Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Approaches Key in Reducing Vulnerability and Enhancing Resilience

Abstract

The Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) approach has been on the spotlight due to the significant reduction in development assistance
and community programming financing, which often took a proactive role in community disaster risk reduction response in at risk communities. CBDRR is a top-down emergency response approach in DRR which is participatory in nature to address the local needs of vulnerable communities. CBDRR as an approach is not resource intensive hence its effectiveness in resource constrained settings. The review article explores the background and what constitutes CBDRR in Southern African context with particular focus on Zimbabwe. The article also outlines case studies on the effectives of CBDRR in various contexts. In the context of localisation and empowering local communities CBDRR approaches create a sense of ownership, builds local capacity, local ownership, strengthen local livelihoods, uses local resources and local knowledge, collaboration amongst stakeholders and ensures sustainability beyond aid/ development assistance frameworks. However, this approach is not without challenges. Sometimes low-resourced communities do not intentionally take action to reduce their exposure to environmental risks/ lack the capacity to effectively respond. Lack of technological advancement for more complex
disasters beyond indigenous knowledge systems. The article outlines how sustainability of CBDRR requires integration with government systems to by-pass challenges and strengthen collaborative partnerships.