Disaster And Development Nexus

Disaster and Development Nexus

Theoretical Perspectives

Gift Chatora

Copyright © 2019 Gift Chatora

Published by Gift Chatora Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2019

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Gift Chatora

[email protected]

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Conceptualising Disaster

2. Understanding and Appreciating the Meaning of Development

3. Towards a Theory of Disasters and Development Nexus Management

4. Concluding Remarks

References

Introduction

Disasters and development fields are shrouded with myths and misconceptions. Hence, this makes these two fields to be viewed as diametrically antagonistic yet they have some correlation, as is revealed in this article. In other words, disasters and development are viewed at face value as miles apart or irreconcilable partners, a view that is challenged through this article from a theoretical analysis. In particular, the article is premised on the notion that: disasters and development are correlated, as disasters can both destroy development initiatives and create development opportunities, and that development schemes can both increase and decrease vulnerability (Collins 2009; Stephenson 1994). Instead of viewing disasters negatively, this article further proposes that development gains and opportunities are congealed within disasters as postulated by (Collins 2009). Most importantly, disaster and development nexus can be cemented philosophically and pragmatically through Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as is proposed in this book.

1

Conceptualising Disaster

A review of disaster literature reveals that it is defined from multi-dimensional perspectives. Further, the concept of disaster is draked (shrouded) in a thick cloud of mist due to the conceptual and philosophical focus of different scholars. For example, some scholars take a typological view, while others opt for taxonomical or conceptual theoretical views.

It is important to note that the radical and cultural/institutional theories presented by Marx and Weber have had a profound impact on disaster scholarship (McEntire, 2004:195). Furthermore, the radical thesis asserts that poverty is a major causal explanation of disaster (McEntire, 2004). As a consequence, there is a need to advocate the restructuring of social, economic, political and technological relations as a way to reduce calamities or disasters. In particular, this genre is best represented by scholarly views drawn from Hewitt (Hewitt, 1983a). On the other hand, the conservative thesis asserts that culture plays a determinant role in catalysing disaster manifestation, and recommends alterations in beliefs or behaviour and increased rationalization and bureaucratization as means to reduce the effect of hazards and promote resilient communities (McEntire, 2004). This school of thought is advocated by scholars like Mileti (1999) and Mileti et al. (1995).

The scholarship of Oliver-Smith (1996 and 1999), Perry (1998) and Kroll-Smith and Gunter (1998) conceptualises disaster from an anthropological perspective, converging to the point that ...disasters are disruptive to social intercourse, and should be understood in a context of social change (human and institutional adaptability) (Perry and Quarantelli 2005:313). Putting this into context in countries like Zimbabwe, because of the extended family system, the disruption of social intercourse by disasters has negative effects on the whole family or village or neighbourhood. Von Kotze and Holloway (1999) defined disaster as an event that is disruptive, thus causing losses of lives, livelihoods, economy, infrastructure, and social and development gains. Further, Von Kotze and Holloway (1996), in defining disaster, assert on the inability of the community to cope when using their own resources, and thus the need for external support. Additionally, Von Kotze and Holloway (1996) propose a disaster continuum theoretical view guided by the Expand-Stretch Model.

Oliver-Smith (1999:19) suggests that: The definitional debate regarding disaster is significant because it prompts an exploration of the past and emerging dimensions of disaster in an increasingly hazardous present... The ‘Expand-Stretch Model’ is one such emerging explanatory variable in the disaster conceptualisation literature.

The Disaster Conceptualisation - Expand-Stretch Model

Figure 1: Expand-Stretch Model of a Disaster – Source: Von Kotze and Holloway (1996:37)

Some disaster scholars look at its scope and scale, likewise its magnitude or intensity in causing widespread suffering coupled with a culture of responding to an abnormal event