Community Resilience Research Articles

Community engagement in rural and urban marginalized communities in Jamaica: Building community resilience in crisis

ABSTRACT In the Caribbean, Jamaica mobilized strategies to ensure that the most vulnerable were protected against the threats and fears of COVID-19 and other crises over time. One strategy involved wide-scale collaboration with public and private sectors, non-governmental and community-based organizations, and volunteers. This study describes the approach taken by stakeholders in response to the needs of vulnerable residents in marginalized communities, and to highlight the experiences building community resilience during COVID-19. Three questions guided the research: 1) What major issues that affected the community during the COVID-19 crisis? 2) What measures have been implemented to help communities manage and adapt coping mechanism during this crisis? and 3) How has the community shown resilience and recovery in mitigating crises? A descriptive research design was employed comprising focus groups and interviews. We sampled 28 participants from 7 non-governmental organizations and 12 communities in rural and urban Jamaica. The analysis generated policy recommendations.

A Study of the Effects of Kokoro Alate, A Crisis Resolution Programme of Agidigbo 88.7 FM Radio Station on the People of Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State

This research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Kokoro Alate, a crisis resolution programme on Agidigbo 88.7FM radio station, in promoting community resilience and mitigating crises in Akinyele Local Government, Oyo State.The research aimed to examine the programme's influence on listeners' perceptions and attitudes towards crisis, its effectiveness in promoting community resilience, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation. A descriptive survey method was employed, targeting, 80 adults ( 50 unmarried and 30 married) selected through simple random sampling from Ajibode, Akinyele Local Governmen The study revealed that crisis management radio programs significantly influence listeners' perceptions and attitudes towards crisis, with education being the most impactful aspect. Kokoro Alate has educated a large number of people on how to conduct themselves during crises and resolve disputes. However, despite awareness of the importance of feedback, respondents hesitated to contribute, limiting the programme's effectiveness. The study concludes that crisis resolution programmes like Kokoro Alate are vital tools for combating social crises. To enhance programme effectiveness, awareness campaigns on crisis resolution programmes should be conducted.Further research is recommended to investigate reasons for low feedback and declining radio audiences. Additionally, government and private broadcasts should prioritize crisis-resolution programming. By addressing these areas, Kokoro Alate's influence can expand, enhancing community resilience and crisis management in Akinyele Local Government.

Keterlibatan dan Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Mitigasi Bencana Banjir: Studi Kasus Kabupaten Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia

This study evaluates community participation in flood disaster mitigation efforts in Wetee Village, Sidenreng Rappang Regency. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were gathered through structured observations and in-depth interviews with community members and officials responsible for disaster management. The interview data were subsequently analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus software. The study focuses on community empowerment strategies implemented by the Sidenreng Rappang Regional Disaster Management Agency, using an eight-step community participation model to assess engagement levels. Findings reveal that the community’s involvement in flood mitigation remains largely at a quasi-participation level, characterized by limited engagement in planning and supervisory processes. This restricted level of participation is seen to hinder the overall effectiveness of disaster mitigation initiatives. The study recommends promoting community participation from pseudo-participation to a ‘delegated power’ level to improve outcomes, facilitating comprehensive involvement in planning, execution, and oversight. These findings underscore the critical role of collaborative efforts across various stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness and response capacities at the local level, ultimately fostering a more resilient community.

Unveiling ancient Jerusalem’s pastoral dynamics (7th to 2nd centuries BCE) with multi-isotope analysis

This study explores changes in pastoral practices in the Jerusalem region (Iron Age II - Late Hellenistic) through a multi-isotope approach (strontium, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen). Based on the analysis of 135 sheep, goat, and cattle teeth and bone samples from Givati Parking Lot we demonstrate the value of this method in reconstructing past animal husbandry, revealing adaptation and resilience of pastoral communities amidst environmental and socio-political changes. Isotopic analysis indicates local sourcing for most animals, with intriguing outliers from distant regions up to 150 km away, suggesting regional exchange networks. Notably, the Persian period (5th century BCE) exhibits a wider isotope range, implying increased flexibility and exploitation of diverse grazing lands, potentially driven by climate shifts and political upheavals. Conversely, Late Hellenistic (2nd century BCE) livestock display restricted movement, while showcasing a rise in desert caprines, indicative of increased import compared to the Persian era. These findings highlight the dynamism and adaptability of past pastoral communities, adjusting their strategies in response to various pressures. This study opens new avenues for understanding human-environment interactions in the Levant and underscores the power of multi-isotope approaches in unraveling intricate socio-economic and ecological dynamics of the past.

Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Diversity in the Moroccan Coastal Water of the Gibraltar Strait

Coastal waters are known for higher productivity and organic matter levels, which support a high diversity and abundance of microorganisms compared to some aquatic environments. The characterization of marine microbiomes can provide valuable information for evaluating the sustainability of coastal waters that are increasingly subjected to environmental and human impacts. Our study is the first metagenomic study realized on Moroccan Mediterranean coastal seawater. We analyzed and described the Gibraltar Detroit marine microbiome taxonomic and functional profiling using MG-RAST software. Shotgun sequencing revealed a predominance of bacterial taxa, particularly the Proteobacteria (57.29%) and Bacteroidetes (27.06%) phyla, alongside notable populations of eukaryotes, viruses, and archaea. Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria emerged as the dominant bacterial classes, while Flavobacteria represented a significant portion of Bacteroidetes. Functional profiling of the microbial community highlighted a wide array of metabolic pathways, emphasizing genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and protein processing. The marine microbiome exhibited essential biogeochemical activities, particularly in nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon cycles, with notable pathways including denitrification, thiosulfate oxidation, and carbon fixation. This functional diversity underlines the microbiome’s role in sustaining ecosystem health through nutrient cycling and organic matter degradation. Our findings offer a crucial baseline for understanding microbial community structure and resilience in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, with implications for assessing future environmental and anthropogenic impacts on these microbial dynamics.

Mainshock-aftershock building fragility methodology for community resilience modeling

This study introduces a methodology for developing fragility functions that enable the assessment of seismic vulnerability and resilience at the community level for buildings subjected to mainshock-aftershock sequences. To date, this has been assessed at a single structural level or through statistical combinatorial approaches. This paper provides a solution for a suite of archetypes including ductile and non-ductile reinforced concrete frames as well as woodframe buildings. The findings highlight the central role of aftershocks in exacerbating damage states and increasing economic losses, emphasizing the importance of including these events in accurate assessments of community resilience and seismic risk. The suite of archetypes is applied at the community level using the IN-CORE platform to quantify the effect of incorporating aftershocks into community-level seismic vulnerability analyses. The ability to accurately include the effect of aftershocks within community-level risk and resilience analyses will be key to planning for earthquakes.

Food and land system transformations under different societal perspectives on sustainable development

Abstract The future of food and land systems is crucial for achieving multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, given their essential role in providing adequate nutrition and their significant impact on Earth system processes. Despite widespread consensus on the need for transformation, discussed strategies vary widely, from technology-driven to sufficiency-focused approaches, emphasizing different agents of change and policy mixes. This study assesses the implications of a new generation of target-seeking scenarios incorporating such diverse sustainability perspectives. We apply two integrated assessment models to explore food and land futures under three whole-economy Sustainable Development Pathways (SDPs): Economy-driven Innovation, Resilient Communities, and Managing the Global Commons. Our assessment shows that all SDPs align sufficient food supply with progress towards planetary integrity, halting biodiversity loss, mitigating adverse impacts from irrigation, and significantly reducing nitrogen pollution. While all pathways comply with the Paris climate target, they diverge in the timing of climate mitigation efforts and focus on different greenhouse gases and emission sources. The Economy-driven Innovation pathway rapidly achieves net-negative CO2 emissions from the land system, whereas Resilient Communities and Managing the Global Commons significantly decrease agricultural non-CO2 emissions. Moreover, sustainability interventions attenuate trade-offs associated with narrowly focused mitigation pathways and reduce reliance on carbon dioxide removal strategies like re/afforestation and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.

Using co-designed smartphone apps to cultivate authentic communication and disaster risk resilience in multi-cultural communities

Using co-designed smartphone apps to cultivate authentic communication and disaster risk resilience in multi-cultural communities

The Learning Hub – Empowering Remote Rural Communities across India through Blended Learning

This case study explores The Learning Hub, an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), which hosts, among many other learning assets, a three-strand learning programme to enhance the quality of life in rural India through innovative blended learning strategies. The programme, delivered by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSPI), addresses critical issues such as water sanitation, sustainable agriculture, and governance by delivering courses through a combination of video-based online content and in-person facilitation. The study provides a brief analysis of AKF's blended learning approach, and its impact on community resilience, economic development, and social equity.

SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE DIMENSIONS OF COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AT WAR TIME (BASED ON THE RESULTS OF A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ANALYSIS)

The article is devoted to studying community resilience in the context of war in Ukraine. It analyzes both subjective and objective dimensions of resilience that affect the ability of local communities to adapt to crisis conditions. The empirical foundation of the research consists of interviews and focus groups with representatives of executive and local authorities, the public sector, business, volunteer organizations, and informal initiatives, conducted within the framework of the Polish-Ukrainian research grant «Multilevel governance of the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian aggression on Ukraine, using examples from the Lublin Voivodeship (PL) and the Volyn Oblast (UA)» (funded by NAWA). Subjective aspects of resilience encompass public perceptions, trust among community members, and emotional resilience, which is manifested in people's willingness to support one another. Objective dimensions include infrastructural, economic, and social resources that contribute to recovery after crises. The results indicate that distinguishing between subjective and objective aspects of resilience is an effective tool for developing policies capable of supporting communities in wartime. This article aims to contribute to the understanding of the complexity of community resilience in times of crisis and social instability.

A comprehensive epidemiological assessment of female rape in São Paulo State, Brazil: trends, patterns, and implications for public health.

Sexual violence against women remains a global challenge, with Brazil exemplifying persistent issues despite legislative advancements. This study examined sexual violence within São Paulo state, Brazil's largest and economically affluent state, focusing on prevalence, patterns, forensic evidence, and health consequences. We analyzed 40,757 medical reports of alleged cases of rape against women available from the São Paulo Medical Legal Institute from 2014 to 2017. An increase in female rape cases was observed, reflecting broader societal trends, but underreporting, prevalent due to fear and stigma, underscored the need for multifaceted interventions. We also explored correlations between rape prevalence and the Human Development Index, highlighting disparities between urban and rural areas. Additionally, the study revealed concerning proportions of cases involving vulnerable victims, emphasizing the imperative for tailored interventions and legislative reforms. Furthermore, we demonstrated that only a small portion of medicolegal examinations were able to find evidence of sexual violence or recent sexual acts, necessary for conducting the criminal investigation of the alleged act. Therefore, despite challenges in forensic evidence collection, efforts to enhance medical examination protocols and awareness among professionals are crucial. Moreover, findings underscored the significant health consequences of rape, including unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, necessitating comprehensive healthcare services for survivors. In conclusion, we reinforced that addressing sexual violence demands coordinated action, including legislative reforms, community engagement, and survivor-centered approaches, to create safer and more resilient communities.

A Novel Input Schematization Method for Coastal Flooding Early Warning Systems Incorporating Climate Change Impacts

Coastal flooding poses a significant threat to coastal communities, adversely affecting both safety and economic stability. This threat is exacerbated by factors such as sea level rise, rapid urbanization, and inadequate coastal infrastructure, as noted in recent climate change reports. Early warning systems (EWSs) have proven to be effective tools in coastal planning and management, offering a high cost-to-benefit ratio. Recent advancements have integrated operational numerical models with machine learning techniques to develop near-real-time EWSs, leveraging data obtained from reputable databases that provide reliable hourly sea-state and sea level data. Despite these advancements, a stepwise methodology for selecting representative events, akin to wave input reduction methods used in morphological modeling, remains undeveloped. Moreover, existing methodologies often overlook the significance of compound extreme events and their potential increased occurrence under climate change projections. This research addresses these gaps by introducing a novel input schematization method that combines efficient hydrodynamic modeling with clustering algorithms. The proposed methodοlogy, implemented in the coastal area of Pyrgos, Greece, aims to select an optimal number of representative sea-state and water level combinations to develop accurate EWSs for coastal flooding risk prediction. A key innovation of this methodology is the incorporation of weights in the clustering algorithm to ensure adequate representation of extreme compound events, also taking into account projections for future climate scenarios. This approach aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of coastal flooding EWSs, ultimately improving the resilience of coastal communities against imminent flooding threats.

How offline meetings affect online activities: the case of Wikipedia

As open-source communities and other peer production projects face the challenge of sustaining themselves over time, the role of offline gatherings in fostering community resilience becomes a vital question. This study centres on the potential of offline social interactions as a means to mitigate declines within such communities, using Wikipedia as a case example. Using a comprehensive dataset spanning informal meetups within the German-language Wikipedia community from 2001 to 2020 and combining it with large scale online activity data, this study investigates the relationship between offline gatherings and online contribution behaviour. Results show that attending meetups has a positive effect on contributing towards Wikipedia both in the short and long term. By shedding light on the significance of offline social interactions in bolstering online communities, this study offers valuable insights into potential strategies for sustaining collaborative online environments amidst broader declines and further shows how offline and online activities intertwine.

Peran Aksi Kolektif untuk Mitigasi Bencana dalam Resiliensi Komunitas Menghadapi Tanah Longsor

Landslide disasters cause various impacts such as damage to facilities and infrastructure, loss of housing, too many casualties as well as providing psychological impacts that affect the social life of the community. The negative impact of disasters can be reduced by mitigating so that communities can survive. Muara 1 Village, Cibunian Village has carried out mitigation activities both structural and non-structural. Collective action by communities can achieve resilience if communities take collective action. The research method uses a quantitative approach through questionnaires and a qualitative approach with in-depth observation and interviews. Respondents in this study amounted to 80 respondents. Quantitative data was processed using Microsoft Excel 365 application and IBM SPSS Statistic 24 application. This study uses simple statistical analysis supported by qualitative data to see collective action variables with community resilience in facing landslide disasters. The results showed that collective action is still top down and not yet fully the community of Kampung Muara 1 is said to be resilient.

Driving a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the “YANGKHINOK Model” in Thailand

This study had the objective of developing a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the YANGKHINOK Model which focuses on time, resources, knowledge, skills, and sincerity to enhance competency and leverage social networks in Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Due to the dynamics of global society influencing Thai education, integrating local wisdom in curriculum development is essential for preserving cultural heritage and community sustainability. A mixed method of qualitative case studies and quantitative evaluation was employed to assess the efficacy of the local wisdom project. Key findings spotlighted the importance of community participation, educational coordination, and the appropriate development of a curriculum for all age groups by the YANGKHINOK Model (Youth, Adult, Narration, Gathering, Knowledge, Hearkening, Impetus, Network, Older Persons, Keeping). This inclusive approach emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among local communities and educational institutions to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and adaptable across different generations. The approach also aims to create a contemporary democratic society by promoting continuous learning and sustainable professional development that fosters long-term community resilience. It was concluded that a sustainable community curriculum must include these components to meet the actual needs of the community, as well as being adaptable to social and economic changes. Effective use of limited local resources, strategic planning, and broad participation for practical results lead to lasting sustainability, providing a framework for continuous community improvement.

Socio-Economic Profile and Vulnerabilities Assessment in Small-Scale Fisheries of Lower Gangetic Flood Plain Wetland: An Initiative Towards Achieving Wetland Ecosystem Sustainability and Community Well-Being

ICAR-CIFRI has been continuously working to develop wetland fisheries in a transdisciplinary knowledge-to-action mode to upscale the livelihood of vulnerable small-scale fishermen communities. The integrated development approach was initiated in different lower Gangetic floodplain wetlands of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, to increase the fish production and socio-economic development of small-scale fishermen communities of the wetlands. Duma is one of the most extensive horseshoe-shaped wetlands in Asia. To augment the fish production from this wetland, the pen culture system was adopted by the fishers under the supervision of ICAR-CIFRI in 2021. Within a year, they received 15 tons of commercial fish, valued at around 30 lakhs apart from the small indigenous fish. It has recently been advised that auto-stocked, high-value minor carp in the wetland be adopted to improve income and conserve small indigenous species. In this article, SDG 14 (Life below water) addresses sustainable ecosystem management and livelihood enhancement for the wellbeing of the local people (SDG 3). Nutritional security of the local people is maintained through the small indigenous fish species which is crucial for addressing ‘No hunger’ as per SDG-2. The research also proves that women can play a crucial role in small-scale fisheries and they can economically stand alone, which is the main aim of SDG-5 (gender equality). However, significant issues such as lack of jurisdictional coordination, ecological changes, inequitable distribution of benefits, and income reduction persist in wetland management. The need for urgent reformation of policy and resource management systems is crucial to boost the economic efficiency of the SSF in the wetland. Training for more knowledge on fishing and fish farming, acquiring alternative livelihood and education on financial management should be brought to the fishermen’s communities. These could develop a resilient community that is more equipped to respond to future crises.

A Spatial Landslide Risk Assessment Based on Hazard, Vulnerability, Exposure, and Adaptive Capacity

Landslides threaten human life, property, and vital infrastructure in most mountainous regions. As climate change intensifies extreme weather patterns, the landslide risk is likely to increase, resulting in challenges for disaster management, sustainability development, and community resilience. This study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing landslide risk, integrating advanced machine learning models with the Iyengar–Sudarshan method. Our case study is Son La province, the Northwest region of Vietnam, with data collected from 1771 historical landslide occurrences and fifteen influencing factors for developing landslide susceptibility maps using advanced ensemble machine learning models. The Iyengar–Sudarshan method was applied to determine the weights for landslide exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity indicators. The resulting landslide risk map shows that the highest-risk districts in Son La province are located in the central and northeastern regions, including Mai Son, Phu Yen, Thuan Chau, Yen Chau, Song Ma, and Bac Yen. These districts experience high landslide hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, often affecting densely populated urban and village areas with vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and working-age women. In contrast, due to minimal exposure, Quynh Nhai and Muong La districts have lower landslide risks. Despite having high exposure and vulnerability, Son La City is situated in a low-susceptibility zone with high adaptive capacity, resulting in a low landslide risk for this region. The proposed framework provides a reference tool for mitigating risk and enhancing strategic decision making in areas susceptible to landslides while advancing our understanding of landslide dynamics and fostering community resilience and long-term disaster prevention.

Assessing Mental Health During an Extreme Weather Event in Southern Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate mental health factors in individuals affected by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul from May 10 to June 6, 2024. A real-time survey was conducted with 1,552 participants. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) symptom checklist were used to assess mental health outcomes. Sociodemographic factors, trauma exposure, rescue participation, and psychological support were evaluated. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, linear regression, and MANCOVA. High rates of depressive and anxious symptoms were found, with over half of the individuals with moderate to severe symptoms reporting no prior history of these conditions. Participants directly affected by the floods, and those with close ones affected, had higher PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ASD scores compared to the unaffected group. Moreover, younger age, female sex, lower family income, participation in rescues, and unmet psychological support needs were correlated with worse mental health outcomes. Individuals who participated in rescues had significantly higher rates of suicide ideation. Notably, psychological support had the largest effect size in mitigating mental health symptoms, regardless of trauma exposure status, when controlled for age, sex, and income according to MANCOVA. The findings highlight the critical role of psychological support in disaster response and the importance of community resilience. Real-time data collection during crises can inform targeted interventions, emphasizing the need for robust mental health services and community support networks. These efforts are essential to reduce long-term psychological morbidity and foster recovery in vulnerable populations.

Factors associated with adherence to preventive measures against COVID-19, among adult Bahraini residents

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a life-altering experience. It compelled individuals to alter their attitudes and habits and adopt measures to prevent the risks of infection. This research discusses factors that determine adherence to these measures, with the aim of enhancing compliance in future pandemics. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using snowball non-random sampling through an online Qualtrics survey targeting Bahraini residents, aged 18 and older. The sample included 1,008 participants, and data were analyzed using SPSS, and presented in tables and graphs. The majority of the participants were Bahraini females with a bachelor’s degree, between the ages of 20–29 (43.2%). Awareness of COVID-19 transmission was high, with 87.7%. The adherence rates for preventive measures were high: mask usage at 98.8%, hygiene practices at 93.7%, and social distancing at 92.2%. Older adults aged 50 + showed the highest consistency in compliance (p = 0.001). Individuals with chronic diseases were more likely to adhere to mask use (p < 0.001). Conversely, those experiencing negative emotions about social distancing were more likely to visit crowded places (p = 0.031), indicating a psychological barrier. Mask use exhibited the highest adherence at 98.8%, while overall compliance was notably high among educated and retired individuals. Public health campaigns should target younger demographics with education about crowded spaces and address emotional barriers to social distancing. Future strategies can be tailored to promote adherence among diverse populations, enhancing community resilience against pandemics.

Empowering local food security: A systematic review of community grain banks

Community food systems, exemplified by initia­tives like community grain banks (CGBs), play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which aims to achieve zero hunger and ensure food security by 2030. This paper draws upon a systematic review of the literature on CGBs to emphasize the relevance of community institutions in enhancing local food security. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, this paper reviews 16 aca­demic articles, two theses, and 19 online sources. The study reveals that CGBs offer immediate relief during food shortages, empower women, stabilize farmers’ income, reduce debt burdens, foster social trust, and enhance community resilience. This review highlights the need for international stake­holders to prioritize supporting CGBs to preserve the self-sustaining systems. Tailoring CGB designs to community-specific needs could significantly enhance local food security, offering actionable strategies to mitigate severe food insecurity globally and regionally.