Local governments and disaster risk reduction: a conceptual framework

A conceptual framework visually illustrates the linked concepts of a broader research. Hence, it is considered to be a key part of the research design. Therefore, developing a conceptual framework is an important aspect of the research process and guides the researcher in the data collection and analysis. The paper elaborates the conceptual framework of a research study aimed at making recommendations to empower local governments in making disaster resilient built environment within cities. The conceptual framework was developed based on literature review and further refined based on expert opinions. Through the literature review it was able to identify the key concepts for research and these were further refined through the opinions of experts. The key concepts identified are: increased disaster risk in cities; the need for disaster resilient cities; the role of stakeholders in making disaster resilient cities; the role and challenges for local governments in creating disaster resilient cities; and the need for empowering local governments in making cities disaster resilient. The paper discusses these key concepts and explains the development process of the conceptual framework. The process includes, identifying the key concepts, their inter-relationships and the boundary of the study. Accordingly, the conceptual framework illustrates the process for empowering local governments in making disaster resilient built environments within cities.