Strengthening Capacity in Disaster Waste Management in Vanuatu

Iftekhar Ahmed (), Thomas Johnson, Sascha Fuller, Ma Bella Guinto and Faafetai Sagapolutele
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Iftekhar Ahmed: School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Thomas Johnson: School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Sascha Fuller: Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, Research and Innovation Division, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Ma Bella Guinto: Asia Pacific Waste Consultants and BGEcoServe, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
Faafetai Sagapolutele: Information-JPRISM II Project, JICA, Apia P.O. Box 1625, Samoa

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 20, 1-13

Abstract: This paper explores the effectiveness of a training program in strengthening the capacity of disaster waste management (DWM) in Vanuatu, drawing on an action research project undertaken during the delivery of a Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Port Vila and Ifira Island. The researchers gathered feedback through questionnaires, host group discussions, and park sheets from the participants. This feedback was used to inform revisions of the Disaster Waste Management Handbook to be provided to participants, and to understand the potential benefits for similar programs in other countries across the Pacific Region. The ToT proved to be well-received by participants with 64.7% of the participants giving a rating of “Excellent” and the remaining participants rating it “Good”. It demonstrated to be a cost-effective mode of training with scalability and promoted self-reliance and empowerment of the community. Key challenges in the delivery included time management, and internet connectivity disruptions. By addressing these key challenges and with further research to ensure that it is context-specific, the ToT model could be used effectively to strengthen DWM capacity in other Pacific Island nations.

Keywords: disaster waste management; disaster preparedness; training of trainers; Vanuatu (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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