked trees, installing sirens, installing evacuation signs, and mapping. Aspects of capacity building, namely through socialization, simulations, disaster training, the establishment of the FPRB, the establishment of a Disaster Resilient Village, and the existence of institutions at the village level.

Community-based disaster risk reduction efforts in facing the threat of abrasion disasters at Bungin Beach, Bekasi Regency during the covid-19 pandemic

Abrasion causes coastal areas to have a very high level of dynamics and often has an impact on environmental damage, so it needs to be anticipated. In the last 2 years, the whole world has faced a crisis caused by the pandemic due to Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19). During the pandemic, the environment where coastal communities live is still threatened with abrasion. Some mangrove planting and rehabilitation activities had to be stopped to suppress the spread of the virus. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of community groups (Tourism Awareness Group) as a key factor in overcoming abrasion events during the Covid-19 pandemic at Bungin Beach. Interviews and direct observations were conducted to obtain survey data. Additional analyzes were then carried out through relevant journals and literature reviews. As a result, from 1997 to 2021 there has been abrasion on Bungin beach. The Tourism Awareness Group plays a role in post-pandemic recovery, especially in the economic sector. Through mangrove planting activities, not only to restore the economy of coastal communities during the pandemic but also to protect coastal ecosystems from the threat of abrasion on Bungin Beach.

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON COMMUNITY DISASTER RISK AND IDENTIFYING STRATEGIES FOR ADAPTATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW FOR SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Sub-Saharan Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as droughts, floods, and desertification, which threaten local communities. The purpose of this study was to review existing literature on the impact of climate change on disaster risk in sub-Saharan Africa and identify adaptation strategies to mitigate these effects. A comprehensive search of academic databases was conducted, and identified studies were analysed thematically. The study found that climate change intensifies extreme weather events, resulting in waterborne diseases, displacement, food insecurity, and famine. Poverty and gender-specific challenges further contribute to vulnerability. Effective adaptation strategies include climate-smart agriculture, improved infrastructure and early warning systems, and community-based disaster risk reduction. Integrating adaptation and risk reduction into development plans at national and local levels is crucial. Partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms can help overcome implementation challenges. Addressing gender-specific issues and involving local communities in adaptation design and implementation are also important. In conclusion, enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa requires comprehensive adaptation measures integrated with development plans.

An evaluation of the implementation of the disaster resilient village program in Padang Pariaman regency

The objective of this research is to describe an evaluation of the implementation of the Disaster Resilient Village program in Padang Pariaman Regency with the locus in Nagari Katapiang, Nagari Seulayat Ulakan and Nagari Tapakih. This research uses interviews and literature. The Disaster Resilient Village Program is a program that aims to increase the capacity of Nagari to become toug`1h and independent in managing the disasters. Geographically, the Padang Pariaman Regency area, which is located along the coast of the island of Sumatra, is an area that has the potential for disaster. The presence of the Disaster Resilient Village program is one of the community-based disaster risk reduction efforts which aims to enable the communities to be independent and adaptable in facing the threat of disaster. Therefore, it is important to have an evaluation study in assessing the sustainability of this program. Evaluation of the implementation of the Disaster Resilient Village program can be seen from various points of view, one of which is the input, output, process and outcome of the program.

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Quantify the Human Disaster Risk Perception and Its Influence on the Population at Risk: A Case Study of Longchi Town, China.

Understanding disaster risk perception is vital for community-based disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study was set to investigate the correlations between disaster risk perception and the population at risk. To address this research question, the current study conducted an interdisciplinary approach: a household survey for measuring variables and constructed an Agent-based model for simulating the population at risk. Therefore, two correlations were defined, (1) between risk perception and willingness to evacuate, and (2) between willingness to evacuate and the population at risk. The willingness to evacuate was adopted as a mediator to determine the relationship between risk perception and the population at risk. The results show that the residents generally have a higher risk perception and willingness to evacuate because the study area frequently suffered from debris flow and flash floods. A positive correlation was found between risk perception and willingness to evacuate, and a negative correlation to the population at risk. However, a marginal effect was observed when raising public risk perception to reduce the number of the population at risk. This study provides an interdisciplinary approach to measuring disaster risk perception at the community level and helps policymakers select the most effective ways to reduce the population at risk.

Revitalization of Disaster Mitigation Management and Community Empowerment Through Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR)

Currently, there are still many people who are not aware of their disaster-prone areas. This is exacerbated by the lack of maximum community empowerment in disaster prevention and management. This study aims to determine the effect of the implementation of community-based disaster risk reduction (CB DRR) on the knowledge and skills of the community in disaster mitigation. This research is a quasi-experimental study, with a non-randomized control group pre-test - post-test design. The population and sample in this study were all community administrators who were aware of the disaster. The instrument used is a questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability. Research procedures include administrative procedures and technical procedures. Data processing is done through the process of editing, coding, scoring, processing, and cleaning. Data analysis techniques include univariate analysis, bivariate analysis (paired t-test), and multivariate analysis (General Linear Model Repeated Measure or GLM-RM). The p-value on the knowledge and skills variables were both 0.000 (<0.05). The value of the Greenhouse-Geisser sig analysis on the knowledge and skills variables has the same p-value of 0.000 (<0.05) or there is a difference in the average knowledge and skills of respondents after being given CB DRR training. Conclusion: The CB DRR program training influences the knowledge and skills of the community in carrying out disaster mitigation with a changing trend seen from the first measurement to the last measurement.

Evaluasi Program Desa Tangguh Bencana dalam Perspektif Flood Risk Management

Pacitan district is one of the five districts included in the highest disaster risk region in East Java. One of the area with a big threat of destructive flood disaster is Sirnoboyo Village, which is located between Grindulu and Jelok River. An attempt to improve community preparedness in the midst of flood hazard are carried out through Village Disaster Resilience Program. Village disaster resilience program is a form of flood risk management (FRM) as a community-based disaster risk reduction by building up self-sufficiency and adaptation. FRM is a theoritical analytic-based that is used in conjuction with Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model. The qualitative-descriptive approach was chosen to describe chronologically the evaluation of village disaster resilience program, which encounters several obstacles such as lack of active community and youth participation and under-capacity of the volunteer team. This study offers a reconstruction of village disaster resilience program execution in accordance with the FRM framework to effectively maximize community readyness over the threat of flood hazard that stakeout throughout a year.

How effective are community-based disaster reduction strategies? Evidence from the largest-scale program so far.

Strategies of community-based disaster risk reduction have been advocated for more than 2 decades. However, we still lack in-depth quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of such strategies. Our research is based on a national experiment in this domain: the "Comprehensive Disaster Reduction Demonstration Community" project, a governmental program running in China since 2007. Information on more than 11,000 demonstration communities was collected. Combined with the local disaster information and socioeconomic conditions, the spatiotemporal characteristics of these communities over 12 years and their differences in performance by region and income group were analyzed. We performed an attribution analysis for disaster risk reduction effectiveness. This is the first time a series of quantitative evaluation methods have been applied to verify the effectiveness of a large-scale community-based disaster risk reduction project, both from the perspective of demonstrative effects and loss reduction benefits. Here, we find that the project is obviously effective from these two perspectives, and the disaster loss reduction effectiveness illustrates clear regional differences, where the regional economic level and hazard severity act as important drivers. Significant differences of urban-rural and income call for matching fortification measures, and the dynamic management of demonstration community size is required, since the loss reduction benefit converges when the penetration rate of the demonstration community reaches approximately 4% in a province. These and further results provide diverse implications for community-based disaster risk reduction policies and practices.

Why does community-based disaster risk reduction fail to learn from local knowledge? Experiences from Malawi

It is often taken as given that community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) serves as a mechanism for the inclusion of local knowledge (LK) in disaster risk reduction (DRR). In this paper, through in-depth qualitative analysis of empirical data from Malawi, we investigate the extent to which CBDRR in practice really takes into account LK. This research argues that LK is underutilised in CBDRR and finds that current practice provides a limited opportunity for the inclusion of LK, due to five prime obstacles: i) current approach to community participation, ii) financial constraints and capacity of external stakeholders, iii) the donor landscape, iv) information consolidation and sharing, and v) external stakeholders attitudes towards LK. In CBDRR, a strong dichotomy between local and scientific knowledge is maintained, and further re-examination of community-based approaches in practice is needed to make them truly transformative.