Evaluation of community - based disaster risk reduction groups’ capacity in Mt. Elgon Region, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) involves identifying risks, hazards and actions needed to mitigate vulnerability of the community, thus reducing of the impact of disasters in communities. Disasters have been widely experienced globally. Natural disasters kill on average 60,000 people each year and are responsible for 0.1% of global deaths. In Uganda, Mount Elgon region is prone to natural disasters namely; epidemics, epizootics, landslides and floods. In June 2019, landslides hit Bududa District killing six people and injured 27 others. In September 2019, several landslides and floods occurred in Bulambuli District causing 1 death and 19 missing. Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) implemented a community-based disaster Risk -Reduction strategy to achieve community resilience against recurrent disasters in the region. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the capacity of Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) Groups in the Mt. Elgon region, Eastern Uganda. Methodology: This was a cross - sectional study utilizing both Quantitative and Qualitative methods of data collection. Multi stage cluster sampling was used to select purposively four study districts then randomly select twelve study parishes and twenty CBDRR Groups from four highly disaster-prone districts in Eastern Uganda. Purposively sampling of eighty (80) respondents from twenty CBDRR Groups was carried out. They included Chairpersons, Treasurers, Secretaries and Trustees of the CBDRR Groups. Questionnaires were administered to Chairpersons, Treasurers, Secretaries and Trustees of the CBDRR Groups. Focus Group Discussion Guides were conducted with Community members and Key Interview Guides conducted with Chairpersons of District Disaster Management Committee, Project Manager, District Project Focal Persons, CBDRR Groups Parish Coordinators, Chairpersons Local Council One and a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) None Governmental Organisation official in project areas. Data was collected on Capacity of CBDRR Groups, knowledge of DRR, Facilitation and Support Supervision of CBDRR Groups plus community perception of the CBDRR Groups. Results: The study found that about 6 in ten (59%) of the CBDRR Groups had sufficient level of capacity to implement the DRR interventions. Nearly two thirds (65.0%) of the CBDRR Groups demonstrated a high level of knowledge about the cause, effects, prevention and mitigation measures of disaster in the Mt. Elgon region. However, nearly all (99%) CBDRR Groups inadequate facilitation whereas more than three quarters (83%) had irregular support supervision. The study also revealed that the community appreciated the CBDRR Groups and felt that they had imparted a wealth of knowledge to them about DRR interventions. Conclusion: The CBDRR Groups’ capacity was relatively sufficient which enabled the implementation of DRR interventions in Mt. Elgon region. However, the groups need to be further trained in DRR, facilitated with more resources and also more Support Supervision to increase the groups’ capacity. Recommendations: The District Disaster Management Committees and URCS should strengthen Support Supervision provided to CBDRR Groups so as to enhance the implementation of the DRR interventions in Mt. Elgon region. The District Local Governments and URCS should improve both financial and non-financial facilitation provided to the CBDRR Groups in order to enhance their performance. The URCS should organise regular refresher courses in DRR for CBDRR Groups to enhance their knowledge levels in regard to disaster risk reduction, in the trainer of trainers (TOT) and Trainer of Implementer (TOI) concept to maximise the benefit of their efforts.