An EAGER look at disaster risk reduction and sustainable development

Researchers in academic institutions are regularly criticised for working in ‘ivory towers’. From within the complex society in which we function, a blindspot is created when we only look at a problem from one disciplinary vantage point. It is crucial to analyse a system, environment or problem from various perspectives. Two disciplines that often intersect in terms of knowledge, and influence one another, are sustainable development and disaster risk management. This was the context for determining how the EAGER (Engaging African GIRRLs in Gender Enriched Risk Reduction) Project, implemented between 2015 and 2017, contributed towards Sustainable Development (SD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

 

The EAGER Project was developed as a capacity-building initiative focusing on risk reduction. EAGER was implemented in parts of Botswana, Eswatini,  Mozambique and Namibia. In each project site, 40 participating students (both male and female) were selected from schools in the area. Participants were selected by the EAGER Trainers, who in most cases were teachers in each of the participating schools. The EAGER project intended to address vulnerabilities and build capacity to combat the impact of hazards in the four project sites (NWU-ACDS, 2017). Hazards in the four project sites include seasonal flooding and wildlife interaction in Namibia, drought and flooding in Botswana due to its proximity to the Chobe and Zambezi river. In Eswatini and Mozambique, areas experience extensive droughts and environmental degredation with flooding especially in Mozambique being a concern. The project activities, and ripple effects thereof, indirectly contribute to SD and the objectives of the SDGs. 

 

It is generally accepted in both development and disaster risk management theory that bad development decisions can contribute greatly towards increased disaster risk and increase the negative impacts of disasters. In turn, disasters can wipe away progress made in terms of sustainable development initiatives and outcomes (O’Keefe et al. 1976; Cuny et al. 1983; UNDP 2004). In 2015, two key international policies were developed, i.e., Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and later in the same year the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development identified 17 SDGs. Notably, language in the SDGs recognise the link between development and DRR by explicitly using DRR-related terminology. Such a link creates a basis for researchers, practitioners, and government to literally talk the same language when addressing disasters and development challenges.

 

EAGER results showed that project activities identified and developed by the participants related to various SDGs. One area where the link between DRR and SD is most clear was with EAGER sessions relating to SDG1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere. In DRR theory, poverty is highlighted as one of the main drivers of vulnerability (UNISDR 2015). In the Namibian project sites, specifically, the contribution was clear. The project areas in Namibia are some of the most isolated of all the EAGER sites. The economic prospects for the children in these areas are not favourable. Only a few high-end tourism lodges exist in the area offering employment potential. Job opportunities are limited and most people remain dependent on fishing and livestock farming as alternatives for some kind of income. With the area being so rich in wildlife, poaching offers an attractive livelihood strategy in the context of limited options. EAGER trainers identified entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and business management as some of the crucial aspects to offer students and to emphasise creative thinking in generating an income. Trainers developed sessions focussing on entrepreneurship, business development and career guidance. Stimulating creative thoughts about economic opportunities and generating an income contributes to fighting poverty. In addressing poverty, vulnerability is reduced and thus disaster risk is lessened in the process. 

 

This is one of the main examples discussed as part of a chapter published on the EAGER Project with the intention to build DRR capacity and to illustrate how project activities indirectly also addressed sustainable development. This chapter can be found in the newly published book: Sustainable Development in Africa as part of the World Sustainability Series from Springer (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74693-3).

References:

Cuny FC (1983) Disaster and Development. Oxford University Press, New York

Close Out Report. [Project Documentation]. http://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/sites/natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/files/files/ACDS/EAGER%20Project_Close-Out-Reporta.pdf

O’Keefe P, Westgate K, Wisner B (1976) Taking the naturalness out of natural disasters. Nature 260(5552):566–567

UNDP (2004) Reducing Disaster Risk: A Challenge for Development. United Nations Development Programme. UNDP, New York

UNISDR: (2015) Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. UNISDR, Geneva. https:// www.unisdr.org/files/46052_disasterriskreductioninthe2030agend.pdf. Accessed 23 Nov 2020

EAGER project videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6doaQTA4_AMLOYSjpWrADPAlh3mXz1zr

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