A Sample Proposal on “Community-Driven Disaster Preparedness and Recovery”

Executive Summary

Communities are often the first responders and the most affected stakeholders during disasters. Yet, they are frequently excluded from formal disaster risk management systems. This project proposes a Community-Driven Disaster Preparedness and Recovery model that places local communities at the center of disaster risk reduction (DRR), preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

The initiative aims to strengthen local capacities, enhance early preparedness, reduce disaster-related losses, and enable faster, more inclusive recovery. By combining indigenous knowledge, participatory planning, and institutional support, the project will build resilient communities capable of anticipating, withstanding, and recovering from natural and climate-induced disasters.

Background and Rationale

Climate change, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequalities are intensifying the frequency and impact of disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and heatwaves. Vulnerable populations—especially women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income households—are disproportionately affected.

Top-down disaster management approaches often overlook local knowledge and fail to reach the most at-risk populations. Community-driven disaster preparedness empowers local actors to identify risks, plan solutions, and take ownership of preparedness and recovery processes, ensuring that disaster responses are timely, inclusive, and sustainable.

Project Goal and Objectives

Overall Goal

To strengthen community resilience by enhancing inclusive, locally led disaster preparedness and recovery systems in high-risk areas.

Specific Objectives

Strengthen community capacity to assess risks and prepare for disasters.
Establish inclusive, community-based disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Reduce disaster-related losses of life, livelihoods, and assets.
Support early, inclusive, and sustainable recovery led by affected communities.

Target Groups and Beneficiaries

Disaster-prone communities and households
Women, children, and youth
Persons with disabilities and older persons
Local volunteers and community leaders
Local governments and disaster management committees
Community-based organizations and civil society groups

Key Activities

Component 1: Community Risk Assessment and Mapping
- Conduct participatory hazard, vulnerability, and capacity assessments
- Develop community risk maps and disaster profiles
- Identify vulnerable households and critical infrastructure
Component 2: Community-Based Preparedness Planning
- Form or strengthen Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs)
- Develop community disaster preparedness and contingency plans
- Establish evacuation routes, shelters, and communication protocols
Component 3: Capacity Building and Early Warning
- Train community volunteers in first aid, search and rescue, and emergency response
- Strengthen community-based early warning and alert systems
- Conduct regular disaster drills and simulation exercises
Component 4: Inclusive Disaster Response and Recovery
- Support rapid needs assessments led by communities
- Provide technical support for early recovery and livelihood restoration
- Promote inclusive rebuilding using safer and resilient construction practices
Component 5: Knowledge Sharing, Coordination, and Advocacy
- Document community-led best practices and lessons learned
- Strengthen coordination between communities and local authorities
- Advocate for integration of community-driven approaches into local and national DRR policies

Expected Results and Impact

Expected Results
- Improved community awareness and preparedness for disasters
- Functional community disaster committees and response systems
- Reduced loss of life, property, and livelihoods during disasters
- Faster, more inclusive post-disaster recovery
Long-Term Impact
- Increased community resilience to climate and disaster risks
- Empowered communities with sustained disaster management capacities
- Strengthened trust and collaboration between communities and institutions

Cross-Cutting Themes

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Women and marginalized groups will be actively engaged in leadership and decision-making roles.
Climate Adaptation: Activities will align with climate resilience and adaptation strategies.
Local Ownership: Emphasis on community leadership and sustainability.

Implementation Strategy and Timeline

The project will be implemented over 24–36 months through partnerships with local governments, disaster management authorities, NGOs, and community groups.

Phase 1 (Months 1–6): Community assessments and planning
Phase 2 (Months 7–18): Capacity building and preparedness implementation
Phase 3 (Months 19–30): Recovery support and resilience strengthening
Phase 4 (Months 31–36): Evaluation, learning, and policy engagement

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation will include:

Baseline and endline surveys
Community scorecards and feedback mechanisms
Periodic progress reports
Final independent evaluation

Sustainability and Exit Strategy

Sustainability will be ensured by embedding disaster preparedness structures within community institutions, strengthening linkages with local governments, and integrating plans into official disaster management systems.