CSOs and the Challenges in Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

Abstract

Civil society organizations (CSOs) continuously promote and develop participatory approaches in risk assessment and reduction planning in vulnerable communities. Participatory risk assessments (hazard, vulnerability, capacity, and people's perception of risk) unite the community with local government and other stakeholders in common understanding of the disaster risks in the locality. It serves as the sound basis for commitments, plans and actions of a wide range of short, medium, and long-term risk reduction at the community and local level. This chapter looks into the developments of concepts and practice of risk and vulnerability assessment. Also, it underscores the issues and challenges faced by CSOs in undertaking risk and vulnerability assessments.