Building resilient communities: Community-managed disaster risk reduction (Nepal)

Disaster happens when a community with very low capacity cannot cope on their own when a hazard strikes their community. Over the years, disasters have always demonstrated its link to development. Disasters can automatically wipe our years of development efforts. On the one hand, unsustainable development patterns also expose more people and assets to disaster risk.

The Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) approach builds people's capacities to prevent and mitigate the impact of hazards of communities at risk. This is achieved by enhancing individual survivability and community readiness. Building resilient communities means strengthening the foundation of safety and enhancing disaster risk reduction measures.

This course is jointly designed and organized by IIRR and Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN) with special focus on South Asian country participants (i.e. Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal).

Course content

Module 1. Concepts, Principles and Practices in CMDRR

This module tackles the link between disaster and development and explains the concept, process and approach to CMDRR. It discusses the role of facilitation, clarifying basic conceptual foundations of both content and process. This module also discusses ecosystems and climate change as important considerations in CMDRR.

Module 2. Facilitating CMDRR: Methods and Process

This module introduces the participants to the principles and techniques in conducting participatory disaster risk assessment using participatory learning and action (PLA )tools. The disaster risk assessment process follows the disaster risk formula of:

Disaster Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability Capacity

This module also demonstrates how the results of the participatory disaster risk assessment will be translated to disaster risk reduction plans, tools for monitoring and evaluation and strategies to strengthen community organizations. A guided field practicum allows participants to interact with community leaders and members and demonstrate the use of the various tools.

Module 3: Sustaining CMDRR

This module teaches participants how to facilitate documenting and sharing of CMDRR experiences as part of policy advocacy, resource mobilization, networking, monitoring and evaluation, and South Asian countries (i.e. Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan) disaster risk issues, management, strategy, policy and plan framework to deal with disaster mitigation, adaptation, response, rescue, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction within the climate resilient development plannng. Participants understand how to link community organizations with other actors who are active in disaster risk reduction and how to access resources for CMDRR. Participants are provided with various ways to mobilize communities and influence policies supportive of CMDRR.

The module also introduces approaches to integrate DRR in various development programs and plans such as those related to livelihood development, natural resources management, health systems development and education. Integrating DRR in the wider community development programs ensures the sustainability of DRR practice and principles.

Module 4: Action Planning

Synthesizing and applying lessons from Modules 1 to 3, Module 4 guides the participants in developing an action plan for implementation. The plans, which are based on the realities of the communities and implemented in line with organizational, program or project thrusts, are critiqued by course facilitators and other course participants.

Training Approach and Trainers

The course uses a participatory training approach. Short lectures are complemented by group exercises, case study analysis, plenary discussions and field visits to communities. The trainers are experienced IIRR professionals led by IIRR Asia's Program Specialist for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Wilson Barbon. Professionals from Nepal will also co-facilitate the training program.

Course participants are expected to arrive one day before the start of the course. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before its schedule if the required quorum is not met. This will be immediately conveyed to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.