Evaluating Community Participation in Public Sector Disaster Resilience Initiatives in Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

Disaster resilience initiatives in Pakistan's Swat region have been criticized for their limited effectiveness. This study explores the role of community participation in public sector disaster resilience initiatives, examining the intersections between participation, planning, and project implementation. Using a convergent parallel mixed-method research Approach, the study examines the experiences and perceptions of local communities regarding their involvement in disaster risk assessment, resilience planning, project formulation, and implementation. Results of the qualitative and quantitative data identify significant barriers to meaningful community engagement. The findings reveal significant gaps in community participation, characterized by top-down decision-making processes, limited stakeholder engagement, and inadequate representation of local needs. The findings highlight the need for participatory mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and contextualized planning to address the unique needs of Swat's communities. This study contributes to the understanding of community participation in disaster resilience and informs policy and practice reforms to promote inclusive and effective disaster management in Pakistan.