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Oddsdóttir et al (2013). Measuring disaster resilience

Bibliographic details:

Oddsdóttir, F., Lucas, B., & Combaz, É. (2013). Measuring disaster resilience. UK: GSDRC University of Birmingham

Abstract:

Several agencies have developed guidance for measuring disaster resilience. One of the mostcomprehensive and widely-cited frameworks isTwigg’s (2009) ‘characteristics of resilience’ framework.Based on five dimensions of resilience identified in the Hyogo Framework for Action (governance, riskassessment, knowledge and education, risk management and vulnerability reduction, disasterpreparedness and response), it provides an extensive inventory of 28 components and 167 characteristicsor indicators.

DFID’s Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment Framework and Oxfam GB’s Multidimensional Approach for Measuring Resilience are two other frameworks with detailed recommendations for indicators. On the other hand, many agencies do not recommend standard sets of indicators, but instead emphasise the need to develop locally-relevant indicators through participatory methods involving local communities. These agencies provide strategies and tools for developing context-specific indicators and approaches to measuring resilience. There is a tension between the need for indicators to be both comparable and tailored to particular social groups and contexts (Castleden et al. 2011, 375; Turnbull et al. 2013, 40; Twigg 2009). Moreover, Levine et al. (2012) warn that quantification can de-contextualise resilience, particularly where it fails to account for factors operating at multiple levels (household, national, international).The following report presents summaries of seven frameworks with different approaches to measuring resilience which were identified in the course of preparing the GSDRC topic guide on Disaster Resilience which is to be published in early 2014.

Paper