Disaster Risk Information Access in Karnali Province, Nepal: An egocentric social network analysis

Abstract

Globally, climate change is exacerbating natural hazard frequencies and
intensities. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 places a high priority on the strengthening of understanding of disaster risk, primarily through strengthening access to disaster risk information. This priority is further affirmed in the Nepali National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Plan of Action 2018-2030. However, access to information is not universal, rather being influenced by a plethora of factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the patterns of disaster risk information access in three municipalities in Karnali province in Mid-West Nepal. To achieve this goal, an egocentric network analysis was conducted using 70 surveys and 44 interviews with residents and three focus group discussions with municipal staff. The results reflect a high current reliance on in-community information sources and in-person communication. The reach of institutions is limited, with their usage decreasing with increasing
remoteness. The results highlight a utility of community organisations for strengthening access to disaster risk information from institutions. Residents stress the desire for more guidance on preparedness, particularly from local institutions. The gap between the current and desired disaster risk information sourcing networks is driven by technological challenges, misalignment of municipalities to local priorities and capacities and challenges associated with risk perception. Overcoming disparities between current and desired DRI access leans on overcoming these challenges. While the results indicate patterns and
priorities, further research is needed to examine the patterns indicated in this research in more depth.

Popular Abstract

In Karnali province, located in the Northwest of Nepal, natural disasters are an ever-present threat. But how do residents of this remote area stay informed about vital information they need to stay safe? This study delves into uncovering the social patterns of disaster risk information access in Karnali, focusing on three municipalities in three distinct geographies. The findings demonstrate complex and contextually sensitive social patterns shaped by geography, technology and local needs.
The data reveals that throughout the province, most people stay in the know about disaster risk through whom they know. Most residents rely heavily on their immediate circles, such as family, friends and neighbours, for information to support preventative and preparative action. This trend is especially strong in more remote areas, where face-to-face communication is the norm and telecommunication and digital communication are less common. Also affected by remoteness is the degree to which residents access information provided by institutions, with the more remote places generally receiving less information from institutions compared to less remote places unless the local institutions are particularly active. Interestingly, women’s disaster risk information access is shown to be more consistent networks across distinctions of remoteness compared to men’s.
Organisations, both community-based and external, were revealed to be valued spaces for exchanging knowledge and experiences. This presence of thematic and demographic groups, such as community forestry or mother’s groups, presents an opportunity to connect residents with institutional sources and provide information in familiar and trusted settings.
One of the standout desires among the people of Karnali is for more timely and relevant information. They want their local institutions to play a bigger role in providing crucial information to limit the harm done by natural hazards. However, in the remotest of the three municipalities, people prefer to stay informed through local elders, reflecting the deep-rooted traditional structures present there.
Trust is a key factor in the uptake of disaster risk information. Information sources must be perceived as reliable in order for residents to act upon the information they provide. Unfortunately, effective communication is hindered by several obstacles. Poor internet and mobile network connectivity, especially during the monsoon season, can cut off remote communities, particularly affecting the entirely remote municipality of Hima. There is also a disconnect between the perceptions and priorities of institutions and residents. Especially in very risk-prone areas, residents express more concern with immediate needs like post-disaster compensation and support than with long-term risk reduction strategies.
The study also highlights a broader issue: the perceived relevance of disaster risk information. Municipalities often see their own communities as self-reliant in staying informed about possible risks, even though their capacities to monitor rely almost entirely on observations. This reinforces the reactive nature of disaster risk management in remote Nepal. And the communities that are less at risk do not see disaster risk information as relevant at all, as they feel they are not affected by natural hazards.
So what does this mean for disaster risk information providers in Karnali? The findings suggest that efforts to enhance the dissemination and uptake of disaster risk information must be explicitly fit to the local context. Building trust, improving technological infrastructure and aligning information with residents’ immediate needs are crucial steps. By understanding and addressing the dynamics highlighted in this study, it will be possible to strengthen the disaster risk information system, empowering the people of Karnali to take proactive action towards natural hazards to mitigate disaster-related losses.

• author: Boesen, Sarah and Warmels, Tenko
• supervisor: Phu Doma Lama
• organization: Division of Risk Management and Societal Safety
• course: VBRM15 20241
• year: 2024
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Social Sciences
• keywords: Disaster Risk Information, Social Capital Theory, Social Network Analysis, Social Structures, Natural Hazards, Rural Communities, Disaster Risk Reduction, Nepal
• language: English
• id: 9166992
• date added to LUP: 2024-06-24 11:17:42
• date last changed: 2024-06-24 11:17:42