Learning from recovery after Hurricane Mitch

Abstract

This paper reviews how Nicaragua has recovered from Hurricane Mitch of October 1998. In particular, it examines how the assumptions and claims that were made during initial recovery planning have proven relevant in light of subsequent development. One must consider the response to Hurricane Mitch from the perspective of the broader trends that have driven recovery, including household, community and government initiatives and the wider economic context. Recovery efforts have not 'transformed' Nicaragua. In fact, market upheavals and livelihood changes in rural areas have had a more profound impact on poverty profiles than recovery programmes. Social protection programmes have been piloted, but patron-client ties and relations with aid providers are still more reliable sources of support in a time of crisis. Risk reduction has become more deeply integrated into the rural development discourse than was the case before the disaster, but risk reduction initiatives continue to place undue emphasis on hazard response rather than addressing vulnerability.

Weather and climate extremes: Pacemakers of adaptation?

“…Birkland (1997) allowed that called-for adaptations do not always materialize after catastrophes, and some that do rather quickly fade as other, more routine pressures, such as demand for land development in floodplains and on coasts, grows apace. The much anticipated "window of opportunity" for fundamental mitigation after disasters sometimes remains unfulfilled in even the most destructive events that would seem, by theory, to offer the largest impetus for change (Kates et al, 2006;Christoplos et al, 2010).…”

Livelihoods, precarity, and disaster vulnerability: Nicaragua and Hurricane Mitch

“…In addition, there is evidence that the actions of aid agencies favoured the recovery of households featuring business ownership. The case study by Christoplos et al (2010, p. S207) of Mitch‐impacted Nicaraguan municipalities demonstrates that aid agencies focused on business owners and entrepreneurs as recipients of livelihood assistance under a ‘picking winners’ rationale of aid disbursement—that is, targeting aid at those most likely to take advantage of the opportunities of economic development. It is argued that the gains made by ‘winners’ will most probably be sustainable and yield multiplier effects, which benefit the whole community.…”

Participation and other ethical considerations in participatory action research in post-earthquake rural Haiti

“…The extent to which these activities actually result in significant social change is a matter of contention (Christoplos et al, 2010;Lovekamp, 2010). The 1985 Mexico City earthquake is a case where the pressure of popular movements resulted in one of the most significant housing recovery programs in history (Tavera-Fenollosa, 1998).…”