community-based disaster risk management and the media media kit

chapter 5. country CBDRM case studies
not have adequate capacity or be willing to integrate
CBDM into their programs and projects. There is a need
to assist local organizations to understand the importance
of such integration, to provide the necessary capacity
building support, and to engage them in CBDM work
carried out directly with communities by organizations
such as Oxfam. A second diffi culty is that communities
may not suffi ciently support a CBDM approach. The
quality of local leadership is often a key factor in engaging
communities, so it is necessary to work closely with
community leaders and key community members to build
up understanding and support for CBDM at community
level. It is also important to integrate work around CBDM
with activities that clearly address current community
needs and concerns, for example activities in the areas of
livelihoods and health.
Possible lack of support from national and district
government is a further concern. Providing government
with opportunities to be involved in the design and
monitoring of CBDM and to develop an understanding of
how CBDM can be supported by government policy and
practice is critical to expanding the reach of CBDM beyond
a limited number of target communities.
Integrating CBDM with existing livelihoods, health and
DM work can also help promote involvement of local and
national government. Also of concern is that the specifi c
needs and situations of women will not be adequately
attended to in the development of CBDM in Timor-Léste.
Building gender analysis and women’s participation into all
stages of program and project design, implementation and
review is essential.
Some key lessons learned by Oxfam so far in relation to
CBDM in Timor-Léste are that:
• Signifi cant awareness raising with local CSOs and
local government is needed regarding CBDM.
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