Definition of empowerment according to the UN International Fund on Agricultural Development

According to IFAD, the UN International Fund on Agricultural Development, empowerment is "the various interrelated (economic and social) processes through which people, individually and collectively, acquire the ability to access the productive resources they require to increase their earnings, obtain the goods and services they need, and at the same time participate meaningfully in decision-making that affects their livelihoods. Empowerment thus concerns both accessing assets, and having and using opportunities to increase one's earnings and to participate in shaping collective choices" (IFAD 2015a).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Power relations

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: All disaster phases, Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

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