Knowledge Management in Disaster Reduction: Essential Tools for Capacity Building

1. Knowledge management, research, information exchange, education, training and awareness – Essential tools for capacity building in disaster reduction Paper presented by: Dewald van Niekerk Director: African Centre for Disaster Studies School for Social and Government Studies North-West University Potchefstroom Campus

2. Scope • Current limitations; • Research, training and education; • Institutional capacity; • Incorporating disaster reduction; • Regional networks; and • Awareness creation.

3. Current limitations • Lack of adequate knowledge on disaster reduction. • Lack of, and limited regional “information” institutions. • No coherent “body of knowledge”. • Communicating disaster risk is inadequate. • PPPs in knowledge management is limited.

4. Research, training and education • Clear research agenda. • Enhancing and establishing regional training and educational offerings.

5. Institutional capacity • More regionaly focussed research and academic institutions needed. • Implementing “leap frog” technologies. • Standards in data collection and dissemination should be established.

6. Incorporating disater reduction • Enhance multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary approach. • Harnessing local and indigenous knowledge. • Encourage cross-border information sharing.

7. Regional networks • Mechanisms for regional and inter-disciplinary cooperation must be established. • PPPs • Use of and learning from exisiting networks must be encouraged.

8. Awareness creation • Use of mass media. • Innovative methods of awareness creation encouraged. • Training and sensitasation of politicians and policy makers. • Annual African awards for excellence in awareness creation.

9. Conclusion • Face of disaster risk has changed. • A sound body of knowledge must be developed • Africa needs concerted efforts and commitment in disaster reduction knowledge management.