Disaster Recovery and Build Back Better - 1 | 8. Temporary Shelter Construction in Kenya | Disaster Preparedness & Planning - Vol 4
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Introduction to Temporary Shelter Construction

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we'll begin our discussion on temporary shelter construction in the context of disaster recovery. Can anyone tell me what a temporary shelter is?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it a type of housing that is set up quickly after a disaster?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Temporary shelters are designed to provide quick, habitable spaces for individuals displaced by disasters. Why do you think these shelters are important in the recovery process?

Student 2
Student 2

They give people a place to stay while they figure out their next steps.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! They also help maintain the dignity of displaced individuals by offering basic protection and privacy. This is critical during crises. Remember the acronym 'SPACE': Security, Privacy, Accessibility, Comfort, and Environment—key components for temporary shelters.

Student 3
Student 3

That’s helpful! Can you elaborate on how these shelters are constructed in specific contexts?

Teacher
Teacher

Certainly! In Kenya, temporary shelters often involve using local materials such as tarpaulin and plastic sheets. They need to be adaptable to local conditions. Let’s move forward to the next session on the impact of political violence.

Impact of Political Violence in Kenya

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss the historical background of political violence in Kenya. What do you know about the 2007-2008 incidents?

Student 1
Student 1

I heard there were many people displaced after the elections due to ethnic clashes.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The violence resulted in over 1,200 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced. The main causes included ethnic tensions and conflicts resulting from the election results. Can anyone remember the patterns of violence described?

Student 4
Student 4

There were attacks on shops and homes, violence against farmers, and retaliations against migrant workers.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Understanding these patterns is vital in planning for recovery efforts. We categorize the displaced persons into groups based on their intentions—to return, relocate, or integrate. This profiling is crucial for targeted assistance.

Student 2
Student 2

So they need tailored solutions based on their situations?

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! This leads us to the next session about government responses and community efforts.

Government Response and Community Initiatives

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, let’s analyze the government's response to the displacement crisis. What challenges did they face?

Student 3
Student 3

I believe they had issues with accountability in aid distribution?

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! The compensation system provided limited support and lacked consistency. What solutions were proposed to enhance the recovery process?

Student 1
Student 1

They implemented Operation Rudi Nyumbani to encourage people to return home.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent! This initiative emphasized reducing dependency on aid and encouraged self-sufficiency among displaced communities. They even organized self-help groups for acquiring land. Why is this community-driven approach so important?

Student 4
Student 4

It allows individuals to take control of their recovery and makes them less reliant on external help.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! Community engagement is critical for long-term recovery. Let’s look into the transitional shelter concept in our next session.

Transitional Shelters as Recovery Catalysts

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Finally, let’s delve into transitional shelters. How do these differ from regular shelters?

Student 2
Student 2

They are designed to help people transition to permanent living situations, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They serve not just as temporary housing, but as a process to promote recovery—a kind of bridge between crisis and normalcy. Can anyone recall the definition of transitional shelter?

Student 3
Student 3

It’s supposed to provide a secure and healthy living environment until more permanent solutions are achieved.

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! This emphasizes the importance of delivering dignity and basic services. As we conclude, what key insights can we take away from today’s discussion?

Student 4
Student 4

The importance of addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery through community involvement and effective governance.

Teacher
Teacher

Well said! Remember that collaboration between government and communities is essential for successful disaster recovery.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

The section discusses disaster recovery approaches, particularly focusing on temporary shelter construction in the context of political violence in Kenya.

Standard

This section explores the effects of political violence in Kenya, specifically the displacement it caused and the subsequent construction of temporary shelters. It highlights the government's response, community initiatives for permanent resettlement, and the concept of transitional shelters as a critical part of the recovery process.

Detailed

Disaster Recovery and Build Back Better

The section on disaster recovery emphasizes the critical role of temporary shelters in the aftermath of political violence, especially noted in the case of Kenya following post-election conflicts in 2007-2008. Approximately 1,200 people were killed during these catastrophic events, leading to the displacement of roughly half a million individuals. This necessitated urgent shelter provision and a comprehensive response from the Kenyan government and various humanitarian organizations.

Key responses included the establishment of temporary shelters such as camps with basic services to accommodate those displaced. The Ministry of State for Special Programs (MoSSP) in Kenya implemented various risk reduction measures while collaborating with UNHCR for additional support. Notably, the Kenyan government issued compensation packages aimed at providing financial assistance for displaced households, although the effectiveness of these measures faced criticism due to inconsistencies in allocations.

The transitional shelter approach was perceived as a catalyst for recovery, encouraging individuals to move toward permanent housing solutions, including community-resourced land procurement for displaced individuals. This highlights a shift from dependency on external aid to fostering self-sufficiency among affected populations.

The section offers significant insights into the participatory reconstruction process, examining the structures for identifying and assisting target groups, ultimately emphasizing the importance of transitional shelters as a dignified solution for those impacted by such crises.

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Audio Book

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Introduction to Temporary Shelter Reconstruction

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Welcome to the course disaster recovery and build back better. My name is Ram Sateesh Pasupuleti. I am an assistant professor in Department of Architecture and Planning, IIT Roorkee. Today, we are going to discuss about temporary shelter reconstruction in Kenya. This particular lecture has been derived from one of the important contributions from Dyfed Aubrey, which is chapter 9 in build back better volume, edited by Michal Lyons and Theo Schilderman with Camillo Boano. He talks about how temporary shelters contribute to participatory reconstruction.

Detailed Explanation

In this chunk, the speaker introduces the topic of disaster recovery and highlights the specific focus on temporary shelter reconstruction in Kenya. The lecture is based on a scholarly work that explores the importance of temporary shelters in engaging communities in the reconstruction process. This emphasizes participation and transformation from temporary to permanent solutions.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a community coming together to rebuild after a flood. Just like how neighborhoods rally to help each other, temporary shelters can be seen as the first step towards rebuilding a stronger community. They not only provide immediate safety but also involve people’s voices in the rebuilding process.

Background of Political Violence in Kenya

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The background of Kenyan condition is not a natural disaster but man-made situations, especially the political violence. According to reports, over 75% to 80% of disasters arise from political violence. We will focus on the consequences of this violence in terms of shelter provision and how it has been organized and conducted as a pilot project.

Detailed Explanation

This section sets the stage by outlining that the challenges faced in Kenya concerning shelters stem not from natural disasters but from internal conflicts and political violence. It highlights the scale of the issue - a significant percentage of disasters are due to human actions, necessitating special attention to shelter strategies as a response to these crises.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a neighborhood affected by riots. Instead of a hurricane, people are displaced not by nature but by conflicts among various community groups. This analogy helps to clarify that the source of the destruction is human-made, guiding how recovery efforts need to differ.

Consequences of the 2007-2008 Political Clashes

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In 2007 and 2008, after President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner of the elections, political clashes erupted among ethnic groups leading to the death of about 1200 people and displacement of around 500,000 individuals. We categorize these events into three patterns of violence: looting and burning of properties, targeted attacks on small farmers perceived as government supporters, and retaliatory violence against migrant workers.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk focuses on the specific events surrounding the violent clashes in Kenya in 2007-2008. It quantifies the impact of violence in terms of loss of life and displacement. It also categorizes the violence into three distinct patterns to help understand the complexities of these social dynamics.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a sports event where a controversial call ignites a riot in the stands. Some fans might lash out by vandalizing their own team's merchandise, while others might target rivals. This analogy illustrates how different groups can react and how societal tensions can lead to widespread chaos and division.

Migration and Setting Up Camps for Displaced Persons

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The conflict led to a displacement affecting five of Kenya's eight provinces, particularly in the Rift Valley area. Many fled to host families, set up spontaneous camps in police stations and churches, or sought refuge in ancestral homes.

Detailed Explanation

Here, the focus shifts to how displaced individuals responded to the crisis. The chunk discusses various strategies they employed to find safety. This includes moving in with relatives and establishing camps in safe spaces such as churches and police stations, showcasing human resilience and community support in times of crisis.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine when a storm hits and families invite their neighbors to stay. People might gather in local schools or community centers appealing to safety in numbers. This demonstrates how, even during chaos, communities come together to support each other.

Government Response and Support Structures

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The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of State for Special Programs (MoSSP), took steps to manage the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs). UNHCR and KRCS supported these efforts although the Kenyan government initially felt self-sufficient.

Detailed Explanation

In this section, the government’s role in managing the crisis is analyzed. The MoSSP was vital in overseeing the management of IDPs, and while they received support from UNHCR, there was a sense of government self-reliance. This illustrates how governmental structures work when handling disasters and the collaboration required in such scenarios.

Examples & Analogies

Think of an emergency response team during a fire; they coordinate resources, reach out for help from nearby units, and manage volunteers. In Kenya, the role of government is akin to that response team, orchestrating multiple efforts to aid those displaced.

Challenges in Compensation and Resettlement Efforts

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Initially, the government issued compensation packages to IDPs; however, reports indicated a lack of accountability in the distribution of these funds. This led to an initiative called 'Operation Rudi Nyumbani', aiming to help displaced persons return home and transition camps to permanent settlements.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk discusses the challenges faced in the implementation of compensation for IDPs. It highlights the inefficiencies that led to skepticism over government intentions. The subsequent initiative, 'Operation Rudi Nyumbani', aimed to encourage return and home rebuilding, focusing on long-term stability rather than temporary fixes.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a family that received a financial gift to help recover from a fire but later found out the process to access that money was complicated. They decide instead to seek ways to rebuild their home through community efforts. This depicts the transition from reliance on external aid to personal agency in recovery.

Establishing Self-Help Groups for Permanent Settlements

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Remaining IDPs organized into self-help groups to purchase land collectively for permanent settlement. This collaboration was crucial for obtaining basic services like water and sanitation, illustrating the importance of community action.

Detailed Explanation

In this segment, we see how some IDPs took the initiative to form self-help groups. By pooling resources, they managed to acquire land and establish basic services, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving stability and security post-crisis.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a group of neighbors who come together to buy a community garden. By working together, they share resources, knowledge, and responsibilities, ensuring a sustainable food source for their families. This mirrors the self-help groups of IDPs working towards securing a future.

Transitional Shelters as a Catalyst for Independence

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Transitional shelter goes beyond just a physical structure; it serves as a process and a catalyst to empower families to move towards self-sufficiency, helping them shift from dependency on external aid.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk explains the concept of transitional shelters, which are not merely temporary housing solutions but essential steps in the journey toward recovery and self-sufficiency. They represent a critical phase where families can regain their dignity and plan for a more stable future.

Examples & Analogies

Envision a training program where people learn skills to start their own business. The training sessions (transitional shelters) are not the end goal but a foundational step that enables them to establish themselves independently in the long run.

Identifying Target Groups for Assistance

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The target groups of IDPs were broadly classified into three categories: those wishing to return home, relocate elsewhere, or integrate into their current location. Each category was further subdivided based on land tenure.

Detailed Explanation

This section outlines how the government identified various groups needing assistance based on their individual intentions regarding resettlement. Classifying these groups helps tailor aid strategies to meet the unique needs of different populations impacted by displacement.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a school that has students moving to different grades. Each student has unique needs based on their learning level. Similarly, categorizing IDPs allows for specific strategies that address the needs of each group, ensuring effective help.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Temporary Shelter: Temporary structures providing immediate housing after a disaster.

  • Community Involvement: Engaging affected communities in their recovery processes.

  • Transitional Shelter: A process-oriented approach to facilitate recovery.

  • Political Violence: Social instability caused by political issues affecting housing and security.

  • Government Response: Coordination and provision of support for displaced persons.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • The establishment of camps around police stations and churches provided immediate shelter for displaced persons.

  • Community groups pooling compensation money to purchase land for stable housing reflects grassroots recovery.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • After the storm or political fight, transitional shelters help hold tight.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once in Kenya, people faced strife, finding shelter in chaos changed their life. They gathered in groups, pooled their gains, creating a home from the pain.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the acronym 'SPACE' for shelters: Security, Privacy, Accessibility, Comfort, Environment.

🎯 Super Acronyms

T.H.R.E.E

  • Transitional housing requires resources
  • engagement
  • and empowerment.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Transitional Shelter

    Definition:

    A temporary living space that provides basic safety, privacy, and dignity while waiting for permanent housing solutions.

  • Term: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

    Definition:

    Individuals who are forced to flee their homes but remain within their country's borders, often due to conflict or natural disasters.

  • Term: Operation Rudi Nyumbani

    Definition:

    An initiative aimed at encouraging displaced individuals in Kenya to return to their homes and reduce dependency on aid.

  • Term: Political Violence

    Definition:

    Violence that arises from political tensions, often affecting social and economic stability.

  • Term: Compensation Package

    Definition:

    Financial assistance offered by the government to support the recovery of displaced households after a disaster.