Introduction

Purpose

This training module is for UN officers and government and local authority officials. It illustrates the key principles and strategies for effective rehabilitation and reconstruction after a disaster. It highlights the constraints and opportunities provided by these stages of recovery from the impact of damaging events.

Many of the decisions and issues concerning rehabilitation and reconstruction closely relate to emergency response, preparedness, mitigation and long-term development planning. Therefore, the module is designed to help the reader understand the linkages between the various stages of the disaster spectrum.

Rehabilitation and reconstruction are a combination of social, psychological, cultural, economic, architectural and political processes. The module explores some of the relationships between these elements.

The content has been written by experts in the field of disaster management and in general follows the principles, procedures, and terminology of the UNDP/UNDRO Disaster Management Manual. However, terminology in this field is not standardized and authors from different institutions may use the same terms in slightly different ways. Therefore, there is a glossary of terms used in this module at the end of this text. Definitions in the glossary are those of the UNDP/UNDRO Disaster Management Manual. Definitions in the text are those of the authors.

Scope

This training module primarily refers to recovery after fast-onset disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, high winds and flooding. Recovery after drought introduces many factors which are outside the scope of the module, since timing and actions needed in this context are significantly different. The module also excludes recovery after war or civil strife. However, while the differences remain many of the general issues and principles in the following text may be applicable to recovery after hostilities as well as drought situations.

Training Methods

This module is intended for two audiences, the self-study learner and the participant in a training workshop. The following training methods are planned for use in workshops and are simulated in the accompanying “training guide”. For the self-study learner the text is as close to a tutor as can be managed in print.

Workshop training methods include:

group discussions

simulations/role plays

supplementary handouts

videos

review sessions

self-assessment exercises

The self study learner is invited to use this text as a workbook. In addition to note taking in the margins, you will be given the opportunity to stop and examine your learning along the way through questions included in the text. Write down your answers to these questions before proceeding to ensure that you have captured key points of the text.