The disaster-knowledge matrix: reframing and evaluating the knowledge challenges in disaster risk reduction

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (2015), Volume 13, September 2015, pp. 96–108, doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2015.05.002:

The paper discusses the issue of the difficulty of implementing research-based knowledge in policy and practise of disaster risk reduction. The authors first frame the knowledge challenges and, second, introduce a systematic means to identify the factors hindering the use of information and knowledge. The approach proposed allows determining core barriers in the co-production, exchange, and use of knowledge. Subsequently, they illustrate where further advancement is needed in the field of knowledge development, means of transmission and use for disaster risk reduction.

The authors suggest a method that analyses cases considering the success or failure of information flows from and to different stakeholder groups. The aim is to identify causes for knowledge fragmentation at different phases in the disaster management continuum, and, subsequently, to strengthen both individual and institutional learning, as well as to determine social and functional changes required to address pressing issues of disaster risk reduction, including climate change adaptation, in a competent manner.