ALBERT

Description: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings from the body of case studies offered in the issue, combined with three external perspectives on local voices and action. Design/methodology/approach Using as its basis the eight key case studies and three external contributions to the special issue, the paper offers a theoretical framework as a basis for discussion of this material. Through this, it identifies possible modes of action understood through the theoretical framework and elaborated through the specific cases. It concludes with proposals for further work. Findings The discussion finds that from a local perspective, the ambitions of local populations and local NGOs to achieve emancipatory change depend on the scope for local collaboration and partnerships to exercise influence on underlying risk factors. It resolves the suggested tension between operating within, and outside the system through the concept of “legitimate subversion”. Originality/value It is felt that the original recording of case studies of local level action combined with the process of iterative critical reflection on the part of the contributors offers a novel approach to knowledge creation from practice, and offers insights bridging theoretical and practitioner perspectives into means of addressing underlying risk factors affecting local populations.

Description: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the power of protest in quasi-democratic politics and feudal societies; consider deep-rooted impacts of illiteracy, inequality, marginalisation and powerlessness on poor peoples’ behaviour; and analyse how these turn them to believe in fatalism. Design/methodology/approach The paper narrates 12 years of work with isolated and poor communities, which are prone to annual flooding and riverbank erosion. Reflections are based on the years of NGOs’ workers experiences and conclusions. Findings Poor governance stems from deep-rooted multiple inequalities – land/resources, religious knowledge, education, social hierarchies, cultural norms and political power. This leads to fatalism which deters the poor from making the powerful accountable. An outside catalyst is essential to break the ice. Disasters do create opportunities to act against injustices. Research limitations/implications The paper narrates 12 years of work with isolated and poor communities which are prone to annual flooding and riverbank erosion. Practical implications The old community is gone. The Ahmadies constitutionally declared non-Muslims have rebuilt their village. Meanwhile, other families have gone elsewhere. They may have a house of sorts but are landless and have no sustainable income. With spurs, the river may go back and leave their land. Reclaiming their land will be a huge task. Social implications There is a serious need to link civil society based in urban centres with those who live in remote areas, isolated and oppressed, in order to transform a quasi-democracy into a participatory and social democracy. Originality/value When floods hit, erosion accelerates and makes people homeless and landless. Yet, erosion is not considered a disaster. The country lacks public policy to address the issue. This study highlights of the urgent issue of riverbank erosion that could shift policy.

Description: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to individually examine the findings from eight case studies presented in this special issue and comparatively identify the findings regarding local learning and action. Design/methodology/approach Underlying research questions regarding power and powerlessness in regard to addressing underlying risk factors affecting local populations form the basis for the discussion. Proceedings of a collaborative workshop conducted with the contributing authors are analysed qualitatively to identify learning relating to the research questions emerging from the case studies individually and collectively. Findings A number of strategies and tactics for addressing underlying risk factors affecting local populations were identified from the case studies, including collaboration and cohesion. Campaigning, lobbying, communications and social mobilisation in an attempt to bridge the gap between local concerns and the decision-making of government and other powerful actors. Innovation and local mobilisation to address shortcomings in government support for disaster reduction and development. Communications as a first base to influence behaviour of both communities and government. Social change through empowerment of women to act in disaster reduction and development. Research limitations/implications The outcomes of the action research conducted by the authors individually and collectively highlight the necessity for bridging different scales of action through a range of strategies and tactics to move beyond local self-reliance to influence on underlying risk factors. The action research process employed may have wider applications in gathering and formalising local-level experience and knowledge. Practical implications The case studies and their analysis present a range of practical strategies and tactics to strengthen local resilience and address underlying risk factors which are replicable in other contexts. Originality/value Practitioners are activists and do not often engage in critical reflection and analysis. The method presented here offers a means of achieving this in order to generate learning from local-level experience. The findings contribute to the consideration of cross-scale action to address underlying risk factors which impact local communities.