MODULE 7: Disaster Risk Governance & Policy

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

Explain the role of national and local structures in DRM
Identify key institutions responsible for disaster management at national and local levels
Understand the coordination mechanisms between different levels of government
Recognize the importance of community involvement in DRM structures
Apply practical approaches to engage with DRM structures effectively

Lesson Introduction

Disaster Risk Management (DRM) is not the responsibility of a single individual or organization—it is a systematic approach involving multiple institutions at national, local, and community levels. National and local DRM structures are critical for planning, coordinating, and responding to disasters efficiently.

Understanding these structures allows responders, NGOs, and communities to know who to engage with, how decisions are made, and how resources are mobilized. This ensures that disaster interventions are well-coordinated, timely, and effective.

National DRM Structures

National DRM structures provide policy guidance, legal frameworks, and coordination for disaster management across the country. Typical components include:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The central government body responsible for policy, planning, and oversight of disaster management.
Sectoral Ministries and Agencies: Health, agriculture, education, water, and transport ministries implement sector-specific DRM measures.
Emergency Operations Centers (EOC): Serve as command hubs during disasters, coordinating national and regional responses.
National DRM Committees: Multi-sectoral committees that develop strategies, allocate resources, and monitor implementation.

Example:
In Malawi, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) coordinates national disaster preparedness and response, while working with ministries like Health, Agriculture, and Transport to ensure integrated action.

Local DRM Structures

Local DRM structures operate at district, city, and community levels. They implement national policies, adapt interventions to local needs, and engage communities directly. Key components include:

District Disaster Management Committees (DDMC): Lead planning, early warning, response, and recovery at the district level.
Community Disaster Committees: Grassroots teams that mobilize local resources, provide early warnings, and coordinate volunteers.
Local Government Offices: Facilitate implementation of DRM plans, logistics, and reporting to national authorities.
Community Volunteers & Local Leaders: Play a vital role in preparedness, awareness campaigns, and immediate response.

Example:
During floods, a local DRM committee organizes evacuation, identifies safe shelters, and reports affected areas to the district committee, which coordinates with the national authorities for support.

Coordination Between National and Local Levels

Two-Way Communication: National bodies provide guidance, funding, and expertise; local structures report conditions, needs, and response progress.
Resource Mobilization: National authorities allocate resources; local structures distribute them efficiently to affected communities.
Planning & Simulation: National guidelines inform district disaster plans, which include community-specific strategies.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Local reports feed into national assessments for better planning and policy adjustment.

Practical Steps to Engage with DRM Structures

Map Stakeholders: Identify national, district, and community DRM institutions in your area.
Understand Roles: Know which body handles what, from policy to field response.
Build Relationships: Establish contacts with local leaders and DRM committees.
Participate in Planning: Engage in drills, meetings, and community awareness campaigns.
Report and Feedback: Share information about risks, hazards, and response effectiveness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming disaster management is only the government’s responsibility
Ignoring community-based structures or volunteers
Failing to report hazards or needs up the chain
Lack of coordination between local and national institutions
Overlooking early warning systems and local knowledge

Practical Exercise

Choose your district or city. Map all national and local DRM structures operating there.
Identify roles and responsibilities of each structure.
Develop a communication and reporting plan for a simulated disaster scenario (e.g., flood or cyclone).
Conduct a mini simulation with your team, demonstrating coordination from the community to the national level.

Key Takeaways

National and local DRM structures are interdependent, ensuring efficient disaster management.
Community involvement strengthens local response and ensures interventions meet real needs.
Coordination, communication, and clarity of roles are essential for effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Lesson Conclusion

Understanding national and local DRM structures is fundamental for effective disaster management. By knowing who is responsible, how decisions are made, and how communities are involved, responders can act strategically, mobilize resources efficiently, and save lives. Strong DRM structures, combined with active community participation, ensure that disasters are managed professionally, proactively, and sustainably, building safer and more resilient societies.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

Understand the specific roles of disaster management authorities at national and local levels
Identify how authorities coordinate prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery
Apply practical approaches to engage with authorities during disasters
Recognize the importance of authorities in policy, planning, and resource mobilization
Strengthen collaboration between communities, NGOs, and disaster authorities

Lesson Introduction

Disaster Management Authorities are key players in protecting lives, property, and livelihoods during disasters. They operate at national, regional, district, and community levels, ensuring that planning, response, and recovery are coordinated, effective, and timely.

Without active disaster management authorities, efforts by communities, NGOs, or local government may be disorganized, slow, or duplicated, which can increase loss and suffering. Understanding their roles helps responders, communities, and partners work with authorities effectively, improving disaster outcomes.

This lesson focuses on the practical roles of disaster management authorities and how they function in real-world disaster situations.

Roles of Disaster Management Authorities

Disaster management authorities have multiple roles that cover the entire disaster cycle—from prevention to recovery. Key roles include:

Policy Development & Planning
- Develop national and local disaster management policies, strategies, and guidelines
- Ensure DRM policies align with international frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework
- Plan disaster preparedness programs, early warning systems, and resource allocation
Example: Developing a national flood management policy that sets standards for early warning, evacuation, and shelter management.
Risk Assessment & Early Warning
- Identify hazards, vulnerabilities, and potential disaster impacts
- Collect, analyze, and share data to create early warning systems
- Inform communities and response agencies about imminent risks
Example: Issuing cyclone warnings to coastal districts, enabling timely evacuation.
Coordination & Resource Mobilization
- Coordinate government agencies, NGOs, and community volunteers
- Mobilize financial, material, and human resources for disaster response
- Ensure that emergency services, food, water, and medical support reach affected areas efficiently
Example: During floods, coordinating relief distribution so no area is neglected and resources are used effectively.
Preparedness & Capacity Building
- Organize drills, simulations, and training for responders and communities
- Build technical and logistical capacity for rapid disaster response
- Educate communities on disaster preparedness and risk reduction
Example: Training school teachers to lead school evacuation drills during earthquakes.
Response Management
- Activate emergency operations centers during disasters
- Deploy response teams for search, rescue, and medical assistance
- Ensure communication and coordination across all levels
Example: Sending medical teams and supplies to an earthquake-affected district while coordinating with local leaders.
Recovery & Rehabilitation Support
- Oversee early recovery programs and long-term reconstruction
- Ensure Build Back Better principles in infrastructure and housing
- Support livelihoods, psychosocial services, and community resilience programs
Example: Coordinating reconstruction of flood-damaged homes while providing farmers with seeds and tools to restart food production.

Practical Steps for Engaging with Authorities

Identify key disaster management authorities in your area (national, district, and community levels)
Understand their roles and responsibilities for prevention, response, and recovery
Establish communication channels for reporting hazards or requesting assistance
Participate in planning meetings, drills, and community awareness programs
Provide feedback and local insights to improve disaster management decisions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming authorities handle disasters independently without local input
Ignoring coordination, which can lead to duplication of efforts
Failing to report risks, damages, or resource needs promptly
Relying on informal networks alone without engaging formal authorities

Practical Exercise

Select a disaster scenario (flood, drought, fire, or earthquake)
List all relevant disaster management authorities for that scenario
Identify specific roles each authority would play during prevention, response, and recovery
Develop a communication and coordination plan for your community to work with these authorities
Discuss how the plan would improve efficiency and reduce losses

Key Takeaways

Disaster management authorities play central roles across the disaster cycle: planning, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery
Coordination with authorities ensures efficient, effective, and accountable disaster interventions
Communities and NGOs must engage actively to maximize impact and reduce risks
Understanding roles and responsibilities reduces confusion and strengthens disaster resilience

Lesson Conclusion

Disaster management authorities are the backbone of effective disaster response. They set policies, mobilize resources, coordinate actions, and guide recovery efforts. Engaging with them ensures that communities receive timely support, act efficiently, and recover sustainably. In Disaster Risk Management, knowing the roles of authorities transforms chaotic disaster situations into structured, life-saving, and resilient interventions.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

Understand the purpose and importance of international frameworks in Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
Explain the key priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Link Disaster Risk Management to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Apply these frameworks to national and local disaster management planning
Promote disaster resilience through informed, evidence-based approaches

Lesson Introduction

Disasters are global challenges that affect communities, countries, and economies. To respond effectively, nations align their policies and strategies with international frameworks. These frameworks provide guidelines, targets, and indicators to reduce disaster risks, save lives, and build resilient communities.

Two key frameworks guiding Disaster Risk Management today are the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Understanding them ensures that DRM efforts are strategic, coordinated, and internationally aligned.

This lesson focuses on the practical application of these frameworks to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Sendai Framework, adopted in 2015, is a global blueprint to reduce disaster risks over 2015–2030. It emphasizes proactive risk management, moving away from focusing solely on disaster response.

Key Features:

Priorities for Action:
- Understanding disaster risk
- Strengthening disaster risk governance
- Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
- Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and “Build Back Better” in recovery
Targets & Indicators:
- Reduce global disaster mortality
- Reduce the number of affected people
- Minimize economic losses and damage to infrastructure
- Increase countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies

Practical Application:
In Malawi, national and district disaster management authorities align local flood preparedness plans with Sendai priorities. This includes early warning systems, community awareness programs, and resilient infrastructure design.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and DRM

The SDGs, adopted in 2015 by the United Nations, provide a broader global development agenda, linking disaster risk reduction to sustainable development. Disasters can erase development gains, so integrating DRM into SDGs is crucial.

Relevant SDGs for DRM:

SDG 1 (No Poverty): Protect vulnerable populations from disaster-induced poverty
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Build resilient cities, safe housing, and infrastructure
SDG 13 (Climate Action): Strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards
SDG 15 (Life on Land): Promote ecosystem-based approaches to reduce disaster risks

Practical Application:
Implementing flood risk mapping, reforestation programs, and disaster-resilient housing supports SDGs while reducing disaster impacts.

Linking Sendai Framework & SDGs

Both emphasize risk reduction, resilience, and sustainable development
Sendai Framework provides technical DRM guidance, while SDGs focus on broader social, economic, and environmental outcomes
Together, they guide policy, planning, and funding decisions for governments and NGOs

Example:
A district flood recovery program can integrate Sendai’s early warning systems (technical DRM) with SDG 11 targets (safe housing and resilient communities), ensuring interventions are holistic and sustainable.

Practical Steps for Using International Frameworks

Map Sendai Framework priorities and SDG targets to national and local DRM plans
Set measurable indicators for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery
Align budget and resources with framework priorities
Conduct training and awareness programs for responders and communities
Monitor progress and report results to national authorities and stakeholders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring international frameworks in national planning
Treating DRM and development separately instead of integrating SDGs
Failing to use evidence-based indicators for measuring progress
Neglecting community participation in implementing frameworks

Practical Exercise

Select a recent disaster scenario (flood, cyclone, fire)
Identify how Sendai Framework priorities apply to this scenario
Map relevant SDGs and targets to support recovery and resilience
Develop a short plan showing how national or local authorities can implement these frameworks in practice
Present your plan and discuss its potential impact on community resilience

Key Takeaways

International frameworks guide risk reduction, resilience building, and sustainable development
Sendai Framework focuses on technical DRM priorities, while SDGs link DRM to broader development goals
Integrating these frameworks improves policy coherence, planning, and disaster outcomes
Using them ensures communities are safer, more resilient, and prepared for future disasters

Lesson Conclusion

The Sendai Framework and SDGs provide a world-class blueprint for Disaster Risk Management. By aligning national and local DRM plans with these frameworks, responders can reduce risks, protect livelihoods, and strengthen resilience. In practice, using international standards ensures disaster management is strategic, sustainable, and globally coordinated, making communities safer, more prepared, and more resilient.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

Understand the importance of financing in Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
Identify sources of funding for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery
Apply practical strategies for budgeting and mobilizing resources for DRM
Integrate financial planning into national, local, and community DRM programs
Ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in DRM financing

Lesson Introduction

Disasters can strike at any time, causing loss of lives, property, and livelihoods. Effective Disaster Risk Management requires not only plans, personnel, and equipment, but also adequate funding. Without financing, even the best disaster plans remain ineffective, leaving communities vulnerable and slow to recover.

Financing DRM involves allocating, mobilizing, and managing funds to cover the full disaster cycle: prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and risk reduction. This lesson focuses on practical approaches to finance DRM, ensuring that resources are available, well-managed, and targeted where most needed.

Why Financing DRM Matters

Prevents economic loss: Investing in prevention is cheaper than responding to disasters
Supports timely response: Quick access to funds ensures lifesaving interventions
Enhances resilience: Funding allows communities to rebuild stronger and safer
Promotes accountability: Transparent financing builds trust among stakeholders
Aligns with national and international priorities: Supports Sendai Framework, SDGs, and national DRM policies

Example:
Allocating funds for flood early warning systems reduces the costs of rescue operations, property loss, and long-term economic disruption.

Sources of DRM Financing

Government Budget Allocations: National and local governments dedicate funds for DRM activities
International Donors & Development Partners: Provide grants, loans, and technical assistance for disaster risk reduction and response
Insurance & Risk Transfer Mechanisms: Insurance policies and catastrophe bonds help cover large-scale disaster losses
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Private sector investments support infrastructure, early warning systems, and community programs
Community-Based Funding: Local savings, cooperatives, and community insurance schemes contribute to preparedness and recovery

Practical Tip:
Combining multiple sources ensures funding continuity and reduces dependency on a single source, especially during large-scale disasters.

Practical Strategies for DRM Financing

Integrate DRM into National and Local Budgets: Ensure disaster risk reduction is included in annual financial planning
Prioritize Funding Based on Risk Assessments: Allocate more funds to high-risk areas and critical sectors
Develop Contingency Funds: Establish emergency funds for rapid response and early recovery
Leverage International Support: Use donor funds strategically for technical capacity, infrastructure, and risk reduction
Encourage Private Sector Engagement: Involve businesses in financing resilient infrastructure and community programs
Track and Report Funds: Ensure transparency and accountability through monitoring, audits, and public reporting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating disaster funding as only reactive, rather than preventive
Relying solely on emergency funds instead of long-term financing strategies
Poor coordination between national, local, and community budgeting
Ignoring accountability and transparency, leading to mismanagement
Neglecting community participation, which reduces effectiveness of funded programs

Practical Exercise

Identify a recent disaster scenario (flood, cyclone, or drought)
List funding requirements for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery
Identify possible sources of financing for each activity
Develop a simple budget plan showing allocation, responsible actors, and timelines
Present a monitoring strategy to track the use of funds and ensure accountability

Key Takeaways

Financing is critical for effective DRM across the disaster cycle
Multiple sources—including government, donors, private sector, and communities—strengthen funding stability
Early planning, budgeting, and risk-based allocation increase efficiency and impact
Transparency, monitoring, and accountability are essential to maximize trust and resource use
Adequate funding transforms DRM plans from paper into actionable results, saving lives and property

Lesson Conclusion

Disaster Risk Management cannot succeed without strategic, well-managed financing. By planning, mobilizing, and allocating resources effectively, communities, governments, and partners ensure that prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities are implemented successfully. Financing DRM is not just about money—it is about saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and building resilience, ensuring that communities are prepared and capable of facing future disasters with confidence.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

Understand the importance of ethics and accountability in disaster management
Identify common ethical challenges in disaster response and recovery
Apply practical strategies to ensure transparent and responsible actions
Promote trust among communities, responders, and stakeholders
Integrate ethical principles into planning, implementation, and monitoring of disaster interventions

Lesson Introduction

Disasters place communities under extreme stress, and the response often involves rapid decision-making, distribution of aid, and allocation of resources. In such situations, maintaining ethics and accountability is critical to ensure that interventions are fair, transparent, and effective.

Ethics in disaster management refers to doing the right thing, even under pressure, while accountability ensures that actions are answerable to affected communities, authorities, and partners. Neglecting ethics and accountability can lead to misuse of resources, corruption, discrimination, and loss of trust, which can worsen the impact of disasters and slow recovery.

This lesson focuses on practical approaches to uphold ethics and accountability in all phases of Disaster Risk Management (DRM).

Why Ethics & Accountability Matter

Protects human rights: Ensures that vulnerable populations are treated fairly and with dignity
Builds trust: Communities are more likely to cooperate with responders they trust
Prevents corruption and misuse of resources: Reduces fraud, favoritism, and waste
Improves efficiency and effectiveness: Transparent processes reduce delays and duplication
Supports sustainability: Ethical and accountable interventions have lasting positive impact

Example:
During flood relief, transparent distribution of food and shelter resources prevents conflicts and ensures that aid reaches those most in need.

Common Ethical Challenges in Disaster Management

Resource Allocation: Limited supplies may lead to favoritism or neglect of vulnerable groups
Discrimination: Certain populations (women, elderly, disabled, marginalized) may be overlooked
Data Privacy: Collecting information about affected individuals must respect confidentiality
Conflicts of Interest: Personal gain or political influence may affect decision-making
Transparency in Funding: Mismanagement of donor funds can erode community trust

Practical Strategies to Ensure Ethics & Accountability

Clear Policies & Guidelines: Establish codes of conduct for responders and volunteers
Inclusive Planning: Engage communities in decision-making to ensure fair representation
Transparent Resource Distribution: Use clear criteria, public announcements, and documentation
Monitoring & Reporting: Track activities, financial transactions, and outcomes
Training & Awareness: Educate responders and partners about ethical standards and accountability
Feedback Mechanisms: Provide channels for communities to report complaints, concerns, or misconduct
Audits & Evaluations: Conduct independent reviews to ensure compliance and continuous improvement

Example:
A district disaster management office sets up a hotline where residents can report inequitable aid distribution, and results are published weekly for transparency.

Practical Exercise

Select a disaster scenario (cyclone, flood, or fire)
Identify three potential ethical dilemmas that could arise
Develop a plan to address each dilemma, including policies, monitoring, and community engagement
Create a feedback and reporting system to ensure accountability
Present your approach and discuss how it protects vulnerable populations and builds trust

Key Takeaways

Ethics and accountability are essential for fair, effective, and trusted disaster management
Transparent planning, resource distribution, and reporting reduce risks of corruption and favoritism
Inclusive approaches empower communities and strengthen resilience
Feedback mechanisms and monitoring ensure continuous improvement and compliance

Lesson Conclusion

Ethics and accountability are the backbone of responsible Disaster Risk Management. Upholding ethical standards and maintaining transparency ensures that interventions are fair, efficient, and trusted by the community. In practice, this strengthens relationships between responders, communities, and authorities, ensuring that every disaster response not only saves lives but respects human dignity, fairness, and justice.