Disaster Capacity Development Strategies as Coping Mechanism for Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction in Vulnerable Rural Areas in Imo State- Nigeria
Egbe Cyprian
Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State Nigeria
&
Okafor Chidinma A,
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri Imo State Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The frequency of disaster occurrence of all types have become alarming all over the world especially Nigeria in the present times. Efforts are being made by nations to formulate strategies to reduce their prevalence and mitigation. This paper views capacity development asa potent mitigation measure in reducing its threat because it is a process of skill building and training of an individual or groups on the capacity to handle or resolve environmental challenges or situations requiring urgent attention which otherwise can lead to disastrous consequences. The situations or challenges may be potential risks or hazards which may lead to disaster.. The main drive of this paper is the fact that there is a lagging behind of the public sector especially the rural dwellers awareness on capacity building techniques generally and on risks, hazards or disasters in meeting most development goals (MDGs) and the realization that building capacity development is one of the key challenges facing low income societies, communities and countries and their external partners which is fundamental to resolve societal challenges in recent times. It is viewed important in this paper because, a capable and accountable state or society or individuals supported by an effective civil society with the engagement of private sector is indispensible for the sustainable reduction of challenges and events such as disasters and risk especially in rural societies.
Keywords: Disaster Capacity Development, Strategies, Coping Mechanism, Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction, Vulnerable Rural Areas.
