Community Based Disaster Risk Management Notes

Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Notes

Introduction to CBDRM

  • Definition: A process involving at-risk communities in identifying, analyzing, treating, monitoring, and evaluating disaster risks to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance capacities.
  • Central Theme: Engaging people in decision making and implementation of disaster risk reduction activities to build safe, livable, resilient communities.
  • Key Goal: Communities initiate and implement risk-reduction projects with support from external entities (government, NGOs, experts).

Understanding Community

  • Definitions: Communities can be defined geographically, by shared experiences, or sectors (e.g., age groups, professional groups).
  • Characteristics: A community comprises people sharing the same environment, facing common threats though exposure may vary.
  • Social Differentiation: Communities can be diverse (gender, socio-economic status, education) which affects perceptions and interests.

Importance of Community Involvement

  • Sustainability: Community involvement is crucial for the long-term success of disaster risk initiatives, versus top-down approaches.
  • Local Knowledge: Communities possess critical local knowledge that aids in identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Historical Context: Past experiences and social networks play a vital role in community resilience post-disaster.

Characteristics of Vulnerable Communities

  • Knowledge of disaster survival techniques.
  • Awareness of local vulnerabilities and strengths.
  • Importance of social relations for crisis coping.
  • Before and After Disaster Preparedness: Proactive local response teams can save lives prior to external aid arrival.

Trends in Disasters

  • Increasing incidence of small and medium-scale disasters (floods, landslides) due to climate change.

Basic Policies for CBDRM Activities

  • Participatory Approach: Engage the community in planning and activity execution to ensure relevancy and ownership.
  • Stakeholder Involvement: Essential for effective communication and integrated disaster risk management.
  • Diverse Participation: Include marginalized groups (youth, elderly, disabled) to ensure all voices are heard.
  • Local Knowledge Utilization: Incorporate traditional methods and indigenous knowledge into risk management strategies.
  • Respect Local Customs: Recognize and build upon established practices in disaster risk reduction.
  • Sustainability: Factor in budget constraints and personnel availability to ensure ongoing community engagement.

The CBDRM Process

  1. Selecting the Community: Assess risk exposure, community readiness, and identify criteria for prioritization.
  2. Rapport Building: Establish trust and understanding with community members through active participation.
  3. Participatory Disaster Risk Assessment: Evaluate hazards and vulnerabilities with community input.
  4. Management Planning: Collaboratively create detailed risk reduction plans based on community resources.
  5. Capacity Building: Strengthen local organizations for effective disaster management, possibly establishing new committees.
  6. Community Managed Implementation: Execute plans via community organizations with local authority support.
  7. Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation: Engage the community in evaluating progress and making necessary adjustments.

Planning for CBDRM

Importance of Planning
  • Leads to unified commitment to risk reduction and community resilience.
Key Planning Components
  • What to Plan: Outline activities to reduce vulnerabilities and increase capacities, specifying immediate and long-term strategies.
  • Fail to Plan: Highlight the necessity of proper planning to avoid failures in implementation.
Steps to Formulate a Community Disaster Risk Reduction Plan
  1. Risk Assessment.
  2. Identify objectives and targets.
  3. Develop risk reduction measures.
  4. Determine necessary resources.
  5. Assign responsibilities for actions.
  6. Set schedules and deadlines.
  7. Establish operational procedures.
  8. Identify barriers to implementation.
  9. Engage the community and stakeholders in discussions.
  10. Regularly review and improve the plan.
  11. Ensure ongoing safety and resilience efforts.
Components of Community Disaster Risk Reduction Plan
  • Community Description: Outline location, demographics, and significance.
  • Disaster Situation Summary: Provide a history of disaster impacts and risks.
  • Objectives and Targets: Set measurable goals for risk reduction.
  • Strategies: Include both structural and non-structural measures (e.g., evacuation procedures, infrastructure improvements).
  • Roles: Clarify the responsibilities of individuals and groups involved in risk management activities.