This presentation gives an basic introduction to Disaster Resistant Sustainable Livelihoods(DRSL) framework adopted by Practical Action for sustainable livelihood development.

1. Disaster Resistant Sustainable
Livelihoods
A policy framework
Madhavi Malalgoda Ariyabandu
ITDG South Asia
22/06/05

2. About the Framework
• DRSL framework is centred on
livelihoods, emphasising the
interrelationship between poverty, disaster
risk and livelihoods.
• Captures the key variables of disaster risk
and poverty reduction.
• Pointer towards integrating disaster risk
reduction with development

4. Five policy principles
• Disasters should be looked at as a part of
ecology and they should be managed
rather than controlled.
• Disasters should be treated as issues of
development and governance: state
should be made responsive, sensitive and
accountable to the demands, needs and
rights of disaster-prone communities and
areas.

5. Contd...
• Disaster management policies should be
redirected towards poverty and
vulnerability reduction instead of mere
compensation and relief responses.
• Disaster management strategies should
integrate structural measures with non-structural
measures

6. Contd…
Structural:
resistant buildings protective dykes,
mangrove belts
Non- structural:
enhancing negotiating power and
assets of the most vulnerable
communities and subordinate social
groups.

7. Contd..
• Disaster-prone communities should be
engaged equitably into the process of
disaster-related decision-making and
development planning, implementation
and monitoring.

8. RW insert the figure of
DRSL here

9. Application of the framework
In South Asia application can mainly
be identified as follows:
• Approaching disaster management
through livelihoods
Interventions based on disaster -
development linkages , multi hazard risk,
vulnerability and capacity analysis

10. Contd…
• Approaching public policy through
communities
Decentralised governance systems:
Strengthening communities,
Mobilisation to demand development
rights, risk free life and stable
livelihoods

11. Contd..
In the face of the challenges faced by the
aftermath of tsunami disaster:
• Application of the Principle of subsidiarity
• Need based sustainable recovery through
locally appropriate recovery interventions
based on local risk and hazard scenarios

12. Emerging research issues
• Action research - apply this framework in
selected situations/districts
• Livelihood diversification- assess current
options, research into new
• Research into the mechanisms to activate
local governance structures to take on the
role entrusted to them