Page 70 - Research Report 2025.1

6. Recommendations for improving resilience and sustainable recovery from pandemics and disasters. Theme 1:
Recommendations for improving resilience and sustainable recovery from pandemics and disasters.
Integrated and Inclusive Planning for Resilience
The findings under this code emphasise the importance of coordinated planning that includes all community members in the process. Participant 1 highlights the need for government and community members to sit together to ensure proper planning, especially in times of disaster, to ensure that services are distributed equitably. The notion of “accounting for each and every person” underlines the importance of data collection and active engagement in community planning. Additionally, the mention of economic opportunities reflects the vulnerability of individuals without stable income sources, showing that inclusive planning must also consider long-term economic resilience.
Responsive and Accountable Leadership
Participant 1
But if we planned together and we knew how many we are, we are able to, ensure that 50 people who are living there, they get this service Yes”
“I would suggest. Maybe if we start by accounting for each and every person that is here. Mhmm. And then we can
be able to plan properly. And if each and everyone would
be able to sit on the table with the government that they choose or because they are the government themselves in a democratic state, then they can be able to plan properly and be resilient. Yeah. So it can’t be easy when there’s a disaster to not know what the infrastructure that we have can also be strong enough to withstand, some of of of these things.”
“And also this issue of economic opportunities. You know, when you don’t work and you don’t have a source of income, like I said earlier, you become more vulnerable.
The results indicate that responsive and accountable leadership is
fundamental in managing disasters effectively. Both Participant 2
and Participant 6 stressed the need for political leadership that is
capable of engaging the community, managing resources, and implementing monitoring and evaluation processes. Effective leadership must prioritise transparency and be proactive in involving the community in decision-making.
Participant 2
“Have people at the forefront, make sure that you have a responsive, political leadership because that’s where other things go. The political leadership that we need must be a political leadership that is equal to task...”
Participant 6
“Yeah. 1 is to ensure that, yeah, we have capable people, in place. Again, we have a participatory search with the people because it’s a disasters and other pandemics. It needs involvement of
the of the people. Yes. Again, the allocation of resources. Lastly, monitoring and evaluation. Yeah.”
Implement Inclusive Solutions
The findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate and inclusive solutions when addressing disasters. Participant 3 pointed out that diverse community groups, including the LGBTQIA community, disabled individuals, and those with different cultural backgrounds, must be considered when delivering assistance. Solutions must be risk-informed and involve all voices to ensure that everyone benefits from disaster recovery efforts. The mention of inclusive solutions in the integrated development plan (IDP) creation points to the importance of integrating diverse voices in planning to avoid marginalisation.
Participant 3
“Giving people relevant assistance. At the right time. Consider all factors within our communities seek. We know the communities have people who are from different cultures. Yeah. Let’s say let’s say we are going to assist after a pandemic or disaster. Must consider there are different groups of people. Make sure everyone is catered for properly. We LGBTQIA community. We have disabled people. We have people that cannot stay with others. Assist with relevant things. Let’s make an example of resilience, when we take house to people, lets not give them temporary structures or bridges that are not strong enough, whatever you bring must make peoples lives easier and survive better.
Let’s talk about IDP (integrated develop plan), the integration we spoke about earlier, IDR. If we can integrate our views to make sure developmental programmes are all risk informed that would assist a lot. If they are risk informed no one will complain. Make everyone participate, like when they want to build a bridge by public works ad then they can be advised on proper standards according to the area. If they want to build in a wetland then they call also be advised against it but rather to rehabilitate. integrate and cooperate and bring our voices as departments, we must work together and not in silos. Views must be incorporated in the IDP with the risk assessment, yes even NGOs must have views in the IDP creation.”
Education and Capacity Building
The results show that education and capacity building are critical to improving resilience. Participant 4 and Participant 5 emphasised that education played a significant role in reducing deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas. Training communities on how to protect themselves and build resilient homes is crucial for disaster preparedness.
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