1.11. Addressing Power Relations

Vision in collaboration with Eduardo Mondale University which has piloted over 30 projects from 2006 to 2010 about 4 years they have scaled up to 30 projects using this CBDRM method. Gerando is a process for supporting local capacities to identify, predict, manage hazard impacts. The process consists of 6 interrelated stages which I will explain briefly about it and which has been facilitated by a trained member of the local community.

This chunk introduces Gerando, a disaster risk management approach involving local communities. It started in collaboration with Eduardo Mondale University and has evolved through various projects. The key concept here is that it supports local capacities, meaning it empowers community members to take charge of identifying and managing hazard impacts effectively. Gerando consists of 6 stages guided by a local facilitator who helps the community navigate the process.

Imagine a community dealing with frequent floods. Instead of waiting for outside help, they use the Gerando process to form a committee that focuses on understanding their unique challenges, identifying what causes the most problems, and finding ways to prepare better for future floods. This is similar to how local sports teams use coaches from within the community who understand the players' abilities and strategies best.

The first aspect is establish a local DRM committee in each community so, you have a community and then you try to make sure that you set up a DRM committee, the disaster risk management committee in each community.

Establishing a local Disaster Risk Management (DRM) committee is a critical first step in the Gerando process. This committee typically consists of community members who are tasked with assessing and managing the risks their community faces from hazards. Their local knowledge is crucial in understanding how disasters might impact them, enabling proactive measures.

Think of the DRM committee like a school safety team formed by teachers and parents. They plan how to respond if there’s a fire drill or an emergency. By having people who know the community well, just like teachers know the students, the team can create effective plans that suit their specific needs.

The Gerando facilitator usually the community coordinator, who then leads the committee and community through the next 5 steps... identify the significant shocks and stress that committee faces, is it due to drought, is it famine, is it war...

In this step, the community coordinator helps the DRM committee identify various shocks and stressors like droughts, famine, or conflict. Understanding these specific challenges is vital for developing targeted strategies that can effectively mitigate the impacts of these threats. It involves engaging with community members to gather input on their experiences and fears.

Consider a local farmer's group meeting where they discuss different weather patterns affecting their crops. They share stories of past droughts and floods, helping each other understand what risks are most pressing. This is similar to how communities come together to discuss and address challenges they each face.

...carry out vulnerability and capacity assessment... understanding the analysis part of it, identify the scientific and traditional or indigenous early warning indicators.

This stage involves assessing the community's vulnerability to identified shocks and understanding its capacities to cope with them. It includes identifying early warning signals both scientifically (like weather forecasts) and traditionally (like seasonal changes). This assessment helps prioritize actions based on actual risks faced by the community.

Imagine a town that often floods. They might look at historical data (scientific indicators) and ask elders about signs of rising waters (traditional indicators) to better prepare for the next flood season. By combining modern science with local knowledge, they create a more effective warning system.

...develop and implement mitigation plans, where appropriate draw up a community disaster preparedness plan...

Once the community has a clear understanding of their vulnerabilities, they can develop mitigation plans. These include actions to prepare for and reduce the impact of potential disasters. The community disaster preparedness plan is a documented strategy outlining procedures to follow in an emergency and preventive measures to reduce vulnerabilities.

Think of a family creating an emergency plan for natural disasters. They might decide to store food, water, and first-aid supplies, set a meeting place if they are separated, and rehearse what to do if there’s an earthquake. Just like that, communities create plans to safeguard themselves and ensure a coordinated response.

...the participation, whom to include, how to include and because they have all different expectations and this is where the participatory methods play an important role...

Participation in disaster management is crucial, as different community members have varying expectations and needs. Using participatory methods helps ensure everyone’s voice is heard, leading to more comprehensive and effective disaster management strategies that consider all perspectives.

Consider planning a community event, like a festival. A successful planner will seek input from different groups — families, youth, and seniors — to ensure the event appeals to everyone. Similarly, in disaster management, involving diverse community members helps tailor solutions that work for all.

The first T talks about the transparency which requires clarity, openness, accountability... the second aspect is time...

Building trust in community disaster risk management requires transparency, meaning clear communication about processes and decisions. It also requires time, as relationships built over seasons of interaction create a solid foundation for collaboration. Both factors are essential for effective community engagement.

Think about a relationship with a close friend. If your friend communicates openly and consistently spends time with you, trust grows. Similarly, in community management, when leaders are transparent about plans and take the time to engage with residents, trust develops.

...is it practical to involve everyone all the time in CBDRM activities? This is a very difficult question; this is a very difficult task for any NGO to address it.

Involving everyone in every aspect of community-based disaster risk management can be challenging. Practitioners must find a balance between inclusivity and practicality, often having to prioritize certain vulnerable groups who may require more immediate attention and support during disasters.

Consider a large advisory board trying to make decisions. While it's great to involve many voices, coordinating everyone's opinions can be overwhelming. Sometimes, smaller focus groups that represent the larger community are created to provide more detailed input while still including all voices in the final decisions.

In any community, there always a power relations; one is have and have-nots, power and powerful; powerless and powerful.

This chunk highlights the importance of recognizing the existing power dynamics within communities. Disaster management solutions must consider these dynamics to ensure that the voices of marginalized groups are heard, fostering an inclusive environment that allows all community members to participate and benefit from disaster risk management.

Think of a sports team where some players feel they have more power because they are more experienced or physically stronger. If the coach isn’t careful, the views of newer or less experienced players might be disregarded, leading to resentment. Similarly, in communities, ignoring the voices of the less powerful can lead to ineffective disaster management solutions.

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