September 2005

Disaster Risk Management: A Dimension of Sustainable Development

Case Study: Honduras

Asociación ABC Honduras; Eurohonduras Consulting;
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, CURLA

Periodical natural disasters such as drought, floods, storms (tropical hurricanes/cyclones, tornadoes, sand/dust storms), fires, plagues and crop and cattle diseases are significant factors that may contribute to an increase in local communities' vulnerability and a decrease in the food security levels of local producers. Frequently, disasters limit the effectiveness of – and may even paralyse – the initiatives and processes of sustainable development, pushing victims below the poverty line. Based on a recent internal evaluation, FAO has decided to strengthen its activities in countries particularly exposed to natural disasters, in order to guarantee that managing natural disasters will become a key consideration in the framework of these countries' agricultural development activities. A major objective is to improve the integration of post-emergency assistance within the context of long-term strategies in risk and disaster management as well as in rural development. The outcome of the proposed agreement will contribute to an inter-regional comparative initiative underpinned by FAO's Rural Institutions and Participation Division. The main objective of the inter-regional study is to evaluate the role and potential of local institutions in the reduction of vulnerability to natural disasters and in the development of sustainable livelihoods in high-risk areas.

(available in English and Spanish)

Click here to see the document in English (PDF file, 352 KB) or in Spanish (PDF file, 482 KB).