The effectiveness of risk and vulnerability assessments as a response mechanism for inclusive decision-making.
Abstract as pdf
Corresponding Author:
Mosekama Osia Mokhele
Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, University of the Free State; Organization Sciences, Vrije Amsterdam University; Ph.D. Candidate South Africa
mokhele3@gmail.com
Author(s):
Dr Alice Ncube1
1Disaster Management Training And Education Centre For Africa University Of The Free State, Ncubea@Ufs.Ac.Za, ZAF
Inclusive decision-making in disaster risk management is acknowledged by scholars and practitioners, yet its practical context remains elusive. In principle, there have been several claims in favour of adopting robust disaster risk management systems to curb the adverse impacts of hazard risks on communities, albeit these remain anecdotal without empirical substance. Risk assessment in the disaster risk management system is not only a significant tool to identify potential hazard risks but also promotes continuous communication and information (data) sharing at the local level. Risk assessments are useful in meeting the municipalities’ agenda of creating safer communities; contributing to inclusive decision-making which strengthens community involvement and participation, and finally contributing to national risk reduction efforts. The research, therefore, evaluates the effectiveness of risk and vulnerability assessments as response mechanisms in DRM. The study interrogates the local level DRM system and functions in order to establish how disaster risk information is collected and shared within the respective communities in order to create sustainable living conditions. Empirical data will be collected following a purposive sampling strategy with semi-structured interviews in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (Municipal Disaster Management Centre). Furthermore, this study will do document analysis to review relevant disaster risk management policy prepared by respective disaster management centre. The findings, representing perceived challenges and opportunities will be categorized into six themes: The focus of municipal risk and vulnerability assessments (RVA) work; the template and evaluation criteria for municipal RVAs; municipal RVA work as a continuous process; the dissemination of municipal RVAs; feedback from the disaster management practitioners to the community; and the benefits and drawbacks of municipal RVA work.
Keywords: Disaster risk management, inclusive decision making, risk communication, risk, and vulnerability assessment.
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