The role of trust in achieving sustainable community-based disaster risk management – case studies from the Philippines
Impacts of disasters are felt acutely at community level, as a consequence communities in the Philippines are among the most affected by the increase in disaster risks. This realization led to an increase of community-based approaches, such as community based disaster risk management (CBDRM). However, literature acknowledges a recurring failure of projects to be sustainable long-term, attributed to a lack of trust in implementers, lowering the motivation of communities to commit. Therefore, this research explores the role of trust in achieving sustainable CBDRM for the case of four communities in Pangasinan, Philippines. Based on the literature, a conceptual framework was created and adapted according to findings through two focus group discussions and 15 key informant interviews with community members, CBDRM implementers, and duty-bearers. The role of trust was identified by analyzing the data following Creswell (2013) and relating it to other relevant factors for the CBDRM sustainability in terms of horizontal trust and vertical trust. Interviewees identified the importance of awareness, linked to knowledge on vulnerabilities and disasters, which they also related to perceived source trustworthiness. Furthermore, an interactive relationship with trust and meaningful, inclusive, and accessible participation was highlighted and considered to significantly contribute to CBDRM sustainability. Political complexities that impact trust levels show the need for an enabling environment and a stricter policy implementation to enhance sustainability. While the role of trust in achieving sustainable CBDRM in this research is considered substantial, more research on different aspects of trust and especially within other contexts is needed.
