Drought Preparedness and Response as if Development Matters: Case Studies from Kenya

Abstract

Few now question the link between disasters and development. The notion that vulnerability is the root cause of disasters and that it accrues from social processes and human decisions, is no longer contentious. However this convergence has not translated into mainstream practice of either development planning or emergency response communities. Vulnerability analysis and disaster risk reduction remain at the margins. Projects that bridge relief and development do not readily attract donor funding. Some exceptions have been documented. There are development NGOs involved in disaster response, and humanitarian assistance NGOs that have integrated vulnerability reduction in their disaster relief work. This paper adds to this body of literature. Based on field research in two drought prone communities in Kenya it assesses the effectiveness of the efforts of government and NGOs in integrating drought management and long-term development in their community interventions and their impacts on community vulnerability. Key informant interviews complemented review of documents and site visits. The paper concludes that while most initiatives, such as water conservation, livestock rearing, income diversification are successful in reducing short term vulnerability and have the potential for contributing to long-term community resilience, others appear to be creating dependency. They warrant careful study and systematic community involvement in order to develop appropriate and sustainable strategies. Keywords: vulnerability reduction, disaster risk reduction, food relief, disaster preparedness and response