A micro-environmental perspective into disaster risk assessment using community-based knowledge

Abstract

The integration of community-based knowledge into disaster risk assessment offers a microenvironmental perspective that enhances the understanding of localised vulnerabilities and resilience mechanisms. However, existing disaster risk assessment methods are primarily focused on the macro-scale and may sometimes overlook the local-level factors that enhance the frequencies and intensities of natural hazards. Community-based knowledge, in this case, seems important since it provides a detailed and in-depth understanding of the micro-environmental processes along with knowledge related to historical patterns of hazards, local coping strategies, and specific areas of risk. Therefore, this research aims to develop a set of recommendations to integrate micro-environmental perspectives into disaster risk assessment better using communitybased knowledge. To achieve that aim this research employs a case study method, utilising semistructured interviews as the primary data collection technique. The empirical work has been carried out in Sri Lanka based on a multiple-embedded case study design with four cases: Colombo, Rathnapura, Kalurata, and Kegalle. The case selection was based on two hazards (landslides and floods) and two river catchments (“Kalu” and “Kelani”). After data collection, the researcher used thematic analysis to systematically identify and interpret key themes and patterns that emerged
from the participants' narratives. Using classification techniques, the themes were then categorised into eleven key areas, emphasising the importance and influence of the concepts, their status, challenges, and best practices. Results have highlighted that both community-based knowledge and micro-environmental perspective are significantly important when assessing disaster risk, focusing on a local community or an environment. It also confirms that they have not been integrated into disaster risk assessment methodologies. However, some of the critical challenges that emerged from the results are the decaying of community-based knowledge, the lack of knowledge-sharing platforms, the lack of collaboration, and the existence of institutional and personal egos. To overcome such challenges, results have also suggested knowledge preservation, promoting environmental-based education and awareness programmes, creating collaborative platforms, and enhancing participatory approaches in disaster risk assessment as
some of the best strategies. Based on the recommendations of this study, disaster risk assessment can be further improved by integrating a micro-environmental perspective using community-based knowledge. It will strengthen disaster risk reduction efforts by incorporating contextually specific and culturally appropriate solutions to make local communities resilient.

Date of Award	4 Apr 2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Michael Ginger (Main Supervisor)