Community-based disaster risk management entail a grassroots approach, fostering a discrete understanding of various issues, challenges, and corresponding solutions. This approachnot only empowers local communities but also leverages their indigenous knowledge to proactively participatein identifying, mitigating, and responding to potential hazards and vulnerabilities specific to their region. Indigenous knowledge assumes a crucial role in contemporary Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts, serving as a valuable tool in mitigating potential risks. By integrating traditional knowledge and wisdom with modern methodologies, enhance the resilience of communities, enabling them to effectively manage and minimize disaster impacts.

Location: Uttar Pradesh & Bihar

Supported By: Commonwealth Foundation

Project: Mainstreaming Indigenous knowledge and practicesfor flood resilience

The project aims to explore and document indigenous knowledge and practices used by communities living in areas prone to recurrent flood. The idea is to compile the best practices followed locally and propagate it to larger impacted population. The documents and report prepared will be used as a medium to sensitize communities and CSOs working in flood prone areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Additionally, the outcome of the exercise will be used to do advocacy with government in order to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and practices in their DRR planning process and policies. The project will select 10 highly flood prone district in Uttar Pradesh (8 District) and Bihar (2 Districts).

Phases of Project:

Phase 1: Exploration of the issues and indigenous knowledge and coping strategies in each of the 10 districts. The phase will include rigorous community consultation and documentation of best practices. The major areas of exploration will be Indigenous flood prevention and coping strategies related to:

• Techniques to save shelter

• Strategies to protect crops

• Adaptations to food insecurity

• Strategies to protect poultry and livestock

• Coping strategies to conserve food and water

• Flood resilient infrastructure

• Innovative local approach for Health and sanitation

• Early Warning System

Phase 2: Compilation and documentation the findings by the team, resulting in the creation of two documents. The first document will serve as a resource material, showcasing indigenous knowledge and practices identified in different districts. The second document will be a training manual designed for CSOs and CBOs, aiming to propagation and implementation of these best practices across various locations.

Phase 3: Capacity building and knowledge sharing related to indigenous knowledge and practices. This phase will include 5-day Training program for CSOs for 10 selected Districts 2 Day Training program for Community Based Organization for the affected villages in each district. District level workshop with stakeholder (especially government) in each district. State level workshop in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for advocacy with government for incorporating indigenous knowledge and practices in its DRR planning process and policies.