Processes in community strengthening

This process of struggle is what strengthens community, facilitates first-hand learning and understanding about disaster risk management, and promotes confidence that they can help themselves through adversity. The community empowerment process instils in all its members the desire and capability to protect each other from future risk. This encourages them to channel the participatory efforts towards responding to the specific problems or natural hazards/disaster. Any assistance coming from people outside the community (such as local and national government agencies, NGOs and humanitarian agencies) cannot be a complete success without the sustainability offered by community empowerment" (ADPC 2008).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Power relations, Attitudes toward environmental issues

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Preparedness

Types of Actors Concerned: NGOs, Government, UN and other international organisations, Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action