Case Studies: Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation

Disaster risk management aims to do the right thing, at the right time and in the right way, in order to create an environment which is favorable to reducing the negative effects caused by spontaneous and/or recurrent hazards while at the same time combating hunger. Climate change adaptation includes long term actions enabling populations to acquire the capacity to adapt, or even to transform, and understand future predictions and changes in the seasons. Climate change adaptation, just like risk reduction, represents a complete set of measures to be taken to help lessen vulnerability factors, strengthen the capacity to intervene and take information on the climate into account in the decision making process.

In zones exposed to several risks, relying solely on the capacity to respond to emergencies is no longer an ethically possible operating method. To anticipate and lessen the impacts of these disasters on populations and their environments, ACF International (ACF) has developed a transversal approach over the past ten years with the aim of putting methods in place to prepare, mitigate/adapt and prevent shocks and stress. Through multi-sector activities and at different levels, these actions aim to strengthen the capacities of populations and local players to improve the way they deal with disasters over the short and long term period.

This document was drafted within the context of documentation on action for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.The objectives are:

•To enhance our DRM and CCA interventions in different contexts.
•To improve communication and visibility concerning good practices and approaches implemented in different countries.

This document was written in several phases including a literary review and compilation of data gathered at the headquarters and on the ground. As a first step, information on existing projects was gathered by analyzing donor proposals, evaluation and technical reports. This gave an overview of the strategies and activities implemented on the ground as well as the lessons learnt and recommendations. Subsequently, this information was supplemented by consulting technical advisors in each of the countries concerned. As a result of these exchanges, technical data sheets were drawn up for each type of project and country of intervention.

Six thematic areas were identified as being key elements for all DRM/CCA projects. These thematic areas are presented in the document, and illustrated by practices used on the ground.

This document explains why it is essential to understand and analyses the context while at the same time identifying the risks, vulnerabilities and capacities at the community level. To ensure the continuity and sustainability of ACF’s actions, the participation and involvement of the community and local players is essential to DRM/CCA projects. In addition, good communication among the stakeholders as well as efficient information management can lead to synergy between different actions. Finally, all activities must be implemented using an integrated multi-sector approach to meet the needs of populations at risk.