Participation
- vocational workshops
- forming co-operatives
Livelihoods
Technical Support
- vocational training
- job placements
Resources
- asset replacement
- start-up cash
Figure 2. Different ways to support livelihoods in post-disaster reconstruction.
(From: IFRC Owner-driven Housing Reconstruction Guidelines, August 2010)
Looking at the entire community - prioritising
the most vulnerable
Adopting a PCR approach means making sure
that all sections of the community are included.
This often means identifying and empowering the
most vulnerable as part of the process. In terms of
livelihoods reconstruction, a number of steps can
be taken in ensuring the needs of all are catered
for.
A first step is to identify the most vulnerable
(see box). People from these groups tend to
survive on very insecure and temporary work. They
may be reached in an equitable way during the
relief phase, but often lose out when it comes to
reconstruction. For these groups, it is often their
social capital which is their most important asset.
Any reconstruction effort targeting these groups
needs to be careful to make sure these social assets
are built up. Participatory needs assessment should
identify the groups, their needs and priorities.
The support they need may be different from that
required by the rest of the population.
Ideas for how vulnerable groups can be included
and prioritised include:
• Prioritising the allocation of transitional
shelters to the most vulnerable, and supporting
these settlements until people are ready to
build permanent housing or can find rental
accommodation. This includes ensuring
adequate access to safe water and sanitation
in the transitional settlements. It also includes
providing incentives for homeowners to rebuild
rental rooms as well as their own house.
Vulnerable groups to look out for
• Squatters in unauthorised settlements
• Tenants
• Women-headed households with young
children
• Elderly people, especially where there is little
or no family support
• Unemployed youth with little or no literacy
• Long-term displaced people and refugees
• Landless rural labourers
• Disabled people, or those coping with long-
term illnesses or injuries
• Those addicted to alcohol or drugs
• Identifying suitable pieces of land with
vulnerable groups, where they can build their
own houses and have access to market places
and economic centres; extending the relief
period for certain groups, but balancing this
with the need to ensure they are not caught in a
cycle of dependency.
• Prioritising employing the most vulnerable in
cash for work activities
• Ensuring training opportunities are open to
vulnerable groups e.g. in building materials
production, as a means of generating new
employment opportunities.
• Ensuring a minimum quota for women’s
participation in trainings
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